|
|
 
|
Mr. Speaker, We can assure you that there 'is a problem'
(Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 -- CropChoice news)--Keith Dittrich, president of the American Corn
Growers Association (ACGA) and a corn farmer from Tilden, Neb., expressed his
dismay with the United States House of Representatives' failure to pass
emergency legislation for farmers and ranchers hard hit by natural disaster in
the 2001 and 2002 crop years.
"Farmers in many parts of the nation are experiencing financial hardship
due to weather related disasters, especially drought, and a farm economy which
is the third worst in 68 years," said Dittrich. "It is appalling to hear
comments from Speaker Dennis Hastert that there is not a problem."
Dittrich was referring to a statement by the Speaker in which he said the
House could pass drought relief legislation after the election "if there's a
problem". The House recessed last night until Nov. 11 without taking up the
legislative initiative to provide for the much-needed emergency disaster
relief.
"I can assure you there is a problem, Mr. Speaker," responded Dittrich.
"According to a USDA report released last month, net farm income is forecasted
to drop in calendar year 2002 by 23 percent from the 2001 level. The forecast
for 2002 net farm income is $35.2 billion, the lowest level since 1986."
"I can also assure the Speaker there will soon be another problem," added
Dittrich. "It will be his problem and it will be at the polls next month when
drought stricken farmers across this nation will vote to change the
leadership in the U.S. House for failing to recognize the seriousness of this drought
and the devastation it has wrought on farm and ranch families. I urge every
farmer and rancher as well as every rural businessperson, banker, equipment
dealer, trucker, laborer, etcetera to exercise their constitutional right to
vote and to remember what needs to be done when they go to the polls on Nov.
5!"
The American Corn Growers Association represents 14,000 members in 35
states. See
http://www.acga.org. | |
