CONGRESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATION LEADERS ADDRESS NASDA MEETING

News Date February 18, 2008

       NASDA members had the opportunity to meet and hear from key House and Senate agriculture leaders and administration officials during their recently concluded midyear meeting held February 7 to 11 in Washington, D.C.

       House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) addressed the NASDA general session on Friday, February 8, and discussed the latest 2007 farm bill activities. Peterson explained his work to reach a compromise on farm bill funding and policy issues. On February 9, Peterson and ranking member Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued an "open letter" to the agriculture community outlining their plans to advance the 2007 farm bill (see separate story). 

       Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) also addressed the NASDA membership. He agreed with the need for an agreement on the 2007 farm bill, but pointed out the Senate had different sentiments about timing, funding, and specific policy issues. The NASDA session was moderated by former Congressman Charlie Stenholm who offered his own perspectives on the farm bill activities in the House, Senate, and administration. 

       USDA Secretary Ed Schafer spoke during NASDA's business session on February 11 and described his goals for the farm bill and other key agricultural policy issues. Schafer said he had already taken an active role in the congressional farm bill negotiations and reiterated that President Bush would not support a bill that raised taxes or failed to make real reforms in farm programs. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)