WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sixth District Congressman Frank Lucas began reviewing the 146 recommendations released last week by the National Commission on Small Farms. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Dan Glickman appointed the 30-member commission in July 1997 to study the role of small farms in a changing agricultural world.

"Family farms are the heart and soul of American agriculture," Lucas said. "It is crucial that we find a way to not only keep our family farms in business, but also help them flourish along with their neighbors--the larger farms.

"I was pleased to see the development of this commission last summer, and I am eager to closely study all of their recommendations to better understand which ones might help small farmers in the Sixth District of Oklahoma and across the nation," Lucas continued.

The Commission was established by the USDA to study possible avenues to help give small farmers a real opportunity to compete and succeed in a new, rapidly changing world. The panel held 10 meetings around the country on the future of farms grossing less than $250,000 a year and primarily run by families. Although 94 percent of America's 2 million farms fit this definition, they receive only 41 percent of all farm receipts.

"I am in back in Western Oklahoma every weekend. I tromp around on my own farm and on the fields of farmers all over the district," Lucas said. "I talk to small farmers at town meetings and I read their letters.

"I have lived in Oklahoma all of my life and I have watched the farms of my friends and neighbors disappear," Lucas continued. "I can honestly say I understand the hardships our family farmers are facing, and we must do more to help. I am hopeful that the release of this study means the USDA is serious about working with Congress to implement sound policies that will save our small farms."