Senator Votes for Farm Bill Reform
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., today praised the Senate’s passage of the agriculture reforms contained in the 2007 Farm Bill. The bill contains several provisions sponsored by Senator Barrasso which directly benefit Wyoming agriculture.
Barrasso successfully added an amendment to promote veterinary drug research at the University of Wyoming , and other state colleges across the country. The provision would authorize the Minor Use Animal Drug Program which carries out valuable research for the sheep industry.
“This amendment is a victory for the sheep industry in Wyoming , and I am proud it has been included in this bill. The amendment is important to keeping Wyoming ’s 900 sheep producers competitive in the world market."
Barrasso also co-sponsored legislation to allow shipment of Wyoming beef and lamb products to other states. The provision was included in the final bill.
“ Wyoming ’s state inspection program is more stringent than the federal program, and yet we have faced a limit on our product for years. Eliminating this restriction will help spur new small business opportunities for Wyoming ranchers.”
The Farm bill also mandates the implementation of country-of-origin labeling to help American farmers and ranchers market their products.
“Our producers deserve the opportunity to label their product ‘born and raised in the USA .’ Consumers demand it and will buy it.”
In addition, the legislation provides for the expansion of current conservation programs. Barrasso co-sponsored an amendment guaranteeing funding for Wyoming ’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
“These programs are working in Wyoming ,” Barrasso added. “ Wyoming producers have implemented 2,881 EQIP contracts over the past five years, and protected 34,000 acres in our state through the Grassland Reserve Program.”
“I am pleased that the Farm bill passed by the Senate today contains significant reforms that will directly benefit Wyoming ’s farmers and ranchers,” Barrasso said. “The reforms enacted in this bill are long overdue. They will go a long way to ensuring the continued vitality of Wyoming ’s agriculture industry.”
