Liz Saville Roberts: “On July 15, 1995, the Secretary of Agriculture wrote to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget indicating…”

“On July 15, 1995, the Secretary of Agriculture wrote to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget indicating that ``since many short- and long-term agricultural planning activities are weather dependent, there exists a need for timely meteorological information to support efficient and cost-effective management decisions.'' On April 1, 1996, against the interests of the agricultural community, the Department of Commerce's National Weather Service terminated the Agricultural Weather Service. As it is currently drafted, I believe H.R. 3322 limits our ability to maintain the accuracy and reliability of weather information which is essential for American farmers. The collection, quality, and reporting of agricultural weather data should remain a Federal responsibility. Without Federal responsibility to collect and distribute weather data, the specialized forecasts and private sector agricultural weather services may not remain viable. Furthermore, I believe that the private sector has not yet properly demonstrated it is ready to assume responsibility for agricultural weather data collection and dissemination. The Department of Agriculture is familiar with farming and the collection and dissemination of agricultural weather data. Therefore, I believe that the Department of Agriculture is the most suitable agency for this service.”