Uncertain Harvest Compromise Measure Provides A Little Something For Everyone
Florida alligators will get a nicer home and the Oak Cemetery in Arkansas will be expanded thanks to the new federal farm bill.
There’s something for everyone in the $47 billion Federal Agricultural Improvement Reform Act, a 640-page guidebook to the nation’s new seven-year farm program.
Democrats won concessions to spend millions of dollars on rural development projects, while Republicans opened the door for the beef industry and others to make changes to U.S. Department of Agriculture meat inspections.
Inland Northwest farmers received a major plum - whenever the government declares a grain embargo on an export customer, it must reimburse farmers for up to three years of lost sales.
Other provisions in the law include:
A requirement that USDA report “correct data” about sources of PM-10 air particulates.
Approval to spend up to $579 million annually to subsidize sales of U.S. wheat and other crops overseas.
Creation of an options and futures contract pilot program for farmers.
Creation of a New England dairy compact that could tax dairy products imported from other states.
Approval to help create a dairy export trading company.
Continuation of peanut and sugar programs.
Approval to spend $90 million a year to promote U.S.-brand food overseas.
Approval to buy 340,000 acres of farm land threatened by commercial development.
Approval of $1.2 billion to help farmers install animal waste facilities, waterways, filterstrips and other environmental improvements.
A $15 million grant for water and sewer lines in Alaskan villages.
Creation of a $50 million National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
Approval to give $20 million to institutions that serve Hispanic food science students.
Permission to let non-profit organizations sell food at the National Arboretum.
A requirement that government agents measure the top two inches of soil, not just the surface, to determine if farmers have enough residue straw to prevent erosion.
Creation of Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel to evaluate the safety, scientific merit and cost-effectiveness of meat inspections.
Release of 2.2 acres to the Oak Cemetery.
Approval to spend $300 million restoring the Florida Everglades.
, DataTimes