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| Local Farmer Asks Congress Not to Cut Direct Payments |
FIRST REPORTED 3pm 3/24/12, BROADCAST LIVE ON WGIL An Altona farmer and panelist at Friday's Farm Bill Field Hearing in Galesburg says he supports eliminating the nation's debt, but not direct payments to farmers.
David Erickson testified before the U-S House Ag Committee at Carl Sandburg College Friday morning. He says Congress has a difficult road ahead in developing a new farm bill this spring.
While he's all for federal spending cuts, Erickson says maintaining direct payments for farmers can effectively help in restoring the national economy.
"Without the assistance of any other government program, we invested these direct payments back into our farming operation to reduce soil erosion, improve drainage, limit nutrient run-off, and manage prices," Erickson said. "We made effective use of those dollars, and tax payers reap the rewards, with a safe, abundant, (and) low cost supply of food and fiber."
Erickson also urged congress to continue to support foreign trade agreements and other initiatives that provide increased access for U-S agriculture.
A new farm bill is generally passed by Congress every five years and covers funding for food assistance, marketing, and rural development policies, among other things.
17th District Congressman Bobby Schilling has a seat on the House Ag Committee and recommended Galesburg as a site for the second of four nationally held field hearings.
(Photo courtesy Tricia Braid, Illinois Corn Growers Association).
(WGIL Photo by Rick Heath, Story by Kyle Schassburger). |
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| 03 23 12 by Newsroom |
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