Hulshof Supports Farm Bill Passage

Statement

HULSHOF SUPPORTS FARM BILL PASSAGE

U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., today voted in favor of the farm bill, which passed the House 318-106.

U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., today voted in favor of the farm bill, which passed the House 318-106. The farm bill, officially titled the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, is anticipated to pass the Senate this week as well.

"I am proud to stand with Missouri's farmers and support what may be the most important piece of legislation the Congress acts on this year," Hulshof said.

Farming has not been immune to cost increases impacting the U.S. and Missouri economies. It now costs $534, or 47 percent more than last year, to plant one acre of corn in Missouri, and fertilizer cost is up 112 percent over last year. The bill includes funds for food stamps and school lunches, provides for conservation programs, and $35 billion to help farmers stay afloat.

The bill is structured so that if food commodity prices stay at their current level, most of the farm support money will never be spent. The safety net in the 2002 farm bill cost more than $20 billion less than projected costs because prices stayed high.

"America's farmers can compete with anyone when provided a level playing field," Hulshof said. "And as farmers, we want to farm for the market, not for a government check. But mostly, farmers want to continue to provide this country with the safest, most stable food supply for the lowest cost, and all we ask in return is a little support when the market turns south."

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