Eva M. Clayton: “Why is it that we refuse to help small farmers and ranchers to succeed, yet we refuse to let big business fail? Why is…”

“Why is it that we refuse to help small farmers and ranchers to succeed, yet we refuse to let big business fail? Why is that small farmers and ranchers get little help, while big business gets much help? Small farmers and ranchers are struggling to survive in America, and because they are struggling to survive, quality and affordable food and fiber for all of us is at risk. They are not struggling to survive for the want of effort. No, Mr. Speaker. Small producers are struggling to survive because of the pressures they are experiencing from a constant barrage of hurricanes, unexpected flooding, unprecedented drought and economic downturns, exacerbated by failing foreign markets. Much of the problem, too, however, springs from the onerous provisions of the 1996 farm bill that bans family farmers and ranchers from receiving a loan from the United States Department of Agriculture if a previous loan has been written down. These provisions are causing many farmers and ranchers to go out of business. Last week, as a part of a conference agreement for the fiscal year 1999 agriculture appropriation bill, we provided some limited relief. While this response to the provision of the 1996 farm bill is appreciated, it is a feeble response, particularly when compared to the response to the near collapse of the Long-Term Capital Management Hedge Fund.”