In a letter to Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, Missouri Farm Bureau expressed appreciation for action taken to address the economic difficulties facing many family farmers and ranchers but reminded Congressmen that hardships still continue.
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Charles E. Kruse, president of Missouri Farm Bureau, states in the letter, "Agriculture, like many sectors, is grappling with the downturn in U.S. and global economies. The recession, coupled with high fuel, fertilizer and feed costs, weather-related delays, and weak commodity markets, has resulted in a disastrous situation for many farmers and ranchers, especially pork and dairy producers. We appreciate your efforts over the last few months to help producers through this difficult time and encourage you and your colleagues to continue to seek opportunities to provide timely relief."
Missouri Farm Bureau noted the $350 million dairy assistance provided in the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill and expressed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs to act quickly to carry out a program for distribution of the funds. Also appreciation was noted for the funds provided to USDA for the purchase of surplus food and agricultural products for domestic food programs benefitting school children, low-income families and others in need.
In addition to stressing the importance of using the correct terminology for the HINI flu virus and reopening foreign markets, Farm Bureau has identified several ways Congress and the Administration can continue to be helpful, including:
Removing the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations "cap" on Section 32 expenditures so that additional purchases of surplus meats, poultry, dairy products, fish, fruits and vegetables can be made by USDA to benefit those in need. In FY 2009, USDA was unable to use $350 million that could have been used to help producers and combat hunger due to the cap.
Urging the Administration to transfer at least $100 million of the $1.85 billion approved by Congress for H1N1 preparedness and response to USDA for use in additional purchases of pork. The transfer is warranted as the decrease in pork prices has been caused in part by the media’s use of the term "swine flu" instead of H1N1.
Encouraging USDA to establish a Pork Industry Advisory Committee, similar to the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee currently being formed.
Missouri Farm Bureau also recognized other ideas being proposed such as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s "Meat the Need" proposal which calls for the purchase of cheese, pork and turkey to distribute through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Earlier this year, Missouri Farm Bureau encouraged Governor Nixon to call a special session to fund and expand the Livestock Feed and Crop Input Loan Guarantee Program operated under the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. This proposal is gaining increased interest among Missouri state lawmakers.