From staff reports

Money is one thing.

Saturday, October 02, 1999

Money is one thing. Aid is another. The House just passed a federal farm relief package with a $8.7 billion price tag.

That’s money.

At the same time, many markets remain closed to U.S. farmers and other unfair restrictions are placed on those who raise our food.

That’s not helping.

Granted, times are tough for the American farmer. The federal relief is needed to pull them through current difficulties.

But, forethought is also needed at the nation’s Capitol.

It’s time to start thinking about the future of agriculture.

It’s time to start understanding how economic sanctions affect our farmers and producers and how other restrictions threaten the livelihood of millions.

While some restrictions are needed to keep our food safe and the land in good shape, others simply fall under the category of trying to micro-manage an industry.

With quality reforms in place, perhaps future bailouts wouldn’t be needed on such a large scale.