|
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today criticized the Administration's 2007 budget for the proposed cuts to our nation's farmers. The President's budget asks for $75.4 billion in mandatory agriculture spending, down from $81.8 billion in fiscal year 2006, and $16.3 billion in total discretionary spending, $717.3 million below last year.
The Administration's budget proposal reduces funding for farm subsidies by 5 percent over the next decade while also reducing the cap on farm payments by 31 percent.
"Americans deserves a fiscally responsible budget that does not shortchange our agricultural community, and this budget is not it," said Congressman Boyd. "As a farmer myself, I understand the critical role the federal government plays by giving agricultural producers a real safety net. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to fight any attempt to cut payments to our farmers and to reject the Administration's proposals."
The President's budget also calls for a 20 percent reduction in agricultural conservation programs, including a 50 percent cut in watershed rehabilitation funding. Additionally, the President's budget eliminates $197 million in agriculture research projects. If these cuts were enacted by Congress, the federally-funded research of citrus canker would be eliminated.
"By cutting funding that directly helps our farmers, the Administration's budget shows no commitment to the needs of our agricultural community," Boyd stated. "Vital to the state's economy, agriculture is a $62 billion industry in Florida, illustrating the importance of our agriculture producers. Please know that I will continue to provide North Florida's farmers with the voice in Washington they need in order to prosper and remain competitive."
-30- |
Back to top