NCC Applauds Senate’s Farm Bill Passage, Signing of Legislation
February 4, 2014 The National Cotton Council (NCC) is pleased that the Senate acted swiftly to approve the Farm Bill Conference Report (Agricultural Act of 2014) and appreciates the leadership provided by Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS).
The Senate passed the new farm legislation February 4 by a 68-32 vote. President Obama signed the bill February 7 during a ceremony in East Lansing, MI.
NCC Chairman Jimmy Dodson said, “Congress has demonstrated strong bi-partisanship, and we urge President Obama to sign this long-awaited bill into law. This measure is fiscally responsible, will help our nation’s farmers manage risk, and provide them with stability so they can continue providing Americans with safe, abundant and affordable food and fiber.
“Without a doubt, a strong production agriculture sector is essential to our nation’s security and economic well-being.”
The South Texas cotton producer said this comprehensive five-year farm bill includes provisions important to the U.S. cotton industry’s viability, including authorization of a new crop insurance product tailored to cotton production. The legislation also contains a transition program for the 2014 crop year, since enactment comes too late for USDA and the private sector to offer the new insurance program until 2015.
These provisions, he said, are also an important step in achieving a final resolution of the long-standing World Trade Organization case with Brazil.
Dodson reiterated industry concerns over inclusion of instructions to the Secretary to propose changes in the management and labor criteria used to determine eligibility for commodity programs, which begins in 2015, and the further reduction in the Adjusted Gross Income eligibility test, effective in 2014. He also noted that the re-imposition of limitations on marketing loan benefits could disrupt orderly marketing in times of low prices.
Source – National Cotton Council
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