Political Quotes

“My goal is to make certain that farmers make decisions based on the marketplace, not based on the farm bill, particularly when it comes to that land that has not been in production. That is what this amendment seeks to achieve. It is in no way a restriction on a farmer's freedom. A farmer is still free to plant any new ground he wishes. What we are talking about is eligibility for Federal payments. The amendment uses an extremely broad definition of agricultural commodity. Farmers can switch crops on land and, despite that switching of crops, not lose eligibility under this amendment. That is only fair because in many good farming practices, that is done on a regular basis. It allows long-term crop rotation, permits an exception for that. There are some lands primarily used for hay but that may be cropped 1 or 2 years between hay plantings. This amendment would not deny support payments to the crops during that period. However, it is intended to be a narrow amendment, only for those who can demonstrate that they have both established and are maintaining such long-term rotation. The amendment does not interfere with the CRP program in any way. The Conservation Reserve Program is an important program. It conserves America's natural resources. This amendment simply provides that when farmers decide to plant on new ground, they will do it because of the market, not because of Government subsidy.”