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26
22
2
4
Jan. 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
Remarks to the American Farm Bureau Federation in Orlando,
Florida
January 8, 1990
Well, my thanks to my friend Dean
here because for 71 years now the Ameri-
Kleckner, Farm Bureau president, for that
can Farm Bureau has helped American
warm introduction. We're grateful for his
farmers-over 3 million member families-
leadership on that National Economic Com-
to become the best in the world. And farm-
mission and the tremendous support of you,
ing is a proud and noble part of our history.
the members of the Farm Bureau. My
In fact, Thomas Jefferson himself wrote that
thanks, too, to Bob Delano out here, former
"Agriculture is the most useful of the occu-
Farm Bureau president, whose leadership
pations of man." Today, nearly two centur-
and counsel have been so helpful to me.
ies later, I'm here to give my first major
I'm happy to have our distinguished Sec-
address of the new decade, and I'm proud
retary of Agriculture, Clayton Yeutter, here
to begin this decade by talking to you about
at my side, doing a superb job for us. And I
the future of farming in this country. But as
know you'll hear tomorrow from Ambassa-
we look forward, it's also important to re-
dor Carla Hills [United States Trade Repre-
flect upon the past and what farmers have
sentative]. You talk about two people who
gone through, both good and bad.
understand the need to open up foreign
You, America's farmers, deserve the
markets to U.S. agricultural products-these
credit for the rebound in U.S. farming, and
two are tough, and they are the tops, and
I salute you again. I salute the board of
we're grateful to both of them.
directors up here, all farmers, who are lead-
My friend, Bob Martinez, Governor Mar-
ing this outstanding organization. You've
tinez, it's always a pleasure to see you and
been through the worst droughts and na-
visit your beautiful State. And of course, I'm
tional disasters of the 1980's, and you've
very proud of the next two. Great to see
survived tough economic times. But you've
Senator Connie Mack here-a new Senator
worked with your minds and your hands to
making a national impression, I'll tell you-
beat adversity with a kind of can-do com-
and next to him, or right near him, second
mitment that's been the hallmark of Ameri-
from the end, my close friend and a long-
can farming for generations.
time supporter [Representative] Bill McCol-
Right here in Florida, we're seeing some
lum-two outstanding voices for Florida in
of that can-do attitude as you face-Florida
our Nation's Capital. I wish we had a lot
farmers-as you face the terrible loss of the
more like them, I'll tell you.
citrus and winter vegetable crop. On the
I just returned from a little fishing and
way down on Air Force One, Bob Martinez
hunting over the holidays in Texas and Ala-
gave me the details of Florida's losses. But
bama, and I heard a story about the time
let me tell you-I'm sure you've heard this
that Mark Twain spent 3 weeks fishing in
from Clayton-you will not be facing this
Maine after the fishing season had closed.
alone. Clayton and I have talked, and I've
On the way home, aboard the train, he told
asked the Secretary to personally oversee
the man seated next to him about all the
our efforts to provide assistance. And I
fish he'd caught. Finally, Mark Twain asked,
know you can count on the USDA to be in
"By the way, who are you, sir?" "I'm the
there fighting with you.
State game warden," replied the man.
It was a little over 4 years ago-seems
"Who are you?" And after a long pause,
like just yesterday-but a little over 4 years
Twain said, "Well, to be perfectly truthful,
ago that the 1985 farm bill became law.
I'm the biggest damn liar in the whole
Admittedly, the cost has been high, but it
United States." [Laughter]
has worked. Since then, the news has been
I won't bore you with my fishing stories
good. Surpluses have declined dramatically,
because I could reminisce with you all day
and most of our good land has been
long on this subject. It's a pleasure to be
brought back into production. Net farm
22
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Jan. 8
income reached a record level last year,
water from contamination by fertilizers and
and the share of income that came from
pesticides. We'll spend close to a third of a
market sales continued to grow. The farm
billion dollars on research and support for
credit situation has greatly improved, bring-
farmers to stop contamination of our land
ing more financial stability to rural Amer-
and water. We must keep your good land in
ica.
business without unreasonable burdens, but
As we face the future, the outlook is even
we must also keep it good land. I am count-
better. Through sound fiscal policies and
ing on your leadership as we work to
wise management of our resources, com-
expand farm productivity while safeguard-
monsense attitudes and, God willing, good
ing our precious environment.
weather, we can succeed. Together, we will
We must also make sure that all Ameri-
keep rural America strong and American
cans are confident in the safety of our food
agriculture thriving in the 1990's.
supply. My administration is working hard
But to do that-and Dean Kleckner allud-
to develop legislation to protect the food
ed to this in his introductory remarks-to
supply without overwhelming the agricul-
do that, our first priority must be to keep
tural industry.
the American economy growing. That
means fiscal and monetary policies that
But in the coming decade, the American
make sense. Today one of the best things
farmer must have a level playing field in
we can do for farmers is to keep the inter-
the international trade arena, too. And the
est rates low, and that is exactly what we
way to fight trade barriers is through nego-
intend to do.
tiation, not reciprocal protectionism. I know
This year, we will work with Congress on
that many Farm Bureau leaders serve on
the 1990 farm bill. Getting a good farm bill
the Agricultural Trade Policy Advisory
through Congress is like milking a bull.
