SDFU Applauds Passage of House Version of Farm Bill

Huron- South Dakota Farmers Union applauds the passage of the House version of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 today by a 318-106 vote. 

“This farm bill is the result of farmers and ranchers working together cooperatively for a farm bill built upon sound policy which is evident by the elimination of the three entity rule,” stated SDFU President Doug Sombke. “This allows the public to see what American producers truly earn.”  

SDFU has long advocated for a permanent disaster program, Country of Origin Labeling and interstate shipment of meat support -- all of which are included the newly passed farm bill.

“I’m excited that the Livestock Title has been included for the first time in the Farm Bill,” stated Sombke. “This legislation is not perfect but it is much better than the current farm bill and more importantly, lays the foundation for an even better Farm Bill in 2012.”

Now that all is said and done on the House side of Congress, Sombke feels that consumers and producers are all winners.  A little publicized fact is that 73% percent of the farm bill funds American nutrition programs, such as food stamps and school lunch titles.

“My hope is that the Senate follows the Houses suit and will quickly present a bill for the President to sign,” said Sombke.

For more information about the Farmers Union and the recently passed Farm Bill legislation, contact SDFU at 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org.     

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