NASDA's 2007 Farm Bill Recommendations

NASDA's 2007 FARM BILL WEBSITE

Agriculture is an important force in the economic, social, and political fabric of America and is considered one of the protected "critical assets" of this Nation as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the state departments of agriculture are keenly aware of the changing dynamics in food, fiber and fuel production around the world. As the chief agricultural officials in their states, they understand the importance of the entire food and agricultural sector, not only to their individual states but to the national economy as well. From this vantage point the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) puts forward a comprehensive set of strategic policy initiatives designed to enhance U.S. agricultural competitiveness and profitability and to ensure the survivability of U.S. producers.

NASDA's purpose is to contribute to a wide-ranging and constructive debate on agricultural policy and the next farm bill. As representatives of the state departments of agriculture, NASDA members seek to outline what issues must be addressed in the next farm bill for the United States in order to allow the best avenue for protecting agriculture as a critical asset to the safety and security of this Nation and its people. NASDA's recommendations encompass 209 specific recommendations in nine general policy areas and offer a broad, opportunity-based agricultural policy focusing on expanding and improving the safety net for farmers and ranchers. NASDA's recommendations also outline bold, new ideas to address environmental and food safety challenges. For the first time, NASDA's recommendations emphasize development of renewable energy resources, nutrition initiatives, and an expanded invasive species program.

NASDA completed work on its 2007 Farm Bill recommendations in September, 2006 and officially released them on November 16, 2006, at Trade Talk during the National Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) meeting in Kansas City, MO, where President Valoria Loveland gave interviews.

Staff Contact: Rick Kirchhoff; (202)296-9680

Letters and Comments

Letter to Senators Reid & McConnell to move on the Farm Bill before the end of 2007 November 28, 2007
This letter was sent to the Senate leaders to urge 2007 Farm Bill progress before the end of the year. Progress has been slow after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Support of Cloture Motion in 2007 Farm Bill November 15, 2007
The letter was sent to the U.S. Senate to communicate the signed organiations' support of a cloture motion.
Letter to Senators Reid and McConnell Regarding 2007 Farm Bill Progress November 13, 2007
This letter was sent to Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell in order to expedite the Senate's progress on the 2007 Farm Bill.
2003-04-03 Farm Bill Budget Concerns April 03, 2003
Letter opposing any cuts that would impact the programs under the oversight of the House and Senate Agriculture committees and the House Education and Workforce Committee. - April 3, 2003
Letter concerning the inclusion of adequate funding for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) over the life of the Farm Bill (March 22, 2002) March 22, 2002
Letter concerning the inclusion of adequate funding for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) over the life of the Farm Bill (March 22, 2002)
2002-03-05 NASDA's 21st Century Farm Policy Initiative Report March 05, 2002
NASDA Letter to Farm Bill Conferees, NASDA's 21st Century Farm Policy Initiative Report - March 5, 2002
2002-02-25 Quality Loss Adjustment Coverage February 25, 2002
Letter to Farm Bill Conferences concerning quality loss adjustment coverage - February 25, 2002
Letter in support of unconditional funding of $25 million to the WIC FMNP and $20 million for the Senior FMNP for FY-2002 September 17, 2001
Letter in support of unconditional funding of $25 million to the WIC FMNP and $20 million for the Senior FMNP for FY-2002 - September 17, 2001

Testimony

Secretary Jamie Clover Adams' testimony before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research concerning the conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill - June 6, 2002 June 06, 2001
Secretary Jamie Clover Adams' testimony before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research concerning the conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill - June 6, 2002
2001-03-01 Commissioner Nathan Rudgers (N.Y.) testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Conservation Programs March 01, 2001
2001-03-01 Commissioner Nathan Rudgers (N.Y.) testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Conservation Programs

Documents and Links

Senate Bill Comparison
Comparison of the Senate Agriculture Committee-passed Bill with the House-passed Bill (H.R. 2419) and NASDA Recommendations
NASDA'S 2007 FARM BILL RECOMMENDATIONS, Sept. 18, 2006 http://www.nasda.org/fb2007/
NASDA's 2002 Farm Policy Initiative Interim Document (July 11, 2001) Adobe Acrobat, 343KB
PDF
NASDA's Farm Policy Recommendations - Executive Summary Adobe Acrobat, 386KB
PDF
USDA Food and Agriculture Policy http://www.usda.gov/news/pubs/farmpolicy01/fpindex.htm
Farm Policy Guidelines - USDA's Food & Agricultural Policy; Democratic Policy Committee: Democratic Principles for a New Farm Bill; Senate Agriculture Committee; Objectives for the New Farm Bill

News

THE SENATE BEGINS WORK ON FARM BILL
Published: December 11, 2007
Senate Begins Debate on Farm Bill Amid Veto Threat
Published: November 07, 2007
Senate Set to Begin Mark-Up on 2007 Farm Bill
Published: October 24, 2007
Senate Agriculture Agriculture Committee Set to Mark Up 2007 Farm Bill
Senate Finance Panel Approves Agriculture Tax Measures
Published: October 09, 2007
Senate Farm Bill Schedule Remains Uncertain
Published: July 17, 2007
The Senate Agriculture Committees schedule for marking up the 2007 farm bill remains uncertain.
House Approves 2007 Farm Bill
Published: August 01, 2007
The House of Representatives approved the 2007 farm bill (H.R. 2419) on July 27 after three days of debate.
House Panel Approves 2007 Farm Bill Proposals
Published: June 01, 2007
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research approved proposals for the 2007 farm bill titles under their jurisdiction on May 22.
House Agriculture Committee Announces 2007 Farm Bill Plans
Published: May 22, 2007
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) announced May 17 the process for drafting the 2007 farm bill.
NASDA Highlights Farm Bill Recommendations -- Conservation
Published: April 09, 2007
NASDA is presenting farm bill highlights each week in NASDA News as Congress gears up for consideration of the 2007 farm bill.
NASDA Highlights Farm Bill Recommendations Support For Modifying Federal Biotechnology Programs
Published: March 12, 2007
The presence of biotechnology products in the marketplace, coupled with the disparate status of regulatory approvals in world markets, and the changing patterns of consumer acceptance, has introduced great complexity to the U.S. bulk commodity handling system, presenting the trade with a major management challenge.