Nebraska Lawmakers: 2007 Farm Bill is Critical Piece of Legislature
U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns unveiled the proposed 2007 Farm Bill recently, which brought a variety of responses from Nebraska federal lawmakers and producer organizations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2007 Farm Bill contains about 60 proposals including ending commodity program subsidi 
es to the top 2.3 percent of Americans who file income tax returns.
"Basically what we are saying is that if your adjusted gross income is $200,000 or more, then your participation in the commodity programs under Title I of the Farm Bill would cease," Johanns said.
In addition, Johanns said payments would also be limited to $360,000. He said those proposals would save $1.5 billion. The Farm Bill also contains language to expand conservation compliance, which was received warmly by Nebraska's Third District congressman. In a press release from his office, Rep. Adrian Smith said the proposal goes a long way to providing long-term stability for farmers.
"I am pleased to see more funding for conservation programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program and water quality. I welcome the increased emphasis on renewable energy, particularly cellulosic ethanol and bio-based fuels research, which are both very important to Nebraska.
Both senators are in the process of reviewing the 2007 Farm Bill, which is 183 pages long.
Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who voted against the 2002 Farm Bill, said Thursday he and his staff are reviewing the proposal.
"I support USDA proposals aimed at closing existing loopholes in farm payments, and I am encouraged by proposed funding for renewable energy research," Hagel said.
In 2005, Hagel said, "Conservation must be an important focus of the new Farm Bill. Conservation has been instrumental in reducing soil erosion and improving water and air quality. Additionally, with the ongoing drought limiting the availability of water, conservation will take on even greater significance."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2007 Farm Bill contains about 60 proposals including ending commodity program subsidi
Nebraska Lawmakers: 2007 Farm Bill is Critical Piece of Legislature
"Basically what we are saying is that if your adjusted gross income is $200,000 or more, then your participation in the commodity programs under Title I of the Farm Bill would cease," Johanns said.
In addition, Johanns said payments would also be limited to $360,000. He said those proposals would save $1.5 billion. The Farm Bill also contains language to expand conservation compliance, which was received warmly by Nebraska's Third District congressman. In a press release from his office, Rep. Adrian Smith said the proposal goes a long way to providing long-term stability for farmers.
"I am pleased to see more funding for conservation programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program and water quality. I welcome the increased emphasis on renewable energy, particularly cellulosic ethanol and bio-based fuels research, which are both very important to Nebraska.
Both senators are in the process of reviewing the 2007 Farm Bill, which is 183 pages long.
Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who voted against the 2002 Farm Bill, said Thursday he and his staff are reviewing the proposal.
"I support USDA proposals aimed at closing existing loopholes in farm payments, and I am encouraged by proposed funding for renewable energy research," Hagel said.
In 2005, Hagel said, "Conservation must be an important focus of the new Farm Bill. Conservation has been instrumental in reducing soil erosion and improving water and air quality. Additionally, with the ongoing drought limiting the availability of water, conservation will take on even greater significance."