WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Interreligious Taskforce on US Food Policy, a cooperative effort of 27 national Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and ecumenical agencies, recently voiced its support for new legislation to focus federal farm program benefits on small and moderate-sized family farms in testimony before the Agriculture Committee of the House of Representatives. Complementary program changes to reduce incentives for investment in farmland by non farm interest were also endorsed. Noting a disparity between policy goals and policy design and implementation, the Rev. George A. Chauncey, chair of the Task force, observed that, “In 1977, Congress reaffirmed its intention ‘to foster and encourage the family farm system of agriculture,’ yet the working of current tax rules and commodity and credit programs virtually assure the steady decline of that system ” In its latest position paper, “US Family Farm Policy Substance or Sealcrete can paint your farm buildings quickly and inexpensively... for * 'estimate HYDRAULIC AERIAL EQUIPMENT Attention Cage layer Operators MELHORN TRUCKING IS NOW EQUIPPED TO ★ LOAD ★ TRUCK ★ UNLOAD PULLETS WITH OUR NEW DOLLIE EQUIPMENT. 40 Donegal Springs Rd. Religious coalition urges farm law changes Rhetoric?,” the Taskforce directs its attention to the reauthonzation of the major farm programs in the omnibus food and agriculture bill now before the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The Taskforce recommends that new commodity program legislation make possible equitable returns to labor and investment but limit price support to a suf ficient volume of production to yield a labor and management income for each producing family equal to median family income or some other specified level. Nonfann investors, whether individual or corporate, should be ineligible for program benefits, according to the Taskforce. The position paper includes a report from “An Interrehgous Conference on Public Policy and the Structure of Agriculture” held last December, That group of 100 persons from 13 denominations and five ecumenical organizations agreed on a definition of family farms limited to those which combine risk-bearing, FOR MINIMUM STRESS & TOP EFFICIENCY Let Us Be Of Service To You! For More Information Phone; 717-653-1102 or 717-653-2787 Amos Gehman, Salesman Seal Crete, Inc. RD2, Ephrata, PA 717-859-1127 Monday - Friday 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. Ask For Lynn management, and a majority of farm’s labor within the members ot Uie operating t dimly. The conference endorsed changes in public policy which would actively encourage an agriculture based primarily on small and moderate-sized family farms. Don Reeves, a Nebraska farmer employed as a consultant by the Taskforce, pointed out that the Taskforce position both echoes and builds upon a major finding of the recent USDA study on the struc ture of agriculture. The final document of that study, entitled A Time To Choose, con cludes that virtually all ef ficiencies of size are reached on moderate-sized farms and that existing policies and programs which encourage further ex pansion and/or nonfann in vestment are both inflationary and an inefficient use of resources. The report calls for an end to federal subsidies “which en courage and even reward the acquisition and holding of far- Contact mland in quantities beyond that necessary for an efficient-sized production unit.” Reeves also called attention to a recent study on agricultural land ownership and community structure in California’s Central Valley. That study showed that declining rural communities are regularly associated with a predominance of large farms in the surrounding area, and even more closely correlated with ex tensive absentee ownership. The Taskforce has called on Congress to mandate a new research initiative to further ex plore the relationship between the Keystone Grange reports activities TEAPPE Keystone Grange has been busy with activities, awards & programs. State Master Charles E. Wismer keeps members informed about new happenings m Harrisburg. The grange is offering a full line of insurance to its members, local agent is Robert Gutshall, Collegeville. Also a food service is to begin shortly. The members enjoyed a dues paying covered dish dinner and. a recipe auction followed of favorite dishes. Top recipe sold for $1.55. The ways and means committee, headed by Mr. & Mrs, Wm. Gott shall have had an active schedule preparing & serving dinners to various organizations and families. Flowers and fruit are taken to sick and shut-ins by Mrs. Fred Rich. A new baby girl bom to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bullard of the Dewee’s Tavern, was welcomed. A group of active grangers headed by Walter Sauer, Fred Rich & Paul Dreibelbis redecorated the downstairs front apt. It is now occupied. Many Mt. Joy, PA 17552 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 21,1981—07 structure of agriculture and the vitality of rural communities, in diverse regions and for various types of farming. Concluded Reeves, “Our ' nation’s agricultural system, based primarily on resident family farms of modest size, has served us very well. It has proven ex tremely productive and con tributes a great deal to the life of many rural communities. “We can find no justification for policies for programs which even inadvertently encourage or sub sidize concentrated or absentee ownership of farmland. ” hours of work were put in on a voluntary basis. A Valentine program was presented in February along with a hobby night presented by Ms. Johanna Shetler Dr & Mrs. John Shetler of Trappe gave an in teresting Biblical slide show & lesson of Jesus’ homeland. Eleven new members were accepted. The annual sewing & stuffed toy contest is in progress; anyone can enter. Call Mrs. Charlotte Rosser for info. State Deputy Elmer Funk presented Mrs. Charlotte Rosser with a Women’s Activity Award. Member Mrs. Lois Stringer, a Plant Breeder with the Burpee Seed Co., appeared on location at the flower show via the AM Phila. TV Show. Refreshments were served by Ann Schrack, Charlotte Rosser, Rita Bryosteh & Dot Reed. A St. Patrick’s and Anniversary program was held March 17. Grange meets first and third Tuesdays during Lent. COIN BANKS WANTED! Private collector will buy old cast torn still and mechanical banks. Please call AC 612-474-5182 after 6:00 p.m. or write Arnie Hed, 3860 Lone Cedar Chaska, MN. 55318 MEMO HAY, STRAW & EAR CORN SALE EVERY MONDAY At 11 A.M, NEW HOLLAND SALES STABLES, INC. Phone 717-354-4341
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