Fed: American farmers make plea to pass farm bill

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2001
Fed: American farmers make plea to pass farm bill

American farmers have made a last ditch appeal to United States politicians to pass
a bill that will give them $340 billion in subsidies and protection.

Thirty-two organisations have signed a letter demanding the Senate pass the bill which
Australian farm groups and politicians have attacked.

Agriculture Minister WARREN TRUSS is in the US where he and Australian farm group representatives
have petitioned American politicians to water-down parts of the bill.

Under the bill, US farmers will get government payments for production, with many producers
expected to get up to 50 per cent of their annual income from American taxpayers.

But American farm groups, who are strongly backing the bill, want the legislation passed
by the end of the week.

Debate is continuing in the Senate, but the legislation is expected to be passed with
only minor amendments.

AAP RTV sw/daw/rp

KEYWORD: US TRADE (CANBERRA)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.