Extend the Current Farm Bill?

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns opposes extension of the current farm bill beyond 2007, citing WTO concerns and the need to move U.S. farming policy away from costly subsidies.

Does this mean a brand new bill is likely in 2007?

Some farm policy observers are expressing doubts. One of them is Fred Clark, vice president and general counsel for Cornerstone Government Affairs in Washington. In political terms, Clark says, the 2007 bill is “still light years away.”

The Senate hasn’t done anything on the bill, and the house has just now begun field hearings.

With off-year elections in 2007 and the presidential election in 2008, Clark says federal lawmakers may find it politically feasible to extend the current bill.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at February 22, 2006 04:43 PM | TrackBack