From staff reports

&t;br&gt It is almost unthinkable that in a booming economy, farmers often cannot make enough to cover their cost of production.

Thursday, October 14, 1999

It is almost unthinkable that in a booming economy, farmers often cannot make enough to cover their cost of production.

As $8.7 billion in federal farm aid moves toward farmers, it is also worth noting that the current aid package is little more than a high-priced bandage tacked over a serious wound.

Three years after Congress passed the Freedom to Farm Act with its market-oriented farm policy, the market is not being kind to farmers. Today, a more pragmatic approach to farm policy is needed, one that combines a variety of approaches to making farming a viable living.

For example, today, the federal government insures luxury beach front homes against hurricanes, and riverfront properties against floods. These seem foolish when compared to the need to protect the nation’s food supply.

What can Congress do? Revamping the crop insurance program to better help farmers weather difficult times may be a first step. Expanding exports is probably another.

Most important, Congress must hold meaningful, nonpartisan debate on the problems facing farming.

While government aid is necessary, given that the government has had a hand to play in creating agriculture’s current predicament, it is not a solution.

The state of Minnesota is doing its part by providing tax relief – $122 million – and by aggressively pushing for federal action; in fact, Gov. Ventura and Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson helped push Congress to open the way for a fairer national new dairy policy.

It is time the federal government took an equally productive approach to helping all farmers.