[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 183 (Monday, December 8, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IDAHO BARLEY COMMISSION 20TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, it is an honor for me to recognize 
the 20th anniversary of the Idaho Barley Commission, IBC, this year. 
Barley is grown in almost every county in Idaho, and Idaho ranks second 
in the Nation in barley production. The IBC has been working for 
growers for two decades, providing current trends, information and 
educational opportunities to those in the barley industry and 
representing the concerns and needs of barley growers to policymakers 
in Idaho and here in Washington.
  The IBC plays an integral role in fostering markets at home and 
abroad in Taiwan and Japan and is currently developing malting barley 
markets in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia and through the U.S. Grain 
Council. It helps ensure that growers' voices are heard in issues like 
Federal farm policy, Federal malt barley crop insurance, pesticide 
regulations and irrigation. The IBC is working with the University of 
Idaho to establish farm business management schools and provides 
services to growers that include helping farmers optimize herbicide 
usage, boost yields, and cut irrigation costs. The IBC supports 
research on barley breeding, pest management, and extension nurseries.
  The IBC has a successful history of working in conjunction with the 
National Barley Growers Association, the National Barley Foods Council, 
the U.S. Grains Council, and the Idaho Grain Growers Association. This 
important collaboration helps keep elected officials informed about 
their members' needs, policies that work, and those in need of 
improvement. This partnership has been invaluable to me as I continue 
to work with IBC to address the needs of an important part of Idaho's 
agriculture economy.
  Congratulations to the IBC on 20 years of support for one of Idaho's 
most widespread commodities. A healthy barley industry keeps Idaho 
thriving and contributes to our Nation's economy and food 
security.

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