[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4530-S4531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                AG WEEK

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President. This week is National Ag Week. It is the one 
week of the year that we take time out to applaud America's farmers for 
what they give to us every week of the year. Undoubtedly, they are the 
most progressive, most efficient, and most productive in the world.
  American agriculture is an industry to be proud of. America exports 
more than 43 billion dollar's worth of food products every year--that 
is a trade surplus of $17 billion. Agriculture also employs more that 
21 million Americans.
  But those numbers don't tell the whole story. Every day, Americans 
eat. So every day, we all depend on the American farmer. We expect the 
best from our farmers--and they deliver. We have a cheap, wholesome, 
safe, and dependable food supply. No doubt about it, we as consumers 
are getting a pretty good deal.
  Agriculture has made exciting advances this last year. Most 
important, GATT and NAFTA have opened up new trade opportunities for 
American agriculture. Finally, America's farmers will gain access to 
millions of new customers around the world.
  At home, Republicans are leading the charge to reduce the regulatory, 
paperwork, and tax burdens which depress the farmer's bottom line. As 
we work to rein in the Federal Government, we will focus on preserving 
the programs that advance American agriculture in the world market 
place.
  [[Page S4531]] Today, agriculture is on the verge of a new era. I 
believe that 100 years from now, historians will look back and 
recognize this time as a turning point in the history of American 
agriculture. Both locally and globally, things are changing fast.
  Agriculture is now a global industry--an industry where American 
farmers will play an increasingly important role. The Census Bureau 
estimates that the world population will increase by 50 percent in the 
next 20 years. Today, 1 American farmer can feed 129 people. Tomorrow 
that farmer must feed more.
  America's farmers have already started preparing to meet these 
demands. Less than 100 years go, the first gasoline tractor was built. 
Now, farmers are using satellite technology to customize planting and 
fertilizer use. That increases yields, reduces costs, and benefits the 
environment. These are the types of innovative programs we should 
encourage in the 1995 farm bill.
  Mr. President, there is a saying in Kansas: If you do not eat, then 
do not worry about the farmer. So this week, National Ag Week, we 
recognize that each of us has a vested interest in the vitality of 
American agriculture. I look forward to working with my colleagues 
during this pivotal year to ensure that American agriculture remains a 
world leader in this new era.


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