FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

Finally a Farm Bill

GREAT FALLS, MT (June 18, 2008) – The Montana Farmers Union released the following statement in the wake of the House and Senate’s veto over-ride vote, which finally passes farm bill legislation.

“Passage of this food and farm legislation sends a strong message to all Americans that this bill is a much needed and comprehensive approach to agricultural and nutrition policy developed with strong bipartisan support.

“As mentioned many times, parts of the bill that are particularly important to Farmers Union include establishing a permanent disaster assistance title to assist producers who suffer from weather-related disasters. 

“We are particularly glad that a long-term goal of Montana Farmers Union – country-of-origin labeling – will finally be implemented this fall.  Also of great benefit to Montana producers is the approval of interstate shipment of state inspected meat and a livestock title.  Spending on conservation programs in this bill is increased by $7.9 billion, and funding for renewable energy initiatives increased as well.

“More than 70 percent of the $300 billion legislated over five years will go to nutrition programs, which is an increase of $10.361 billion.  Farmers and ranchers are allocated approximately 16 percent of the bill’s funds.”

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