<b>By DAVE BLOWER JR.<br>
Farm World Editor</b> </p><p>

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2002 farm bill received another extension, but President Bush set a hard deadline of April 18 for Congress to settle the policy debate.<br>
“This legislation to extend current farm programs will provide more time for Congress to reach an agreement,” the President explained. “If a final agreement is not reached by April 18, I call on Congress to extend current law for at least one 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.”<br>
However, along with the deadline, Bush also said the threat of a veto is likely if Congress sends him a bill that will cause a tax increase.<br>
“My Administration has been eager to work with Congress,” Bush said. “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.<br>
“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.”<br>
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) said the extension will keep U.S. farm and nutrition programs going until a new farm bill is completed.<br>
“We continue to make progress on the farm bill,” Harkin said. “Talks continue on a bipartisan basis between Senate and House negotiators and each day brings us closer to resolution. Although a new bill is within reach, Congress needs more time to reach agreement and obtain the necessary cooperation from the White House.”<br>
The President said his goal is to adopt a new policy that is consistent with the current farm economy, and one that also represents the needs of producers expressed in a series of listening sessions that took place across the country in 2006. “Today’s farm economy is very strong, and Congress should not miss this opportunity to reform current farm programs, Bush noted. “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.”<br>
Farm and producer groups are still holding onto their policy agendas. The Ohio Farmers Union lists the implementation of mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) as a primary concern for the next farm bill.<br>
“We urge Congress and the (Bush) Administration to give USDA a farm bill that works for the benefit of producers and rural America,” OFU President Roger Wise said. “We are heartened that many of the provisions in the (proposed) farm bill have been recommended by (the National) Farmers Union including mandatory country-of-origin labeling, permanent disaster assistance, expanded renewable energy title, livestock competition title and conservation and nutrition.”<br>
The National Corn Growers Assoc. (NCGA) continues to lobby for commodity revenue protection. “It is vital that the new farm bill adapts to the greater risk and volatility in the market,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “NCGA urges its members to educate their congressional delegation during the spring recess on the benefits of an optional revenue-based program using personal examples of how this program protects against reduced revenue.”<br>
The Iowa Farm Bureau is frustrated by yet another delay. “We are disappointed that no agreement on the 2008 Farm Bill has been reached, but it’s better to wait one month for a good bill than stand behind a bad one,” said Craig Lang, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “We are urging legislators to use this time to work past their differences and give farmers the protection they deserve. Farmers need to know their government supports them, and they need that reassurance before they get back into the fields.”<br>
On Friday, Congress begins its two-week Easter recess, returning March 31, perhaps adding to the stress of the April 18 deadline. For many groups, though, the extension does allow for business to continue uninterrupted.<br>
“The extension of the 2002 farm bill provides a continuation of all programs, including the wool loan deficiency program, through the April 18 deadline,” said Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry.<br>
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) believes the extension is a “missed opportunity” for reform.<br>
“Both the House and Senate versions of the farm bill make a strong investment in specialty crops and their priorities,” the SCFBA said in a statement released last week. We believe that this extension represents a missed opportunity to move agriculture into the 21st Century and make federal farm policy more equitable for all of agriculture.<br>
“It is imperative that Congressional leaders and the Administration continue working during this extension to craft legislation that recognizes our priorities, including improving nutrition, enhancing research capabilities, eradicating invasive pests and diseases and increasing state competitiveness projects that focus on food safety and increasing consumption of specialty crops.”<br>
Many federal lawmakers are looking forward to the end of the debate.<br>
“I look forward to a farm bill that will benefit Hoosier farmers and agri-businesses because they need the certainty in the market place,” said Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.).<br>