12/18/08 Grain producers' concerns, part 2

Idaho Grain Producers Association president Eric Hasslestrom wants to see the farm bill implemented. Hasslestrom says rules need to be written now for the Conservation Security Program along with the new and renewable energy sections. HASSLESTROM "We can't afford to delay this wait and see attitude or you know wait for the next administration cause there's always a time lapse of getting people appointed, getting things on the ground. That's just going to delay this maybe a year or two. Our biggest focus is to get this implemented." He says he doesn't have enough data or information to judge the pros and cons of the new ACRE program. Hasslestrom says transportation issues like improving Idaho roads and highways will be on his agenda this year along with improved rail service and lower fees possibly through federal legislation. And he knows there will be climate change legislation in Congress next year. HASSLESTROM "We just don't want it to be too burdensome to agriculture. That agriculture can play a role in helping industry limit the cost that this is going to cost them with carbon offsets." He is concerned that some in the new Congress will look at the direct payments to farmers and want to cut funding. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott