[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 87 (Friday, June 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN SUPPORT OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RONNIE SHOWS

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 1999

  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before my colleagues and the 
American people to discuss the American farmer. I have done so before 
and am more than happy to stand up for the American Farm Family again.
  My district, in Mississippi, is largely supported by agriculture. 
Family farmers, and I was once a farmer, are our neighbors, friends and 
community leaders. They provide a foundation of sound American values 
and a strong work ethic to communities all across our nation. When you 
get right down to it, they are good people who work read hard to make a 
living and raise their families.
  There's more, much more, to say about our farmers, though. The 
American family farmer is the most successful and efficient farmer in 
the world. Our agricultural industry feeds and clothes more people than 
any other system of agriculture on the planet. The American farmer is 
one of America's greatest success stories. They have excelled through 
the best and worst of times.
  Our farmers fed a hungry nation during the Great Depression, 
sustained our great army during World War II. And, when the soldiers 
came home, our farmers went to work with new and dynamic technologies 
and machinery. They have helped feed, clothe, fuel and grow our economy 
without ever looking back.
  We cannot turn our backs on our farmers when they need our help. We 
cannot afford too.
  Our farmers and ranchers are feeling financial and emotional stress. 
Prices of commodities have been spiraling downward over the past year. 
Many of our farm families have seen prices for their hard work hit 
decade lows over the recent months. We must continue to act in support 
of our American farm families.
  Let's fight for the farmers as they work to meet the demands of the 
EPA. Let's give them the time and support they need in the Farm Quality 
Protection Act.
  Let's continue supporting the Conservation Reserve Program. 
Mississippi's very own Jamie Whitten realized this monumental piece of 
legislation that has added millions of acres in needed pine trees. This 
program needs our continued support. Dairy Farmers in Mississippi and 
across America need the USDA to enact Option 1A. Let me say that again. 
America's Dairy Farmers need option 1A and I urge the USDA to do the 
right thing.
  Let's support our farmers because they support us everyday.

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