Yesterday, eleven members of the Senate Agriculture Committee were named to the Farm Bill conference committee that will attempt to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. The House conferees have not yet been announced.
Both chambers made welcomed increases in funding for food stamps, conservation, and minority farmers, but the trade-distorting subsidies that handicap small American family farms and cause poverty abroad were not reformed.
Because leaving trade-distorting subsidies largely intact is fiscally irresponsible, President Bush has promised to veto the Farm Bill if these subsidies are not reduced. He renewed this pledge today alongside newly-appointed Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer.
If the conference committee fails to reform the Farm Bill to reflect 21st century realities and President Bush does wield the veto pen, the process must start over or a 1-2 year extension of the current Farm Bill must be passed. Congress does not have enough votes to override a veto. In the Senate, a bi-partisan effort to make the necessary reforms fell only four votes short.
Lobbyists for billion-dollar companies who benefit from the current Farm Bill's corporate welfare scheme remain hard at work to keep the status quo. One such company, Dean Foods, spent $594,000 in 2007 on their lobbying efforts. That's why impoverished farmers and those they support are depending on you to make a difference.
Opportunities to again demand real Farm Bill reform are fast approaching. In light of this, Oxfam America wrote yesterday: "Oxfam is asking you, our most committed Farm Bill volunteers, to stay focused, energized, and ready to respond during these final stages of the Farm Bill fight."
Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota Continues Campaigning
We remain committed to seeing a reformed Farm Bill. In the last week, volunteers attended two concerts and spoke with dozens of Minnesotans about combating poverty and social injustice. Over 160 fliers were distributed and 90 individuals signed on to take up the cause.You can volunteer too. Send us an e-mail at oxfam.mn@gmail.com and join our listserv.
More Farm Bill news:
AP, Dean Foods lobbying is down on the farm
Financial Times, White House in stand-off over farm subsidies bill
Reuters, Bush threatens farm bill veto if goals missed
Sioux City Journal, Grassley says he'll address Farm Bill's 'bogus AGI levels'
