Kay Bailey Hutchison: “These past few years have been horrible for farmers. Low prices, the recession, and weather-related catastrophies--like…”

“These past few years have been horrible for farmers. Low prices, the recession, and weather-related catastrophies--like the severe drought conditions we suffered in my home State of Texas--have made it extremely difficult for our Nation's agricultural producers to sustain their farms and ranches, and maintain their ability to feed Americans and the people around the world. These extraordinarily difficult times reinforce the need for Congress to support a strong and effective farm bill that provides a solid safety net and enhances the ability of our farmers and ranchers to compete domestically and abroad. This farm bill is not perfect, and I understand why many of my colleagues are opposing it. There are many provisions that concern me as well. This legislation undercuts the very foundation of the Freedom to Farm concept. Freedom to Farm was the right approach for American agriculture, but our farmers were denied open markets and fair trade because of our competitors' subsidies and tariffs. Now, instead of opening markets and lifting trade barriers, we are moving back to direct price supports. I am worried this could stimulate overproduction and drive commodity prices down even further. I am also concerned with the uncertainty that will follow this bill's country of origin labeling requirements. However, Texas farmers and ranchers are backed against the wall. Like many farmers all across America, Texans have been praying for two things--rain and certainty.”