Reject Kind-Flake Proposal

July 20, 2007 - As the House of Representatives considers the 2007 Farm Bill next week, a coalition representing America's farm and ranch families, asked that the House reject any amendments that would weaken current farm policy. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) added its name to a letter being distributed to members of Congress requesting the rejection of any amendments proposed by Reps. Ron Kind (Wisc.) and Jeff Flake (Ariz.).

"The Kind-Flake Farm Bill proposal would dismantle the farm safety net and put U.S. farmers and ranchers in an unfair competition against heavily subsidized foreign producers. Virtually all of our farmers, ranchers and producers would be financially harmed by even the most modest price drops if these proposals became law," stated the coalition.

"Sadly, the Kind-Flake scheme ignores the unparalleled success of the 2002 Farm Bill, which has saved American taxpayers $25 billion and ensures that we Americans continue to enjoy the world's safest and most affordable food supply. U.S. agriculture is an economic driver, employing 20 percent of the nation's workforce and contributing $3.5 trillion to the nation's economy annually-supportive policies should not be weakened.

"The Kind-Flake proposal-in any form-does not represent American farmers and we ask all Members of Congress to reject it," concluded the signators.

"This is a time where we call on sheep producers across the country to contact their representatives in Washington to stress the importance of the rejection of any amendments proposed by Kind or Flake," stated Peter Orwick, executive director for ASI.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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