Could be of interest to some of listserv members.....
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To: Ag/Conservation/Nutrition/Consumer Groups
From: National Farmers Union
Re: Coalition letter to Congress to reject agricultural spending cuts
Date: October 4, 2005
______________________________________________________________________
It appears the Senate Agriculture Committee is moving forward with a mark-up
of the FY2006 budget resolution on Thursday, Oct. 5. We want to make certain
that Congress opposes any budget cuts to vital agriculture, conservation,
rural and nutrition programs.
Below is a letter that will be distributed to all members of the House and
Senate tomorrow. We are hoping to get as many agriculture, conservation,
nutrition and consumer groups on the letter as possible. Please reply to
[log in to unmask] by noon Oct. 5, with the name of your organization
to be included in the letter.
The text of the letter follows:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Member of Congress:
We urge you to resist making any budget cuts to the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002. Americans across our nation who rely on this
legislation are facing tremendous challenges. Agricultural producers are
suffering skyrocketing energy costs, rapidly declining commodity prices and
devastating weather disasters to name a few. The critical need for
assistance through USDA nutrition and conservation programs has become even
clearer in recent weeks. Cutting essential agricultural, rural,
conservation and nutrition programs at this time would be irresponsible.
The current economic disaster occurring in rural communities necessitates
setting aside pending budget reconciliation plans. The agriculture sector
and rural communities have demonstrated fiscal responsibility by saving $15
billion in the first two years of the 2002 farm bill. Considerable debate
and compromise resulted in a farm policy that serves as a safety-net when
times are tough; if enacted, the budget cuts will undoubtedly weaken this
safety-net when it is most needed as commodity prices continue to drop.
Vital nutrition programs for our nation's low-income citizens will be in
greater demand as victims of Hurricane Katrina, Rita and other disaster
victims try to survive and recover, and as our nation's poverty rate has
increased. Farm bill conservation programs not only provide farmers with
financial assistance, they encourage efforts to reduce soil erosion, protect
water quality and provide important wildlife habitat - all are goals that we
must continue to meet for farmers, sportsmen and the general public. The
future of our nation's natural resources depends upon USDA's fundamental
conservation programs. And our rural communities rely upon the essential
rural development programs providing the economic engine across rural
America.
The undersigned organizations urge all members of Congress to oppose any
budget cuts to vital agriculture, conservation, rural and nutrition programs
during consideration of the FY2006 budget resolution.
Sincerely,
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Laura Johnston Monchuk
National Farmers Union
613-230-8022
[log in to unmask]
www.nfu.org
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