[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 32 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise this afternoon just briefly to 
recognize National Agriculture Week. It is no secret that America's 
farmers are the most productive in the world, and it is so appropriate 
that we take a few moments to recognize their many, many contributions.
  Agriculture is traditionally viewed as small family farms producing 
for a regional market. Local grain elevators, shipping interests, 
processors, banks, and consumers are all vital components in meeting 
the demands of a continually changing domestic and world market.
  From the grocery store in Minneapolis to the rural implement dealer, 
each of us has an interest in ensuring a vibrant agricultural economy. 
But the foundation remains the individual producer. These are families 
who rise each morning and labor into the night to provide each of us 
the food we eat. These independent-minded individuals are heavy on 
common sense, and they are not predisposed to taking short cuts or pat 
answers.
  Without a doubt, some of the best advice I receive comes from the 
savvy business men and women who are commonly called ``farmers.''
  I was raised on an old-fashioned dairy farm in rural Minnesota. I 
know firsthand the hard work and dedication that it takes to do a job 
that is often overlooked and unrecognized.
  However, a farmer's responsibility goes far beyond producing a crop 
or making sure that the cows are milked. To ensure continued 
productivity, he also must be an environmental steward of the land that 
he cultivates. In many cases, this leads to lower fertilizer inputs and 
enhanced wildlife habitat.
  Mr. President, the last few years have brought about some great 
changes in agriculture. The 1996 farm bill was a step, I believe, in 
the right direction, yet the job is not yet finished. If farmers are to 
produce for the marketplace, we must give them the tools they need to 
manage their operations.
  This includes addressing such issues as regulatory reform, risk-
management options, and Federal crop insurance reforms. By providing 
farmers with the flexibility to manage their own businesses, we are 
ensuring a better future for everyone.
  In an effort to produce for changing markets, groups of farmers 
across Minnesota are exploring ways to enhance their income and 
productivity through value-added ventures and cooperative research 
agreements.
  It is this spirit of innovation that should be encouraged and not 
stifled by the heavy hand of Government. These farmers are the leaders 
of tomorrow who will ensure a safe and steady food supply for America 
and the world well into the next century.
  So in short, Mr. President, we owe all those involved in agriculture 
a debt of gratitude, and I am very proud to join my colleagues in 
recognizing the outstanding contributions of America's agricultural 
sector.
  With that, Mr. President, I thank you and yield the floor and suggest 
the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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