January 31, 2007
Contact:
Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030
MEMPHIS – On the eve of the National Cotton Council’s annual meeting, NCC Chairman Allen Helms, a Clarkedale, AR cotton producer, reiterated the cotton industry’s support for maintaining a farm program that provides a viable safety net and meets the needs of all segments of the industry.
“The Council has testified at numerous hearings about the success of the 2002 farm bill,” Helms said. “The combination of an effective marketing loan, direct payment and counter-cyclical program is the foundation of the 2002 farm bill.”
Chairman Helms noted that the Administration’s farm bill proposal continues a basic structure for commodity programs similar to the 2002 farm bill.
“However, our members will be concerned with several provisions, among which are the additional constraints imposed on benefit eligibility,” Helms added.
“We are entering our annual meeting where our delegates will further develop the Council’s policies that will shape our views on the upcoming farm bill. The Administration’s proposal brings additional ideas to what will be an intense debate. Our industry looks forward to working with Congress to craft a farm bill that will serve both U.S. cotton and U.S. agriculture in the future.”
Related News
NCC Statement on House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act The National Cotton Council applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes provisions critical to the future of U.S. agriculture. NCC Supports Senate Farm Bill Package The National Cotton Council applauds the legislative text released by U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR). NCC Statement on House Farm Bill Package The NCC applauds the bill set for markup by the House Agriculture Committee later today, which contains critical farm safety net improvements.
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