Goals for State-Federal Action

Policy: 2007 Farm Bill

Committee: Agriculture and Rural Development

Type: Consent

The food and agriculture industry in the United States is not only key to the public health and welfare of this nation but is an important force in the economic, social and political fabric as well. Farming and ranching are the foundations of our $1 trillion food and fiber business with nearly $60 billion in annual exports. This vast industry is essential to the economic health of virtually every community. It generates almost 15 percent of the total economic activity in the nation, as well as providing almost 18 percent of the country's jobs.

Agriculture remains a core feature and industry in Rural America. All levels of government must join together immediately in a comprehensive national effort to stem the tide of decline in rural communities. This objective can be accomplished only by continued federal efforts to revitalize the agricultural, mining and forestry industries and by new initiatives to diversify the economies of these rural communities. In seeking to achieve economic diversification, special focus must be placed upon the search for an effective strategy incorporating economic development, market diversification, venture capital, job training/retraining, intercity transportation, education, health and housing facilities, technical assistance and infrastructure components, at a minimum.

The US has agreed to dramatically reduce its levels of domestic support for particular crops, consistent with the obligations undertaken as part of this round of World Trade Organization talks. The federal Farm Bill is set for congressional consideration and reauthorization prior to 2007. At this juncture, the US has an opportunity to continue to support its agricultural dependant communities through a range of rural investment and direct payment programs which are consistent with the US commitments to free trade. Congress, in approaching Farm Bill reauthorization, must remain mindful of US trade commitments and therefore design domestic support programs so as to eliminate trade distortions while maintaining a vibrant rural America, a strong agricultural sector, US food security, state sovereignty, and maximum state programmatic flexibility. Congress should fully recognize the magnitude of the opportunity before it with this Farm Bill reauthorization to increase the economic prospects of rural communities while fulfilling commitments made by the US on agriculture at the World Trade Organization and thus advancing overall US trade negotiating objectives.

NCSL implores Congress to seize this important opportunity to lay the groundwork for increased rural prosperity by ensuring that the domestic supports found within the federal Farm Bill are designed to reach the broadest number of farm families and rural communities. NCSL believes the conservation programs and payments under the Farm Bill should be creatively maximized to the benefit of farm and rural communities; economic development initiatives; and soil, water, and wildlife conservation. NCSL encourages Congress to carefully consider the rural development, energy, and research portions of the farm bill and the benefits of targeted investments in rural prosperity such as increased support for value added processing, all forms of on-farm energy production including bio-fuels, and strengthened linkages between land grant institutions and the communities they serve.

NCSL encourages Congress to consult regularly and meaningfully with state legislators and their national associations as the 2007 Farm Bill takes shape to ensure that state interests and programs are respected, maximized, and sustained. NCSL looks forward to working with Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state legislators to facilitate these consultations and to achieve our mutually shared goals.

Return to Fall Forum Policies December 2005