NCC Statement Regarding Senate Passage of S.3240

The Senate today passed S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. By doing so, the Senate has taken an important step in a process that has proven to be extraordinarily complex.

June 21, 2012
Contact: Marjory Walker or T. Cotton Nelson
(901) 274-9030

MEMPHIS, TN – The U.S. Senate today passed S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. By doing so, the Senate has taken an important step in a process that has proven to be extraordinarily complex.

The cotton industry has reservations about a number of provisions in the Senate-passed legislation, but believes that the cotton title will facilitate successful resolution of the cotton component of the Brazil WTO dispute. The cotton industry looks forward to working with the leaders of the House Agriculture Committee and Cotton Belt members as they develop their version of new farm legislation.

It is clear that U.S. cotton farmers are willing to make a significant contribution to deficit reduction and are committed to reform farm policy in a way that allows them to manage risks that are beyond their control. It is important for Congress to complete and the President to sign, in a timely manner, new farm legislation that is balanced, stable and predictable.