III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. CON. RES. 119 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 27, 2006 Mrs. Lincoln (for herself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Crapo, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Talent, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Thune, Mr. Burns, Mr. Bond, Mr. Enzi, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. Johnson) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts.

Whereas the ability of farmers and ranchers in the United States to join together in cooperative self-help efforts is vital to their continued economic viability; Whereas Federal laws have long recognized the importance of protecting and strengthening the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts, including to cooperatively market their products, ensure access to competitive markets, and help achieve other important public policy goals; Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives play an important role in helping farmers and ranchers improve their income from the marketplace, manage their risk, meet their credit and other input needs, and compete more effectively in a rapidly changing global economy; Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also play an important role in providing consumers in the United States and abroad with a dependable supply of safe, affordable, high-quality food, fiber, and related products; Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also help meet the energy needs of the United States, including through the production and marketing of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel; Whereas there are nearly 3,000 farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives located throughout the United States with a combined membership representing a majority of the nearly 2 million farmers and ranchers in the United States; and Whereas farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives also contribute significantly to the economic well being of rural America as well as the overall economy, including accounting for as many as 250,000 jobs: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the Sense of the Congress that public policy should continue to protect and strengthen the ability of farmers and ranchers to join together in cooperative self-help efforts— (1)to improve their income from the marketplace and their economic well-being; (2)to capitalize on new market opportunities; and (3)to help meet the food and fiber needs of consumers, provide for increased energy production, promote rural development, maintain and create needed jobs, and contribute to a growing United States economy.