Washington, D.C., July 30, 2012 – American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl spoke out today in opposition of a one-year extension of the current farm bill and urged that a five-year farm bill be passed this year. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Administration has scheduled a meeting tomorrow to consider a rule for the floor consideration of a one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill.  

“Our goal remains clear: pass a fair and comprehensive five-year farm bill this year.  We will vigorously oppose an extension of the current act that does not appropriately set the stage for final action on a new, comprehensive, multi-year farm bill to be enacted yet this year. We also oppose the disproportionate cuts to conservation programs as a means of funding disaster assistance,” said Scholl.

Scholl commended the work of Senators Stabenow and Roberts and Congressmen Lucas and Petersen, along with the members of their respective agriculture committees, for the work they have done to advance practical and achievable reforms in farm and conservation policy.

“Their work has set the stage for the implementation of new and effective farm and ranch land protection programs in a manner that shares the sacrifice needed to get our nation’s budget in order,” he said. “We sincerely hope the momentum the agriculture committees have created in the face of great obstacles won’t be lost now as our farmers and ranchers, our farm and ranch land, and our nation faces such immediate and far-reaching challenges.”

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