Gov. Rounds Urges Farm Bill Negotiations to Move Forward

Press Release

Gov. Rounds Urges Farm Bill Negotiations to Move Forward

The 2007 Farm Bill negotiations must continue to move forward, and a 2007 Farm Bill should be passed this year, urges Gov. Mike Rounds. "This lull in Farm Bill negotiations is not in the best interest of South Dakotans. American agriculture is ever-changing. Consequently, the Farm Bill itself needs to change with the times. Merely extending the 2002 Farm Bill would be inadequate and would undermine the hard work that South Dakota's congressional members have dedicated to Farm Bill negotiations up to now," asserts Gov. Rounds.

The Farm Bill is an important, comprehensive piece of legislation that impacts all of South Dakota's citizens - farmers, ranchers, conservationists, renewable energy producers, school children, the elderly, and the underserved. The proposed 2007 Farm Bill is no different. It focuses on many important, relevant policy questions that will mold the future of American agriculture and, as a result, are vital to all South Dakotans. The 2007 Farm Bill needs to reach completion soon, stressed Gov. Rounds.

"With the calendar year coming to an end, time is of the essence to consider this vital legislation. Farmers and ranchers face enough uncertainty due to weather, market, and other fluctuations that impact their bottom line. The Senate should not add to these uncertainties by delaying timely consideration of the 2007 Farm Bill," stated Gov. Rounds.

"The hard work and momentum of a new Farm Bill should not be lost. I urge the U.S. Congress to move forward and pass the 2007 Farm Bill soon," said the governor.

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