[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT--CONFERENCE 
                                 REPORT

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, particularly in light of the 
1996 Farm Bill, it is important that the federal government focus its 
attention on the factors that will increase U.S. agriculture's 
competitiveness in a deregulated farm economy. This includes improving 
efficiency in the transportation system, keeping international markets 
active and growing, advancing research, and facilitating use of market 
oriented risk management tools.
  Yesterday the Senate approved the Conference Report to S. 1150, which 
provides for two of those critical factors. First of all, it provides 
important funding for agriculture research programs. Though I am 
critical of government funding of applied research that would otherwise 
be financed by those who will directly benefit in the private sector, I 
view basic research as a responsibility of the federal government. It 
is through research--largely conducted by the land grant universities 
supported by the federal government--that we experienced the ``green 
revolution'' whereby the world learned to produce more food using fewer 
resources. Through research we have developed technologies that have 
increased farm efficiency exponentially, transformed food processing, 
and enhanced human nutrition. Given the structure of the agriculture 
industry, these advances never would have occurred if it had been up to 
individual farmers or individual companies to conduct the necessary 
research.
  Furthermore, the intensive use of farmland here in the U.S. means 
that sensitive ecosystems around the world--which would have to be 
converted to farmland were it not for the productive capacity of the 
Midwest--can be spared. Continuing to search for ways to increase the 
productive capacity of America's farmers will help ensure that these 
ecosystems are not destroyed in order to provide for the food needs of 
the world's growing population. So the advances achieved through 
research have not only improved our own economic position, they have 
also benefitted the environment worldwide.
  The bill also provides a stable funding mechanism for crop insurance, 
which has been subject to annual debates in recent years. This has been 
problematic for farmers and insurance agents, who need to be able to 
plan ahead. With the more liberalized market conditions that the new 
Freedom to Farm Act provides, risk management is more important than 
ever for farmers. And, for many, crop insurance is the most viable 
option for managing risk. In fact, lenders often require that producers 
obtain crop insurance in order to qualify for operating loans.
  All of the spending that is directed toward these programs is offset 
by savings from food stamp administration accounts and the limitation 
of Commodity Credit Corporation funding for computers. So, the 
increased spending in this bill does not jeopardize the balanced budget 
agreement enacted last year.
  It goes without saying that this bill is critical for a farm state 
like Kansas. However, the benefits of agricultural research and a 
reliable mechanism to manage risk extend well beyond the state lines of 
farm states--this country's production affords our consumers in rural 
communities and cities alike the cheapest, safest, and most abundant 
food supply on earth. It is imperative that Congress continue the 
investment that makes this competitive advantage possible. I am glad 
that the Senate finally approved the Conference Report, and hope that 
the House will act soon to secure these benefits for rural 
America.

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