832—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, January 22,1983 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Jease Helms, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, outlined priorities for the agricultural legislation for the first session of the 96th Congress. Helms said agricultural trade is his top priority for legislative initiatives in 1963. “We must be prepared to take unilateral action, if necessary, to induce the Japanese to reduce their trade barriers and the European Economic Community to eliminate their predatory agricultural export subsidies. The Agriculture Commute is currently preparing a package of legislative initiatives that would give the U.S. the tools to counter these predatory practices so as to bring the offending nations to the bargaining table.” A number of senators have in dicated they are considering legislative proposals to deal with trade problems, added Heims. Among the initiatives being considered, said Helms, are; .-legislation to require the ex port marketing of U.S. dairy surpluses; .-legislation requiring the use of proceeds of dairy product sales and funds from other sources for an export subsidy “equity” fund; -•the direct use of funds man dated for export enhancement under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1982; review of most-favored-nation trading status and eligibility for International Monetary Fund loans for export - subsidizing countries; and, .-an export ' payment-in-kind program. Helms has been an outspoken critic of EEC agricultural export practices over the years. Last year he authored an amendment to the Budget Reconciliation Act, later enacted by Congress, mandating the use of $175-1190 million for Soil conservation. a moral responsibility LANCASTER - Many farmers practice soil conservation because they feel a moral responsibility to leave the land better than they received it. Some nonresident farmowners follow the same ethic. However, research has shown that only about one-half as many nonresident owners practice good soil stewardship as compared to active farmers. “We realize that many nonresident owners look on land as a financial investment,” states Aaron Z. Stauffer, chairman of the Lancaster Con servation District. "Many do not realize that their investment can deteriorate if not properly maintained. ’ ’ Soil erosion is a natural occurrence, but it can take place too rapidly. Soil and water conserving practices on BREAKING MILK RECORPS! Lancaster Farming Carries OHIA Reports Each Month! Helms outlines Senate Ag Committee agenda export enhancement measures to counter the predatory practices of the EEC. In November, he was a Congressional spokesman at the Ministerial Conference of the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade in Geneva. The implementation of an ef fective domestic payment-in-kind program also ranks high in priority. “It is absolutely essential that we stop building government commodity stocks and start reducing our huge surpluses. Otherwise, farmers cannot expect to see farm prices that will cover their costs of production and allow them to earn a fair profit. The secretary of agriculture’s PIK proposal, announced by the president, is aimed at achieving these goals,” said Helms. A matter of overriding concern in all agricultural legislation will be its budgetary impact, said Helms. “In these times of massive federal deficits, it is incumbent farmland not only lowers soil erosion to a nondepleting level but also save the plant material nutrients. This saving maintains or improves the productive capacity, a capability of the land. This winter, the Lancaster County Conservation District is making a special effort to inform nonresident landowners of the need for protecting soil resources and the services available to correct the resource problems. Technical assistance is provided to all landowners and users by the USDA Soil Conservation Service through the con servation district program. Financial cost-sharing is available for some of the soil saving practices through the programs of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. 4k upon us to devise programs that provide effective protection for farmers without burdening the entire economy with higher deficits and higher taxes. The bottom line is this: effective agriculture policy must be fiscally responsible,” be stated. Helms said there are likely to be further changes made to the Food Stamp program during the budget process. These reforms will be designed to reduce the program’s susceptibility to fraud and abuse, provide greater State flexibility, and slow the overall growth in the program. Helms said he will continue to push for a mandatory workfare provision and voluntary block grants to States. Reforms in regulatory issues must also be considered, said Helms. He listed food safety and meat inspection rules as two areas that demand consideration. “Regulatory changes have not kept pace with the dramatic changes in our food processing The Concrete Choice of Farmers for 21 Years SMITH CATTLEGUARD® Farm Products The Smith Cattleguard - No. 1 in the country. Save the time and energy of opening and closing gates. 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Helms said other Committee senators may also have issues they would like to bring before the Committee. He cited in particular Sen. Roger Jepsen, who is pur suing reforms in the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977. -SS** IT* t A Freeze-Proof Waterer - No out side source of energy required to keep water Ice-free, even in sub zero temperatures Freeze Proof Waterers State i Bethel, Pa. 19507 The Agriculture Committee also will exercise continuing oversight of the Department of Agriculture and other agency programs that fall within its area of jurisdiction. Helms said subcommittee assignments will be made after Congress reconvenes and the Committee meets to reorganize and establish Committee rules. Helms welcomed new Com mittee member Sen. Pete Wilson of California. Wilson fills the spot vacated by retiring California Sen. S. I. Hayakawa. “I hope the senate Agriculture Committee will continue to work with the same bipartisan spirit of cooperation that has been the reason for our successes these past years," said Helms. “I have ap preciated the cooperation and hard work of Sen. Walter Huddleston, the ranking minority member of the Committee, and look forward to working with him and all of our colleagues in the upcoming session.” ' AH products feature: Durable Precast Concrete Steel Reinforcement Simple Installation Low Maintenance High Quality All products available from stock 12 Ft. Cattleguard *395 14 Ft. Cattleguard *425 16 Ft. Cattleguard *450 Fresze-Proof Waterer *250 F. 0.8. Plant I icensi'd K FAhl SFT* Industries Slock Tanks Zip Phone LF IM/83 (717) 933-4107
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