Degrading the structure of the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program sends a signal to producers that protecting against higher input costs and the increased production risks is not a priority of the 2007 Farm Bill.

VGPA was joined by six other state grain grower associations urging Congress and the 2007 farm bill conference committee to commit to a strong structure for the ACRE program option.These organizations support a strong ACRE program in order to make it a viable revenue-based safety net for producers. Our producers are concerned that the program will be rendered useless if it does not provide basic provisions such as offering the ACRE program next year instead of waiting until 2010.With an insufficient structure, ACRE offers no better protection than traditional programs and will not be an option that our producers can wisely choose.

Members of the VGPA understand the complexity involved in providing for a fiscally sound farm bill that also provides effective protection for agricultural producers. However, a strong, reformed Title I program such as the ACRE will provide the protection and stability with a responsible price tag. While grain markets strengthen, producers still need good policy that provides programs in order for Virginia’s producers to continue to meet the challenges facing agriculture.

Virginia’s producers continue to feel the pinch from the increases in input costs and weather-related disasters. The 2007 farm bill policy needs to provide a safety net to solidly support our producers but only when they need it the most. Visit our website to read our farm bill letter in its entirety.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Politics, Economy/Budget, Energy/Environment .