William Helms: “In many ways this farm legislation is historic. In my 23-plus years as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I…”

“In many ways this farm legislation is historic. In my 23-plus years as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have never been faced with so many changes in the overall structure of American agriculture--and, in large measure, for the better most of America and the farmers of this country. I doubt that anymore seriously imagined that this Congress could succeed in streamlining agriculture programs and increasing the effectiveness of agriculture. This bill includes reforms to most of the major commodity programs, including peanuts, cotton, dairy, feed grains, and wheat. In my home State of North Carolina, agriculture has long been a leading industry, providing jobs and economic opportunity for countless small family farmers and their communities. This legislation will give North Carolina's farmers stability for at least next 7 years while removing the strong arm of government controls over our commodity programs. It will ease the strain on rural America. Mr. President, I applaud the two chairman for undertaking these market-oriented reforms that will unquestionably help the family farmers adapt and adjust to 21st century. As a former chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I know and understand the difficult and painstaking process that has consumed weeks and months. I am convinced that this farm bill will help farmers become more productive, and will continue to save tax dollars and it will improve the rural environment.”