[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             THE FARM BILL

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I rise to highlight for my colleagues how 
Congress now has a critical opportunity to support the competitiveness 
and prosperity of American agriculture. We need to move the farm bill 
forward. It is fitting that this week marks the 150th anniversary of 
the founding of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal 
Department solely dedicated to meeting the needs of America's farmers, 
ranchers, and rural communities.
  Agriculture is at the heart of Colorado's history and cultural 
fabric. It also continues to be one of our most significant economic 
drivers. At a time when many sectors are struggling to find growth, 
Colorado farmers and ranchers are more productive than ever, finding 
innovative ways to harness growing consumer demand for agricultural 
products both at home and in overseas markets.
  As evidence of this success, agriculture is the one sector of the 
U.S. economy that boasts a trade surplus. During the first 2 months of 
2012, Colorado exports of agricultural products grew by 25 percent over 
the same period in 2011, led by an 80-percent increase in dairy 
exports. This good news comes on the heels of several consecutive years 
of double-digit increases in Colorado agriculture exports.
  The USDA is part of this success story. Colorado farmers and ranchers 
work closely with local USDA employees to support the productivity of 
their operations and to maintain the health of their land and water 
resources. It is a vital partnership. And with expiration looming on 
many programs important to Colorado agriculture, I can think of no 
better way to commemorate the USDA's 150th anniversary than by 
reauthorizing the farm bill.
  Over the last several months, the Senate and House committees on 
agriculture have come together to craft a bipartisan farm bill that not 
only provides America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities with 
the tools they need to keep growing but also makes a significant 
contribution toward important national deficit reduction goals. The 
farm bill passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee makes very 
significant progress in simplification, accountability, and taxpayer 
savings.
  Using feedback I received from over 20 listening sessions statewide, 
I worked to secure Colorado's top farm bill priorities. In particular, 
I am encouraged by the farm bill's revamped conservation title. It 
maintains vital authorities for land and water protection while also 
consolidating over 20 existing conservation programs to provide 
producers and landowners with much needed flexibility.
  I also strongly support efforts by the Senate Agriculture Committee 
to strengthen the Federal crop insurance program. Time and time again, 
Colorado farmers have told me that affordable crop insurance is the 
single most important risk management tool the USDA can provide to 
producers for addressing today's economic and ecological challenges.
  According to Colorado State University, agriculture contributes $40 
billion toward the State economy annually. Of course, the benefits of a 
strong farm economy extend far beyond the farm. It means stronger 
energy, transportation, and retail sectors. It also allows us to 
provide food assistance to the most vulnerable populations at home and 
in countries suffering from famine due to drought and conflict.
  In short, reauthorizing the farm bill is one the most important 
things this Congress can do to provide farmers and ranchers with the 
certainty they need to plan for the future. It will help to keep rural 
America growing and thriving, and it will help to invigorate an economy 
just now getting back on its feet. Acting on this legislation during 
USDA's 150th year would make the accomplishment even better.

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