[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 136 (Monday, September 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         THE FARM POLICY FORUM

                                 ______


                           HON. LARRY LaROCCO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 1994

  Mr. LaROCCO. Mr. Speaker, on September 24, I spoke to the Farm Policy 
Forum held in Spokane, WA, and I request my statement be included in 
the Record.

                         The Farm Policy Forum

       Thank you Speaker Foley and Under Secretary Moos for 
     hosting today's Farm Policy Forum. I appreciate your many 
     years of dedication to American agriculture, and I look 
     forward to working with you as Congress and the 
     Administration draft the 1995 farm bill.
       Over the past ten years, U.S. farm policy objectives have 
     been expanding, with each farm bill, beyond price and income 
     support. As a result, the 1995 farm bill will incorporate 
     many objectives: food and trade security, trade expansion, 
     price stability, financial stability of farmers and 
     conservation, to name a few. In Idaho, producers want a farm 
     policy that provides a fair return on their products, 
     promotes fair trade, and establishes a fair conservation 
     program.
       Idaho's farmers and ranchers are leaders in the agriculture 
     industry and a vital part of Idaho's economy. 1992 
     agricultural statistics show Idaho ranked at the top of the 
     nation in the production of barley, peas, lentils, hops, 
     onions, wheat, beets and of course, potatoes. Agriculture, as 
     a percent of the total state economy is currently near a 13-
     year high--21 percent. And inflation adjusted farm output has 
     more than doubled since 1979.
       Idaho producers have been able to increase production and 
     net income despite the problems that production agriculture 
     faces in Idaho--including a reduction in acreage planted, a 
     decline in the number of farms, and eight years of drought.
       I know Idaho's producers can compete successfully against 
     any competitors--in an open market. That is why I have worked 
     so hard to ensure that our trading partners abroad are held 
     accountable to the same standard: free and fair trade.
       Since coming to office in 1991, I have consistently pushed 
     for legislative and administrative action against Canada. I 
     have co-sponsored legislation to toughen U.S. trade laws 
     against ``dumping'' and other unfair trade practices. I have 
     co-sponsored legislation requiring the strict implementation 
     of end-use certificates. And, I applaud the Secretary of 
     Agriculture and the President for taking a firm and decisive 
     action against the recent explosion in Canadian grain imports 
     to the United States. The 1995 farm bill must include 
     provisions that help ``level the playing field'' and 
     safeguard American producers from unscrupulous trade 
     practices.
       Agricultural exports are an essential element of a healthy 
     American economy. Idaho's fruit industry, for example, is 
     rapidly expanding into the global market. In fact, Idaho is 
     now in the top ten states for the production of apples, 
     plums, prunes, and sweet cherries. In the Northwest, more 
     than three-fourths of grain produced is exported.
       As the United States expands its trade with foreign 
     countries and embarks on new free trade agreements, we must 
     make certain that American agricultural producers are not 
     sacrificed. The Canadian-U.S. Trade Agreement, adopted in 
     1990, seriously hurt Idaho's wheat and barley farmers. 
     Idaho's producers cannot afford another bad trade agreement. 
     U.S. farm policy should aggressively promote American 
     agricultural exports and seek to regain international markets 
     lost during the 1980's.
       Because the future of farming and ranching is linked 
     directly to the land, environmental concerns have long been a 
     priority in previous farm bills. As we look ahead to next 
     year's bill, it is critical that we do not allow conservation 
     compliance costs to jeopardize both the financial stability 
     and environmental objectives of the 1995 farm bill. Rather, 
     we should strive to implement new conservation methods that 
     will enhance our soil and water resources, without 
     bankrupting our farmers.
       Common sense tells us that if we are to meet conservation 
     objectives, landowners must be encouraged to install and 
     maintain long-term conservation plans. The best way to 
     accomplish this, I believe, is through incentive-based 
     conservation programs.
       There are numerous pilot programs that positively 
     demonstrate the benefits of voluntary, incentive-based 
     conservation programs. Such programs can be tailored to 
     individual counties and offer the chance for a better 
     relationship between farmers, farm organizations, consumers, 
     environmentalists and government.
       In summary, as U.S. agriculture expands its mission, we 
     must not forget farmers and ranchers. Let us proceed in such 
     a way to give our producers an honest price, open and fair 
     trade, and rewards for being good stewards of the land.
       Once again, I commend Speaker Foley and Under Secretary 
     Moos for the opportunity to take part in today's Farm Policy 
     Forum.

                          ____________________