US Farm Bill Becomes Law of the Land
US - The U.S. Senate today voted to override the president’s farm bill veto. The Senate action comes on the heel of an earlier veto override vote today in the House and means the 2008 Farm Bill is now the law of the land.
19 June 2008
1 minute read
“Farmers, ranchers and consumers across the country will finally, after a lengthy and often-times challenging process, reap the benefits of the 2008 Farm Bill,” NFU President Tom Buis said.
Buis said the bill’s disaster program, a top Farmers Union priority, will benefit those recently affected by disastrous weather conditions. “We know that weather-related disasters occur every year, in all areas of the country. The farm bill’s disaster program provides a safety net to aid those affected by severe weather. It’s imperative that USDA move quickly to implement this program.”
A long-time NFU priority, mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL), will be implemented as part of the bill. “Food safety concerns dominate the headlines almost daily and it is imperative consumers know where their food comes from. Additionally, COOL provides farmers the opportunity to proudly market their high-quality products as Made in the U.S.A.”
The farm bill also makes record investments in nutrition and food aid programs – more than 73 percent of total farm bill spending – while also investing in the next generation of fuels from the farm, conservation programs, rural development and specialty crop programs.
“I want to thank all those in Congress who persevered and remained dedicated to passing a new farm bill despite the enormous challenges they confronted along the way,” Buis said.
TheCattleSite News Desk
