    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 13, 2008]
    [Pages 369-370]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Farm Legislation
    March 13, 2008

        The Congress has agreed on legislation to extend current farm
    programs to April 18, 2008. I will sign this legislation to avoid
    serious disruptions that might result if the current law is allowed to
    expire without a responsible farm bill enacted in its place. Farmers and
    ranchers deserve to know the structure of policies that affect their
    day-to-day business activities, and right now they face uncertainty.
        Throughout this process, my goal has been and remains to sign a good
    farm bill. Over 1 year ago, following listening sessions across the
    Nation, the Department of Agriculture unveiled a reform-minded and
    fiscally responsible approach to supporting

    [[Page 370]]

    America's farmers and ranchers. My proposal would provide agriculture
    producers with a safety net that better targets benefits and provides
    funding for emerging priorities. Today's farm economy is very strong,
    and Congress should not miss this opportunity to reform current farm
    programs.
        My administration has been eager to work with Congress. We have
    offered legislative language and a list of potential spending offsets to
    ensure Congress does not increase taxes. And while insisting on
    significant program reforms, we have demonstrated flexibility on how to
    achieve real reform. I have also made it clear that any final farm bill
    that includes a tax increase or does not include reform will be met with
    a veto. These negotiations have taken place in good faith with the goal
    of reaching a final agreement that meets the needs of farmers and enjoys
    the support of America's taxpayers.
        This legislation to extend current farm programs will provide more
    time for Congress to reach an agreement. If a final agreement is not
    reached by April 18, I call on Congress to extend current law for at
    least 1 year. While long-term extension of current law is not the
    desired outcome, I believe the Government has a responsibility to
    provide America's farmers and ranchers with a timely and predictable
    farm program, not multiple short-term extensions of current law. Without
    a predictable policy, agriculture producers will be unable to make sound
    business decisions with respect to this year's crop.
        I am eager to sign a farm bill that provides a safety net for
    farmers, includes significant farm program reform similar to the
    administration's farm bill proposal, and does not include tax increases.
    I have made clear the framework of an agreement that will garner my
    signature and urge Congress to pass a bill that meets these criteria.

    Note: The statement referred to S. 2745.