Johnny Isakson's Position Statement on Agriculture
Agriculture is the leading industry in Georgia’s vibrant economy. From peaches to poultry and from cotton to timber, Georgia is home to a larger variety of agricultural industries than almost any other state. I’m proud to represent such hardworking Americans and I will continue to make decisions that strengthen our agricultural economy while also protecting its legacy.
2007 Farm Bill
In December 2007, the Senate passed a Farm Bill that continues to provide a safety net for farmers, increases conservation programs, provides incentives for renewable energy production and establishes a permanent disaster program. I believe the Farm Bill is a win for rural America and for farmers in Georgia, where agriculture remains the number one industry in the state. I believe much of the credit goes to Senator Chambliss for his strong work in crafting this legislation and for making sure that we continue to meet the needs of farmers in Georgia and the Southeast.
I believe that the Senate bill properly balances our agricultural needs with current budget constraints. This bill’s commodities, conservation and trade titles contain approximately $30 billion less than the 2002 Farm Bill. The bill also ends the three-entity rule regarding payment limits and takes steps to change the adjusted gross income provision that reduces the cap to $1 million in 2009 and to $750,000 in 2010 and beyond, unless at least two-thirds of a person’s income is derived from farming, ranching and forestry. These measures will help to insure a fiscally responsible farm bill.
I’m also pleased to report that the Senate added a renewable energy component to the 2007 Farm Bill. This is good for all Georgians, not just those directly engaged in agriculture. Specifically, I hope Congress will place special emphasis on ethanol production for all sources. We must look for alternative energy sources to meet our energy demands.
The House has passed its own version of a Farm Bill and the two chambers are now working to reconcile the differences between their two bills. It is my hope the two chambers will be able to reach an agreement quickly.
Farm Payment Limits
I will continue to oppose any attempts to lower federal crop payments established in the 2007 Farm Bill. Lower payment limits would adversely affect many farms in Georgia and across the South, because Southern farmers tend to have larger, more costly farming operations than farmers in other parts of the country. Larger farm operations such as those in the South can reach one or more of the payment limits with fewer acres than smaller farms.
In 2005, I helped defeat an amendment to the Deficit Reduction Act that would have lowered the federal crop payments. In 2007, I spoke out against a proposed amendment, which was later withdrawn, to the Budget Resolution that also would have lowered the annual limit on federal crop payments.
Agricultural Disaster Relief
The issue of how best to administer disaster relief for our nation’s farmers has prompted intense debate in Washington. Given the recent harsh conditions, including drought, freeze, fire and disease, facing many farmers in Georgia, I will continue to monitor this debate closely and act in the best interest of Georgia.
E-mail: http://isakson.senate.gov/contact.cfm
