Rod Grams: “This technical amendment, which I offer with Senator Wellstone, simply provides that if a producer decides to grow wild…”

“This technical amendment, which I offer with Senator Wellstone, simply provides that if a producer decides to grow wild rice on acres on which he receives Agricultural Market Transition Act [AMTA] payments, that producer's AMTA payment will be reduced on those acres. This amendment ensures that wild rice producers, who do not receive any kind of program payment, do not have to compete against producers who unfairly grow wild rice plus collect farm payments on the same acreage. In short, it ensures fairness by prohibiting double dipping and keeps producers on an equal playing field. USDA once believed that the substance of this amendment could be accomplished through regulation but later indicated that legislation is necessary. This same amendment was approved during consideration of last year's Agriculture appropriations on a voice vote but was removed during conference with other provisions for reasons unrelated to the substance of the amendment. I understand the amendment I offer has been approved by the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senators Lugar and Harkin. I want to thank each of them for their assistance in this regard. I also understand that this amendment has been accepted by the chairman and ranking member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Senators Cochran and Bumpers.”