Committee-and how important this issue
[Laughter] But I can tell you that to be
is to you. Our administration has just made
competitive we must have market-oriented
a bold proposal in the Uruguay round that
farm policies that allow producers more
would phase out export subsidies in 5 years
flexibility to decide what crops to grow-
and other trade-distorting practices in 10
and that because American farmers then
years. But any agreement we sign-and I
can do what Americans do best, compete.
can guarantee you this-any agreement
At the same time, we've got to maintain a
that we sign will be an agreement that is
safety net to protect farmers from condi-
also good for American agriculture. You see,
tions beyond their control. But market-ori-
our goal is simple: open markets and free
ented farm policies are only a part of the
trade.
agricultural picture; it is absolutely essential
And it's beginning to work-international
that we expand markets and enhance pro-
markets are improving. The value of U.S.
ductivity.
agricultural exports has increased for the
We've got to assure the public that Amer-
third year in a row; and sales to developing
ica's food is safest in the world, and we've
nations, the dynamic markets of the future,
got to protect our precious environment.
were up 13 percent last year.
America's farmers-I know this-America's
We also support expanding our ties with
farmers understand the importance of a
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union to
clean environment. Many of you here today
open even more markets. Earlier this
come from farms that have been handed
winter, Secretary Clayton Yeutter led a
down from parents and grandparents. You
Presidential delegation to Poland to deter-
know that to protect the land is to protect
mine how American know-how can help
not just your livelihood but your heritage.
Poland shift from that controlled economy
We must recognize that productive agri-
to a market economy. It was a wonderful
culture and a sound environment can be
mission, and we're forging new partnerships
compatible, especially in terms of water
between our agricultural industries and
quality. The administration has initiated a
Eastern Europe's emerging economies.
concentrated 5-year effort to work with the
But in today's global economy, America
Nation's farmers to protect our ground
must also become more competitive
23
Jan. 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
through increased production, new uses for
Governors at the education summit in Vir-
our products, and expanded markets at
ginia to begin promoting educational re-
home. And so, this administration supports
structuring in every State and determining
greater research into biotechnology for im-
national goals to attain excellence. The ad-
proved productivity, and we're encouraging
ministration has sent the Educational Excel-
alternative uses of farm products like etha-
lence Act to the Congress, and we want-
nol and other new fuels and fuel additives.
and America needs-action on it soon.
Just a few months ago, we proposed the
Rural America is also battling the ravages
expansion of the producer tax credit for al-
of violence and drugs. Every citizen has the
ternative fuels to include ETBE. This will
right to a safe home, the right to freedom
mean more markets for growers and clean-
from fear. Early in my administration, we
er air for all Americans.
sent the Comprehensive Violent Crime
But for us to reap the full benefits of a
Control Act to the Congress. We proposed
competitive economy we must cut the cap-
measures to improve enforcement and pros-
ital gains tax rate. With our capital gains tax
ecution and strengthen current laws to put
proposal, we can help keep American agri-
the drug dealers behind bars and keep
culture dynamic and prosperous. And with
them there. This critical crime legislation
continued economic growth, we can keep
has been sitting on Capitol Hill for months.
rural America going strong. Passage of our
Brave citizens everywhere are standing up
capital gains proposal, which would apply to
to crime, and it's a time for Congress to act
the sale of farmland, will be one of my top
quickly and responsibly because the war on
priorities in this legislative year. Your sup-
drugs and crime will not wait. And I might
port has been instrumental in the fight for
say parenthetically, thank God we've got
the capital gains cut. And the fight isn't
Bill McCollum in a key role in the House
over yet. And I am sick and tired of the
and Connie Mack, Senator. I again want to
demagogs who call this a tax cut for the
rich. It means jobs, it means savings, and it
mention the support that we are getting
from them and others like them for this
is good for all Americans.
And so, the farm bill, our international
approach I've outlined.
trade negotiations, and a capital gains tax
Let me just add a little more on our rela-
cut will be high on my agenda for this great
tionship with Capitol Hill. When I took
nation, because what's good for agriculture
office-Inaugural Address-I put out my
is good for America.
hand to the Congress, to the Democratic
Let me talk just a little about some of the
majority, and reminded us all that the
challenges facing all America. Like people
American people did not send us to Wash-
everywhere in this great country, you work
ington to bicker. As I've said, we sent pro-
hard. You sacrifice to make good lives for
posals to Congress on clean air, combating
yourselves and your children. Every one of
crime, capital gains-responsible proposals,
us dreams of excellence in education; eco-
carefully thought out, based on principles.
nomic opportunity for all citizens; and a
Now a year has passed. A new year has
clean and healthy environment; and safe,
become. And it's time-it is past time-for
drug-free streets, schools, and workplaces.
Congress to tend to some of the unfinished
Together we are working to build a
business. Let me say to Congress as it
better America; but much remains to be
comes back in a couple of weeks now: The
done, and you're in the forefront. Rural
hand of cooperation is once again extended.
