Klobuchar Highlights the New Farm Bill at Farmfest 2008

Press Release

Klobuchar Highlights the New Farm Bill at Farmfest 2008

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar joined American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and National Farmers Union President Tom Buis for a panel discussion this morning at the Farmfest 2008 event in Redwood Falls.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Klobuchar has attended Farmfest.

"This is an event I look forward to every year," said Klobuchar. "It's especially rewarding to come here now as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, having recently passed this year's Farm Bill."

Klobuchar said she was pleased that Congress was able to secure passage this year of a new Farm Bill that is good for farmers, ranchers and families across Minnesota.

Klobuchar noted that her office is holding a series of Farm Bill implementation meetings across the state this month with Representative Tim Walz.

"We want to work closely with farmers and rural communities on the new provisions and changes in this Farm Bill so Minnesota will get the maximum benefits," said Klobuchar. "I'm especially focused on the implementation of the permanent disaster relief, the country-of-origin labeling and the energy provision.

In putting together strong bipartisan support for the Farm Bill and overriding two presidential vetoes, Klobuchar credited the leadership of Representative Collin Peterson, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, and Senator Tom Harkin, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

During the discussion, Klobuchar highlighted key features of the Farm Bill, including that it:

- strengthens the safety net for farmers,
- establishes a permanent disaster relief program,
- makes important investments in nutrition and conservation, and
- maintains a level playing field for sugar beet farmers and dairy producers.

Klobuchar added that the Farm Bill has an energy title for the first time, including investments in the next generation of renewable fuels. A provision that she authored will encourage farmers to grow cellulosic-based energy crops, like switchgrass and prairie grass.

Klobuchar said that even though she hoped it would go further, the Farm Bill includes reasonable payment reforms to ensure that federal support goes to hardworking farmers, not urban millionaires.

"Agriculture continues to be central to our nation's economy, especially our prosperity in the global marketplace," said Klobuchar. "All Americans have a vital stake in the fortunes of our farms and rural communities. That's why it is so important that we have a strong Farm Bill that works for farmers and all Americans."

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