Background Information

Just prior to the Christmas recess a Republican led filibuster in the Senate blocked passage of the Agriculture Committee' farm bill.

As further decreasing farm prices meet the budget shortages of 2002 this spells trouble for supporters of conservation and family farm agriculture.

Now, with the new budget austerity, certain Senators and the White House will argue that money be directed towards traditional commodities payments in ways that exploit international trade rules. In other words, more of the same failed Freedom To Farm Policy that is devastating family farmers and the environment. A challenge lays ahead in the coming months as Congress reconvenes in late January and begins again the farm bill reauthorization process.

Senators that are supporting efforts to improve farm policy and conservation are up against strong odds and will need a lot of grassroots support in the coming election year.

During Senate recess over the next few weeks, it is extremely important to get word out in local newspapers via letters to the editors thanking the Senators who supported this bill. They will need support in the coming months, and it's a good idea to start right now getting them positive recognition.

Please take a moment a look over the sample letter to the editor we have created for your use.