Cooperative Network Calling on Congress to Act on Farm Bill
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/02/2012
The main trade association representing local cooperatives and their members is urging Congress to pass the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk Management Act, or FARRM bill.
Leaders at Cooperative Network say current federal farm programs are set to expire in September unless they are re-authorized by lawmakers before then.
"Minnesota and Wisconsin farmers need the certainty of a new Farm Bill to begin planning for next year's cropping season and to respond to this year's adverse weather," said Bill Oemichen, president and CEO of Cooperative Network. "The House Agriculture Committee took budget reduction seriously and has
built in budget savings throughout the life of FARRM. By extending the current Farm Bill, the budget saving would not be realized."
Cooperative Network serves more than 600 member-cooperatives, owned by more than 6.1 million Minnesota and Wisconsin residents.
