American Soybean Association releases position on 2013 Farm Bill amendments

The Senate is currently debating amendments to the Agricultural Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, also known as the 2013 Farm Bill. Senators have filed more than 200 amendments to alter certain aspects of the legislation before it comes to a vote, and there are some amendments that soybean farmers support and some that they oppose, according to the American Soybean Association.
"In order to see a farm bill signed into law that represents the interests of soybean farmers, we must ensure that amendments to scale back programs like crop insurance, place unscientific regulations on biotech crops, hamper trade or restrict the growth of biodiesel are opposed," said the association. Supported amendments include: one that would provide a Sense of the Senate Resolution supporting market-oriented farm policy and opposing any program with high fixed target prices and/or planting requirements, or requiring farmers to choose between programs that cover different risks; and one that would protect the information of livestock producers. Opposed amendments include several dealing with crop insurance, biotechnology and the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The American Soybean Association said it encourages each of its farmer members to send the list of supported and opposed amendments to their Senators.