[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 101 (Monday, July 9, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H4660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUGAR, RICE, AND SOYBEAN INDUSTRY SUPPORT

  (Mr. BOUSTANY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, as the House Agriculture Committee 
considers farm bill legislation, I rise in strong support of 
responsible policies for all of our agriculture producers, especially 
the sugar, rice, and soybean industries.
  Our no-cost sugar program has kept sugar supplies stable in this 
country, while allowing for industry expansion under the 2008 farm 
bill.
  Last week, the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce passed a 
resolution highlighting the critical importance of the sugar industry 
to south Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I will enter it into the Congressional 
Record later.
  The sugar industry contributes $3.5 billion annually to Louisiana's 
economy, while supplying more than 16,000 jobs.
  I'm pleased to see the chairman's initial draft language also 
includes multiple risk management options benefiting south Louisiana 
rice and soybean farmers. The chairman recognizes that a one-size-fits-
all policy for our Nation's diverse agricultural economy is not 
feasible. I applaud their effort to work with all commodity groups to 
come up with an excellent final product in this farm bill.
  As the farm bill moves forward in the House, I urge my colleagues to 
support policies that will work for all agriculture producers--not just 
some, but all--including Louisiana farmers.

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