Steve Buyer: “seizing a historic opportunity, the Agriculture Market Transition Act seeks reforms to the Federal agriculture programs…”

“seizing a historic opportunity, the Agriculture Market Transition Act seeks reforms to the Federal agriculture programs that begin to wean farmers off Government subsidies and move them toward more market oriented principles. This legislation moves agri-business from the Depression era policies of the past toward strong incremental steps that move the farmer into the next century. The Agriculture Market Transition Act allows Hoosier farmers to finally be able to plant for the market. In passing this legislation, the Congress is keeping its word to allow the American farmer the freedom to farm while making substantial reductions in Federal expenditures. Moreover, this legislation helps America move toward our goal of a balanced budget. Mr. Chairman, retaining present policy is not an option if Indiana farmers are to successfully move into the next century and compete in the world marketplace. This legislation will aid in the transition into the market-oriented farm policy of the future. It does so while providing farmers with fixed, declining payments over 7 years that will help in the economic distortions as a result of these changes. It seeks reform of commodity programs such as sugar, peanut, cotton, and the dairy program. These reforms are a win-win situation as it provides flexibility to farmers and the American consumer benefits as well. Finally, this legislation reduces the regulatory burden on the agriculture community.”