Center for Rural Affairs calls on Rep. Nussle to support independent farmers over mega farm operations

-- from the desk of Russ Gifford, Director Communication & Development
Center for Rural Affairs

March 11, 2005

(Lyons, NE) – Yesterday it was reported that Iowa Rep. Jim Nussle, the Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee, said he’d work to ensure there were no cuts in the commodity support programs.

"This means Mr. Nussle will fight payment limitation reforms to reduce subsidies for mega farms to drive family farms out of business," said Chuck Hassebrook, executive director of the non-profit Center for Rural Affairs.

“If he prevails," said Hassebrook, "the result will be deep cuts in rural development programs that offer a future to rural Iowa; deep cuts in the Value Added Producer Grants Program that supports initiatives by family farmers to earn income from the market; and deep cuts in conservation programs that reward farmers for protecting the soil and water. All so Mr. Nussle can keep the six-figure checks flowing to mega farms to subsidize them while they drive their neighbors out of business. That approach will destroy family farming and further undermine rural communities across Iowa.”

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Established in 1973 the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Lyons, Nebraska. The Center works to strengthen family farms and ranches, small businesses, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.