Kent Conrad: “The fiscal year 2006 Agriculture appropriations conference report was written under some very difficult spending…”

“The fiscal year 2006 Agriculture appropriations conference report was written under some very difficult spending constraints compared to the needs of U.S. agriculture. Because the bill contains many positive elements for North Dakota agriculture, I intend to vote for its passage. However, I am deeply concerned that the appropriators have again adopted a delay in the implementation of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling for U.S. agricultural products. This provision is broadly supported by U.S. farmers and livestock producers who wish to be able to differentiate their products in the marketplace. It is also supported by our consumers who desire to know where their food is produced. It is unfortunate the conference failed to represent those interests.”