The following message is forwarded from Rural UPdates.

1 AGRIBUSINESS LOBBY THREATENS SENATE FARM
BILL GAINS

This week, as Senate and House conference committee members
get ready to debate the final Farm Bill, committee staff members
have been busy identifying disagreements in policy areas.   After
this initial "walk through" it is evident that many important
conservation and pro-family farm provisions won in the Senate face
uncertain futures.  Opposition, particularly from the agribusiness
lobby in the House of Representatives threatens to erode benefits
gained in conservation and competitive practices.   Issues that need
continued support are: commodities payment limitations, EQIP
provisions, the packer ownership ban and a suite of conservation
incentive initiatives.  It's not too late to take action and CALLS
ARE STILL NEEDED to preserve these important measures in the
Farm Bill!

To learn what you can do visit: www.familyfarmer.org/signon.pdf

2.  STRONG SUPPORT FOR SENATE CONSERVATION AND
ENERGY TITLES

In an amazing and timely response over 300 organizations from 47
states and the District of Columbia signed onto a letter to Farm Bill
conferees asking them to adopt, in full, the Senate versions of the
Conservation and Energy titles.   This diverse array of groups,
representing environmentalists, family farmers, hunters, clean
energy advocates, and religious and community activists, told
House and Senate conferees that "Passage of the Senate titles will
not only improve environmental protection, energy security, and
natural resource conservation, but will also provide significant new
income streams for farmers and ranchers and rural communities."
This effort solidly demonstrates the power that diverse allied
grassroots and national groups have shown in forcing
improvements in conservation and farmer incentives in the next
Farm Bill.  As final negotiations proceed it remains to be seen
whether the House conferees and the White House will listen.

To view the letter and groups signed on by state, visit:
http://www.familyfarmer.org/22602.html


Erin Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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