> AGRICULTURE

With Idaho farmers and ranchers producing more than 140 commodities statewide, Idaho has a diversified and abundant agriculture industry that contributes significantly to Idaho’s economy. Due to the importance of agriculture to Idaho communities, in 2001, I became a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, where I also serve as Chairman on the Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Rural Revitalization. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over a number of issues important to Idaho, including rural development and electrification, agricultural credit, crop insurance, forestry, and soil conservation.

Farm Bill

Through my role on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I had the opportunity to work with my colleagues in crafting the 2002 Farm Bill, which has provided a solid safety net for U.S. farmers, assistance for conservation efforts and investment in farm-based renewable energy, and programs to boost rural economies. Congress is now preparing to draft the next farm bill, in a far different budget climate than during the passage of the last farm bill.

As it is essential to hear from those most affected by farm policy on the ground Idaho, I recently hosted 23 farm bill town hall meetings throughout Idaho. The meetings provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Idahoans regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the current farm bill and suggestions for the next farm bill. For those that were unable to participate in the meetings, there is still ample opportunity to provide input.

Agriculture Trade

I support fair trade and have confidence in the ability of U.S. agriculture, business, and industry to compete in global markets that provide increased access, reduced tariffs, and reduced non-tariff barriers. As the U.S. pursues multilateral and bilateral free trade agreements, we must make certain that our trade agreements achieve mutually beneficial trade.

At the beginning of my second term in the Senate, I was appointed to the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over reciprocal trade agreements. As the Committee and Congress consider trade agreements, I will continue to work to ensure that we gain strong achievements for agriculture through our trade agreements.

Conservation and Energy

The 2002 Farm Bill is one of the most important environmental laws ever enacted by the Congress. Its conservation programs result in real environmental benefits through providing substantial incentives for conservation on agricultural land. Conservation programs provide voluntary, incentive-driven assistance to meet the ever increasing demands on our natural resources.

Additionally, while agriculture is certainly not alone in being impacted by high fuel prices, high fuel prices result in not only higher costs to run farm equipment and ship goods to markets but also increased input costs for products such as fertilizer. The energy title of the farm bill provides assistance for producers to turn agricultural by-products into developing environmentally friendly fuels. Assistance in developing other energy sources, like wind and solar power, allows producers to capitalize on their biggest asset – their land.

The National Energy Policy Act of 2005 puts us on the right track toward exploring new sources of energy while enhancing the nation’s economy. This long overdue comprehensive energy legislation will boost renewable energy initiatives that will not only relieve U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources but will also translate into lower prices for consumers and producers of energy while maintaining a clean environment.

Useful Links:

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry website hearings page to access live audio of hearings and some former hearings audio

The USDA's Farm Bill Forum

The Department of Agriculture website and key agencies within that Department

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

News Releases