[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

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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.