Ag groups urge resolution of debt ceiling negotiations

Farm and Ranch July 22, 2011 Over three dozen national agricultural organizations, including the National Association of Wheat Growers, the U.S. Dry Pea and Lentil Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation, are urging a timely resolution of the debt ceiling negotiations.

In a letter to the White House and Congressional leaders, the ag groups state that “A long-term, comprehensive solution that reduces federal deficits must be found to ensure our Nation’s fiscal integrity and economic strength. Such an agreement will also establish budget certainty for all federal policies, including upcoming farm bill negotiations.

The letter also says agriculture is prepared to take a proportionate share of budget cuts provided everything is on the table. It is pointed out that the Congressional Budget Office says agriculture absorbed a net six billion dollar reduction last year, making it clear that ag has and will do its part to help with spending and deficit control.

When it comes to reducing ag spending, the ag groups have the same request House Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas has.

Lucas: “And as I have told leadership, repeatedly, repeatedly, repeatedly, whatever your number is, if it is a part of addressing the overall national problem okay, but give us the number and let the committee make the decisions about where those cuts are made.”

As the ag organization’s letter says, the committees have the expertise to best evaluate specific programs and make changes in a manner that does not disrupt long-term commitments reflected in current farm legislation.

I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on Northwest Aginfo Net.