Farm Bill 2007

[JABIII]

Farm Bill 2007

July 9, 2007

Reporter by: Associated Press

Momentum is building in Congress for overhauling farm subsidies because of tight budgets and increasing enthusiasm for renewable fuels and conservation programs.

The current farm bill, which expires in September, provides payments and other help to supplement farmers' incomes, support crop prices and manage supplies. Any cuts in subsidies will face resistance.

President Bush sought similar reductions upon taking office. But he made little headway in the latest farm bill, which Congress wrote in 2002.

Since then, Democrats have regained control of the House and energy prices have skyrocketed, leading to more calls for ethanol, which is derived from plants. Record prices for corn and other crops have some people questioning the need for subsidies.

The government paid out almost $17 billion in subsidies last year, a drop of more than $10 billion from 2000.

[mother tucker]

If this farm bill does not pass the flyways will definately be effected.....DU has its concerns and has asked volunteers to send e-mails to our state representitives. This can be done easily through DU's website www.sc.ducks.org THis will take all of 5 minutes and you will even get a nice letter from your state rep. thanking you for your efforts !!!!!