FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- The House Agriculture Committee passed a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) bill today which allows for one year contracts on wheat, barley, and oat land to producers whose land qualified under the new CRP sign-up rules and who placed bids with USDA. The new contracts would be available regardless of USDA acceptance of the bid. An amendment by Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) would allow any producer with CRP contracts expiring September 30,1997 to terminate their contract after June 30, without any penalties.
"I have been very frustrated with the new CRP rules," Peterson said. "The latest sign-up was very confusing with several complicated regulations and criteria. Many producers don't know what the affects of the new program will be. This bill offers limited one year contracts to those farmers who placed bids under the new rules. If producers weren't successful they can get in and work their land early without a penalty."
"There are many questions out there," Peterson added. "Farmers are facing flooding conditions now and a late planting season later this spring. If we can pass this bill and get it signed by the President it will start to offer some needed help."
The bill is expected to be voted on by the full House later next week. The Senate expects to consider the measure soon.