Sam Farr: “I rise today to support my good friend from California and his motion to instruct the conferees on the Farm Security…”

“I rise today to support my good friend from California and his motion to instruct the conferees on the Farm Security Act, which would repeal the existing restrictions against private financing of agricultural sales to Cuba. Mr. Speaker, at issue here is whether we want to help American farmers, or leave in place restrictions that are costing them millions of dollars each year. Given that the national farm economy is depressed, it is important that we do what we can to help American farmers and their families. With one simple adjustment in our policy, we can help them recover billions of dollars in lost trade. According to a recent study, U.S. farmers are losing close to $1.26 billion in agricultural exports and about $3.6 billion in exports related to agriculture because of these restrictions. The U.S. Senate has taken the first step in easing agricultural trade restrictions, and the House of Representatives should follow. The Senate position has garnered wide support from a broad array of agricultural interests. The National Farm Bureau, the USA Rice Federation, the dairy industry, wine sellers, all support lifting the restrictions. The California Farm Bureau supports lifting restrictions because it knows that California agriculture stands to reap great benefits from trade with Cuba. Up to $98 million in agricultural products, and $287 million in related sales could be generated, simply by lifting the restriction on private financing.”