“The bipartisan farm bill package strikes a key balance. The bill continues to provide a basic, no frills safety net for America’s farmers and it increases support for hungry Americans and the environment. We are disappointed that President Bush intends to veto this bill. It has broad national benefits, reform in farm programs and is fully paid for via offsets that everyone agrees are acceptable.

“Against a backdrop of growing global food security concerns, this carefully crafted legislation will give America’s farmers and ranchers a basic package of support that will allow them to continue serving as the world’s major food producers. The three-legged safety net of direct payments, marketing loans and counter-cyclical programs provides our farmers an essential level of financial security at a time when their markets are volatile and expenses such as fertilizer and fuel costs are shooting through the roof.

“No farm bill ever is perfect, but this bill includes substantial reforms. Members of the conference committee did an outstanding job of addressing the administration’s concerns regarding financing. Moreover, in spite of a cut in the cornerstone support offered by direct payments, this is a good, solid bill for American agriculture, American consumers and the environment. We encourage Congress to pass this bill.”