CONGRESSMAN
COLLIN C. PETERSON

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Citing problems associated with USDA Secretary Veneman’s implementation of the Farm Bill, Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn) called for the Secretary to step up efforts in carrying out these changes to the new legislation and has asked for Congressional oversight hearings to determine the cause for delay.

“This is not what Congress intended when we put this bill together,” Peterson said. “I’m frustrated that Secretary Veneman has not made this process more of a priority.”

Peterson cited complaints from farmers who were not able to use easily accessible records such as Loan Deficiency Payment or crop insurance information to update their crop yield data for the new program. Livestock producers in particular have been impacted by the inflexible system. Peterson did acknowledge and was pleased that some flexibility recently was returned to the program after nationwide pressure on the Secretary.

The dairy safety net payment program also has suffered delays and implementation problems. For example, mid-size dairies have been penalized by the inability to choose the timing of their payments. Efforts are underway to convince Secretary Veneman to allow the full flexibility and support to dairy producers that Congress intended when voting in favor of the Farm Bill.

“The program was set up to provide assistance to small and mid-size dairy farms at times when prices are low,” Peterson said. “It is unfortunate that with milk prices being so low right now that the Secretary is still trying to get the program going.”

Peterson noted that despite the Administration’s delays, the state and county USDA officials have worked very hard to get this process going. “The Minnesotans working with our farmers every day have done tremendous work,” Peterson said. “I appreciate their efforts to help us correct some of the challenges we’re facing during the implementation process.”

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