Direction for Appropriators
May 13, 2005
May 13, 2005 -- The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) joined other agricultural organizations this week in communications to both U.S. Senators and Representatives. The letters addressed the following issues:
- A coalition asked for continued support for maintaining and strengthening funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture?s export programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program in the fiscal year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. It was requested that both MAP and FMD be funded at no less than $200 million and $34.5 million, respectively, as authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. ASI utilizes the MAP funding as a means of cost-sharing international marketing and promotional activities, while the FMD funds are utilized to identify new markets or uses for U.S. products.
- Correspondence to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee opposed increases in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). The opposition is based on concerns that such a federal mandate will have a negative impact on consumers and translate directly into a narrower choice of vehicles for America?s farmers and ranchers, who depend on affordable and functional light trucks to perform the daily rigors of farm and ranch work. The groups stated that they ?cannot support standards that increase the purchase price of trucks, while decreasing horsepower, towing capacity and torque.?
<< Back