WASHINGTON   -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today reported that the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives with her support, by a vote of 231-191.

“This is a positive first step for a very important article of legislation in Southern Missouri.  In the Farm Bill, we are standing behind American agriculture and supporting production of the world’s safest, most abundant, most affordable supply of food and commodities,” Emerson said.  “It will keep family farms alive and help continue the great agricultural economy that is supported by so many in Southern Missouri.”

A major title in the legislation is the commodity title, which provides a safety net for 25 U.S. agricultural commodities, covering one-third of American production.

“Our farmers don’t always need this assistance, but when they do these programs are the difference between scraping by for another year and flat-out bankruptcy.  The last five years, this title ran under budget, and hopefully, good prices will prevent farmers from having to lean on this title too much in the next five years,” Emerson said.  “Farming is inherently risky: you’re at the mercy of the weather and the market.  This is the only business in America where you buy retail, sell wholesale, and pay shipping both ways.  In return, the commodity title brings stability to American farmers, who produce the most abundant, most affordable, and safest food supply in the world.”

Among the other provisions of the House’s Farm Bill is an extension until 2012 of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program, a key support for dairy farmers which had been set to expire at the end of September this year.  Also included is $15 million for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

 
“From dairy to conservation to rural development to nutrition, this bill covers the entire range and effect of American agriculture.  The $15 million Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program sounds like a small piece of this five-year bill, but I am very glad to see it included.  We have to provide meaningful encouragement to the next generation of American farmers and bring their enthusiasm, energy, and innovation back to the family farm and ranch.  Without the young producer, we will quickly lose a proud tradition of family-owned, proud farming and ranching operations,” Emerson said.

Many USDA Rural Development programs are also reauthorized by the Farm Bill, renewing successful programs to invest in the health care, emergency services, economic development and public infrastructure needs of rural communities.

The House of Representatives will await Senate passage of a similar, but not identical, effort this fall before the two bills are reconciled in a conference committee between the legislative bodies.

“We will have to be diligent and fight for our producers, in order to make sure the level of support for U.S. agriculture is protected throughout this process.  However, I feel strongly that we have a good start in this bill today,” Emerson noted.

In addition to authorizing U.S. farm programs, the Farm Bill contains support for biofuels research and Congress’ main source of funding for nutritional assistance programs.

Emerson sits on the House Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations.