[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 36 (Monday, March 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2856-S2857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, in my home State of South Dakota 
and across America, hardworking men and women tirelessly contribute to 
the production of our Nation's food supply. These men and women 
consistently preserve the safety and wholesomeness of the commodities 
they produce, ensuring America's food security and contributing 
substantially to our overall well-being. During National Agriculture 
Week, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate our 
Nation's farmers for producing plentiful and healthful harvests, and in 
the face of so many challenges.
  While agriculture can be a very rewarding endeavor, a farmer 
experiences myriad challenges outside of their control which affect 
their bottom line. Regardless of commodity or region, today's family 
farmer is affected by weather conditions, market concentration, 
fluctuating prices, uncertain foreign markets, and an ever-changing 
landscape in the agricultural industry. Family farms in my home State 
of South Dakota, and across America, not only labor to produce our 
Nation's food supply, but also to preserve our rural heritage. 
Agriculture is an economic

[[Page S2857]]

engine that runs our rural communities, and it is an essential 
component of a stable and productive America.
  Despite these challenges, I am hopeful for our Nation's producers and 
believe that several factors, including our farmers' own persistence 
and dedication, will contribute to their future successes in the 
industry. While we continue to struggle with budgetary constraints, I 
do believe that we will be successful in ensuring that money is 
allocated for small and medium-sized producers. We must make certain 
that our Nation's family farms, which comprise the majority of 
producers, have sufficient access to agriculture funds. The adoption of 
an amendment to this year's Budget Resolution, which I supported, would 
alter payment limitations and cap excessive compensation to large 
farms. This money would instead be channeled toward worthwhile and 
essential conservation and development programs, which are beneficial 
to producers in South Dakota and across the Nation.
  I also believe that fair trade is necessary to ensure our farmers get 
a fair deal and a fair price for their product. Too often, the market 
price a farmer receives for his or her product doesn't reflect the 
financial and personal investment that a producer makes during the 
growing season and throughout the year. I am confident that new 
opportunities, like the recently announced trade with China involving 
quality South Dakota wheat, will open new doors and foster additional 
opportunities. I also believe that increasing awareness of the negative 
impacts of some trade agreements, including the Free Trade Agreement 
with Australia, will aid us in developing a firm base to oppose such 
measures and encourage more productive trading possibilities.
  Lastly, I am confident that Country of Origin Labeling, COOL, will 
greatly benefit our agriculture economy, in addition to increasing 
consumer confidence and choice. While opponents of the COOL labeling 
provision were successful in delaying implementation of the law for 2 
years, American consumers and producers remain incredibly supportive of 
mandatory labeling. Every consumer public opinion survey confirms that 
consumers would pay a modestly higher price for beef if they were 
certain it was American beef. I contacted the United States Department 
of Agriculture, USDA, in December, requesting clarification of the 
department's interpretation of the language delaying implementation of 
COOL. While I strongly oppose this delay, I also believe the department 
needs to clarify the rulemaking process. The USDA's response to my 
inquiries was vague and unclear, which I find unsatisfactory. I intend 
to seek clarification of the rule pertaining to the delay while also 
actively working on opportunities to speed up implementation of this 
law. Along with my colleague Senator Tom Daschle, I am pleased to have 
worked so extensively on this initiative, and I am confident in the 
future of this quality provision.
  America's farmers produce quality products, which are recognized the 
world-over. It is essential that we function as a united team to 
promote these products in today's ever-changing agricultural 
environment, and ensure that family farmers in South Dakota and across 
the nation are recognized and adequately compensated for their 
substantial contributions.

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