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NCGA
Sees Positives in FY 2003 Federal Budget (2-6-02)
The
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraged by President
Bush's proposed $2.13 trillion FY 2003 Federal Budget released Monday.
"The
budget signals a strong commitment to full farm bill funding this year,"
said NCGA Director of Public Policy Hayden Milberg. "With action
on the Farm Bill expected later this week, Congress must work to complete
action on the 2002 Farm Bill as soon as possible to ensure the long-term
profitability and viability of agriculture in the U.S. The President's
budget restates the Administrations commitment to the U.S. farmer and
Congress should follow suit."
"Furthermore,
while there is a slight decrease in the overall funding levels for USDA,
we are encouraged by the Administration's commitment to several important
programs such as trade. The budget provides more than $5.8 billion for
international trade programs.
"By
fully funding programs like the Market Access and Cooperator programs,
the President recognizes the importance of trade to the vitality of
U.S. agriculture. This recognition of critical trade issues further
emphasizes the need for the Senate to pass Trade Promotion Authority
(TPA)," he emphasized. "Without it, U.S. agriculture will
be left behind in the international marketplace. Ninety-six percent
of the world's potential customers for U.S. corn and corn products live
outside the United States. TPA will provide the leverage our nation
needs to negotiate the best possible trade agreements to keep U.S. agriculture
competitive."
The
budget also recognizes the importance of a safe and secure food supply
through increased resources for homeland security, noted Milberg.
Needed
investments are provided in important research priorities NCGA supports,
he concluded. For example, the FY 2003 blueprint provides an increase
of $1 million for the Agriculture Vision/Industries of the Future program.
The Industries of the Future program supports cost-shared research to
improve energy efficiency and environmental performance. Also, the budget
provides $57.2 million for the Joint Genome Institute and $75 million
for the National Science Foundation/Plant Genome Research Program.
Last reviewed
February 6, 2002
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