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URBANDALE,
Iowa - On Friday, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA)
leadership was very pleased with final passage of the 2007 Farm
Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives. After expressing support
for the bill earlier in the week, the ISA leadership was excited
to see the full House endorse the bill, H.R. 2419, early in the
afternoon on Friday by a vote of 231 to 191.
“We’ve been working on this bill for a long time and
I am very pleased the House bill passed today with such beneficial
soybean safety net provisions. New funding and programs for conservation,
renewable energy and rural development give the bill a good deal
of momentum moving forward,” says Ray Gaesser, ISA President
and farmer from Corning. “It’s a great bill for Iowa
soybean farmers.”
Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-3rd), a member of the House
Agriculture Committee, agreed with Gaesser, stating earlier today,
“This significant piece of legislation makes historic investments
in conservation, nutrition and energy while maintaining a strong
safety net for America’s farmers and ranchers. Key provisions
protect Iowa farmers and ensure that they will have the support
they need as they continue to provide food to our state and our
country.”
Gaesser cites the target price increase for soybeans from $5.80
to $6.10 and the continuation of the $5.00 marketing loan and
$.44 direct payment as victories for Iowa soybean farmers. The
bill also provides some new conservation spending by reauthorizing
CSP and increasing funding for EQIP. It offers a $1.5 billion
CCC Bio-Energy program and reauthorizes the Biodiesel Fuel Education
Program, doubling the funding to $10 million over five years for
the program. In response to public desire to limit trans fats,
the bill also authorizes a program to encourage more production
of healthy oils by recognizing higher production costs. The Trade
Title increases funding for the Market Access Program and reauthorizes
Foreign Market Development, both critical programs for soybeans
as a major export crop.
Along with Boswell, voting for final passage of the bill were
Iowa Congressmen Bruce Braley (D-1st) and Dave Loebsack (D-2nd).
Voting against final passage of the bill were Congressmen Steve
King (R-5th) and Tom Latham (R-4th). The Senate is expected to
take up the Farm Bill in September.
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