News Update

News Update
June 20, 2007

Johanns Displeased with Farm Bill Legislation

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns released a statement yesterday expressing his disappointment in the Title I Farm Bill legislation put forth by the House Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. The bill, he said, fails to recognize the need for greater equity and predictability in farm policy, and does nothing to provide a more responsive safety net.

“Having said that, I am encouraged by the signal from subcommittee members that this is only a starting point and I’m gratified by the kind and thoughtful comments offered by several members regarding the Administration’s proposal,” Johanns added.

“We must address farm policy that provides the highest payments when abundant yields lead to moderate prices and provides no payments when low or no yields lead to high prices. The bill advanced [June 19] offers no remedy.”

In addition, Johanns noted, the House draft fails to bring greater equity to farm policy, with some farmers receiving guaranteed money while others, including 60% of farmers, are left out.

“Additionally, the bill advanced today paints a bull’s-eye on farmers’ backs and risks jeopardizing a portion of the $78 billion in U.S. agricultural exports by increasing trade-distorting support. This is especially disappointing when the Administration proposes an alternative that provides greater protection from international trade challenges, an increase in predictable, non-trade distorting support and overall reforms that help to fund emerging priorities.”

Johanns said he hopes farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders who have expressed support for an increased commitment to conservation, specialty crops and beginning and minority farmers are paying close attention, because the subject of their passion is also at stake.

“We have much work ahead. I take committee members at their word regarding their interest in incorporating the ideas offered by the Administration to strengthen the current bill,” he said.

Visit www.usda.gov/2007/06/0171.xml to read Johanns’ complete statement.

Beef Mistakenly Shipped to Korea, Again

Another shipment of U.S. beef meant for distribution at home was mistakenly exported to South Korea, officials there reported yesterday.

According to The Associated Press, 287 pounds (lb.) of U.S. meat was shipped to South Korea as samples on June 2 — the third time in less than a month U.S. processors have mistakenly exported beef meant for the domestic market.

South Korea currently accepts only boneless meat from cattle less than 30 months old.

USDA-India Meeting Makes Progress

Secretary Johanns announced June 15 the collaborative achievements of the U.S.-India Agricultural Knowledge Initiative (AKI) following the group’s fifth board meeting in Washington, D.C.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the AKI was announced by President Bush and Premier Singh in July 2005 to renew collaboration between the United States and India. A work plan, formulated in February 2006, defined the initiative into four focus areas.

Funded by USDA, the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Trade Development Agency, AKI activities under the four focus areas of agricultural collaboration include: capacity building, food processing and marketing, biotechnology, and water resources management.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.