Mike Johanns Farmers Quotations

We are doing everything we can to help our Gulf Coast producers recover from the affects of Hurricane Katrina, ... The assistance announced today is an important component of USDA's efforts and our commitment to help farmers and ranchers rebuild their operations.

This report will provide the first USDA assessment of the effects of Hurricane Katrina on our farmers and ranchers, ... While it will take some time to determine the full impact of both the hurricane and drought, this report will give us some insight into the extent of the damage.

I'm pleased that USDA can offer assistance to farmers and ranchers who have sustained losses from Hurricane Katrina, ... This agriculture disaster designation will enable eligible producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from USDA to help cover their losses. This announcement is a part of our commitment to help farmers and ranchers to rebuild their operations.

Approximately 16 million acres subject to CRP contracts expire in 2007. Fulfilling President Bush's directive to allow eligible farmers and ranchers to re-enroll or extend their CRP contracts helps ensure that the quality of soil, water, air and wildlife benefits of CRP continue across the nation for years to come.

I describe the current farm bill as perhaps the most high-risk approach we could take for our nation's farmers and ranchers in the future, ... Some have expressed concern about giving up what is considered to be the current safety net. I ask you to contemplate the purpose of a safety net, and whether current farm programs truly fulfill that purpose for American agriculture.