2002 Farm Bill Gets Another Extension

March 14, 2008 - The U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives agreed to extend the expiration date of the 2002 Farm Bill to April 18. The law originally expired on Sept. 30, 2007, with the current extension set to expire on March 15. The extension is aimed to give lawmakers more time to get a broad agreement on spending levels and funding sources for the next Farm Bill.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (Iowa) stated, "This short-term extension will ensure America's farm and nutrition programs continue until the new Farm Bill is completed."

However, he said if the new bill is not passed by April 18, it likely would lead to a one-year extension of the 2002 Farm Bill.

On Friday, Congress begins its two-week Easter recess, returning March 31.

"The extension of the 2002 Farm Bill provides a continuation of all programs, including the wool loan deficiency program, through the April 18 deadline," commented Peter Orwick, executive director for the American Sheep Industry Association.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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