2007 Food & Fuel Security Act

“America's farmers and ranchers have taken a central role in recent policy debates. Food and fuel security are critical to the future of our nation and rural communities are an important part of these discussions."—Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson

At Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson's request, the Senate Agriculture Committe convened a field hearing in Grand Island, NE (2006) .

Agriculture forms the backbone of the American economy by providing inexpensive food and domestic energy sources for Americans. These benefits can only be maintained, however, through strong policies that support farmers and ranchers.

This year, the Senate is considering the legislation to strengthen family farms and rural communities. The farm bill – or the Food and Fuel Security Act – must provide a strong safety net for family farmers and ranchers and recognize the key role agriculture plays in both our food and fuel security.

This safety net, however, must also include a real cap on the amount of money an operation can receive. If we can hold down the amount of subsidies going to support large, profitable operations, then we will have the resources to invest in rural development programs necessary for the survival of our rural communities.

Furthermore, we must take steps to ensure that disaster funds are available when producers need them. For too long, farmers and ranchers have been without the necessary security in the face of natural disasters, relying instead on post hoc “emergency” measures. The future of American agriculture relies on acknowledging that natural disasters are a part of life for producers and being prepared when they inevitably occur.

And it is time we emphasize the “Fuel” part of the equation. Domestically produced alternative fuels are good for agriculture, the environment and our national security. And ethanol plants and other renewable fuels are becoming the engines that drive rural communities. We need to do more to promote existing alternative fuels and branch out into new areas – such as cellulosic ethanol and biogas.

This page will provide helpful information on the hearings and actions that have been taken thus far to craft the farm bill. It will continually be updated as the bill moves forward.

Hearings

May 9, 2007: Farm Bill Policy Proposals Relating to Farm and Rural Energy Issues and Rural Development

A hearing focusing primarily on farm bill policy proposals relating to farm and rural energy issues and rural development.

Click here to watch the video of the hearing.

May 1, 2007: Conservation Policy Recommendations for the Farm Bill

Full committee hearing focusing on conservation policy recommendations for the farm bill.

Click here to watch the video of the hearing.

April 25, 2007: Economic Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Agricultural Producers Today - Part 3

Full committee hearing focusing on testimony from general farm and commodity-specific organizations, including a focus on farm programs and the commodity title of the farm bill.