Balance Funding Cuts

Organizations representing U.S. agriculture producers and industries sent a letter to the members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressing concern with H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY2011. While the organizations applaud the effort to decrease discretionary spending, there is concern that agriculture is being required to absorb a disproportionate amount of the discretionary cuts.

The CR would cut $5.21 billion, or 22.4 percent, from agriculture-related programs and operating budgets during the remaining seven months of FY2011. This is more than double the 10.3 percent cut proposed in overall non-defense discretionary spending.

Given the importance that agriculture plays in America's food security and economic recovery, it is unclear how such disproportionate cuts are warranted or wise. The signators of the letter strongly encouraged Congress to reconsider the balance of funding cuts for the remainder of FY2011.

The American Sheep Industry, along with more than 30 other national and state agricultural groups, supported this cause by signing the letter.