FYI, Attached is a letter I sent to the DM Register. If anyone wishes to
adapt the letter and send it to your local newspaper, you are welcome to
use it. Note that the editorial written by Ganske that is referenced in the
third paragraph ran in the Des Moines Register.

Eric G. Hurley

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To the editor:

The 2002 Farm Bill introduced a visionary new conservation program called
the Conservation Security Program. The program is designed to reward good
land stewardship and provide public environmental benefits -- paying
landowners for practices which prevent soil erosion, enhance wildlife,
protect the ground and surface water, keep our air clean, and conserve
energy. Additionally, this type of "green payment" is consistent with our
commitments to the World Trade Organization and is thus the blueprint for
future farm programs.

Credit for this program goes to Senator Harkin who authored the legislation
and ushered it through the Senate and the Conference Committee.
Unfortunately, enabling legislation is only part of the battle. Senator
Harkin, as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is needed to make
sure that the program is implemented and that technical standards are
adequate to meet conservation goals.

Representative Ganske supported the House farm bill which lacked both
strong conservation provisions and adequate conservation funding. He then
opposed the final farm bill citing, in part, his opposition to the
Conservation Security Program (Farm bill fails Iowa interests, May 4, 2002).

Representative Ganske lacks both the commitment and the political stature
to provide leadership for the agricultural conservation programs Iowa
needs. We need Senator Harkin's continued leadership in the Senate.

Eric G. Hurley
523 Northwestern Ave #1
Ames IA 50010
515-232-2568
Daytime: 515-294-9602

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