Mark Dayton: “In summary, this legislation, which was developed in close consultation with the National Farmers Union and the…”

“In summary, this legislation, which was developed in close consultation with the National Farmers Union and the Minnesota Farmers Union, really bears the imprint of the farmers in Minnesota, with whom I have consulted over the last several months--really over the last 20 years. It accomplishes what farmer after farmer in Minnesota has told me that he or she is searching for, and that is a farm program that encourages market prices to levels where farmers can make a profit in the marketplace. I come from a business family, and I know you don't stay in business if you cannot earn a profit for what you produce and sell. Unfortunately, the ability and the opportunity to earn a profit is what has been taken away from farmers in Minnesota and across this country. I am humbled by the fact that for 60 years Members of this body, from both sides of the aisle, have endeavored to create a Federal agricultural policy that would best serve the interests of Minnesota and other American farmers. Sometimes they have succeeded in doing so; sometimes their efforts have fallen short. I do not know if this legislation provides the right answer for all the farmers across this country, but I do know it is a step in a better direction from what we have today.”