America cares about education. You know,
And I would only add: America wants it
some say improving our schools is some-
done right. America wants it done responsi-
thing for Federal money and Washington
bly. And America wants it done now. We
bureaucrats to handle, and I know you
are always willing to listen to ideas and al-
don't believe that. Whether it's a classroom
ternatives, but we are not willing to com-
on a rolling prairie in Nebraska or a busy
promise on fundamental principles.
New York street, improving education is a
Finally, rural America does believe in lib-
national challenge.
erty and democracy. Freedom-loving
Last September, I met with the Nation's
people everywhere are following the news
24
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Jan. 9
reports from behind what used to be called
stronger with each testing by fire.
the Iron Curtain. In fact, I read that the
In the "Dirty Thirties" swirling clouds of
first thing to sell out in West Berlin on the
dust ruined hundreds of farmsteads on the
day the Wall came down wasn't TV's or
Great Plains. Many of the Dust Bowl farm-
denim jeans. It was fresh fruit. In Romania,
ers stayed on the land, and today their de-
citizens knew freedom had arrived because
scendants have invented conservation tech-
for the first time in many years they saw
niques to catch and preserve the winter
food on the grocery store shelves. We reap
snows and the spring rains to carry their
what we sow, says the Bible, and what a
crops through the hot plains summer-a tri-
bountiful harvest we are witnessing. It is a
umph of human courage and ingenuity. In
harvest of joy and opportunity that we will
the 1970's, an unheard-of disease, the south-
continue to support and encourage every
ern corn leaf blight, swept through the
step of the way. And let me add: This har-
fields of the Midwest. In a few days, the
vest is not just happening in Eastern
tall, green, tasseled corn was devastated, as
if someone had taken a blowtorch to it.
Europe. Let's help the countries to our
south, so that this hemisphere will be the
Over that winter, scientists and farmers de-
first totally democratic hemisphere in the
veloped resistant corn varieties in time for
the next spring planting. A national food
entire world.
disaster was stopped dead in its tracks-a
I know I don't have to tell you this, but
triumph of faith, science, and inventiveness.
let me just tell you from the bottom of a
And today, at the daybreak of the new
grateful heart that I am mighty proud of
decade, I want rural America to share in
our courageous fighting men who have
the promise and prosperity of our great
helped Panama. And the joy shown by the
nation. And in the months and years to
people of Panama says it all, right there in
come, as we approach the horizon of the
the streets of Panama City.
new century, may we all share in the op-
And so, as I conclude my comments to
portunity and optimism of a world at peace.
the Farm Bureau, I can tell you I am opti-
Thank you, and God bless the United
mistic about the coming decade, for I be-
States of America. Thank you very, very
lieve in the wisdom of our policies; I be-
much.
lieve in the providence of the Almighty;
and most importantly, I believe in the
Note: The President spoke at 10:47 a.m. in
tough resiliency and the moral strength of
Hall D of the Orange County Convention/
the American people. Throughout our histo-
Civic Center. Following his remarks, he vis-
ry, farmers-many in this room-have
ited the Land and the Living Seas Pavilions
weathered disaster; and each time, like
at EPCOT Center and then returned to
steel forged in a white-hot furnace, you are
Washington, DC.
Remarks Introducing the Presidential Lecture Series
January 7, 1990
Professor Donald and Mrs. Donald; Mr.
We're proud to host this lecture on the
Chief Justice and Mrs. Rehnquist; Chief Jus-
Presidency of the United States. And this is
tice Burger, I understand, is here; Secretary
the first in a series of lectures on the men
Cheney and the Honorable Lynne Cheney;
who have held this office. And it seeks to
distinguished Members of the Congress;
make them come alive: What were they
General Powell: Let me welcome you to
like? How did they live? How was history,
the White House. And Barbara and I are
the history of America's house, molded by
very pleased to have you here. It's a privi-
their dreams? To occupy this office is to ask
lege.
those questions, and certainly to feel a kin-
25
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 10
of
rights agreements. Two hundred years after
know that, around the world, people are
the ratification of our Bill of Rights, the
trying as they come out from behind that
principles it enshrines continue to take root
Iron Curtain to emulate the market here,
ng
around the world.
free trading in a very, very important area.
nd
Having triumphed over communism,
And you are doing more for agriculture and
on
many peoples and nations now confront the
for business, and we are very, very grateful
to
challenge of improving respect for human
to you.
ea-
rights among various ethnic and religious
Let me just say a word. I am not happy,
n's
groups, as well as members of national mi-
and nor is anybody, with the state of the
of
norities. The United States will continue to
economy. We want to see it moving. We
be
urge these and all nations to abide by inter-
want to see it growing. And I will gather up
'ut
national human rights agreements and to
the best ideas I can between now and the
la-
act in the spirit of political pluralism and
time that the Congress comes back, try to
ed-
tolerance-traditions that have made Amer-
lay partisan politics aside, and get this coun-
ry.
ica's diversity a source of pride and
try moving by a strong growth package that
91,
strength.
was long overdue.
cu-
Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, Presi-
The current performance of this economy
ng
dent of the United States of America, by
is unacceptable; growth is too slow. But
in-
virtue of the authority vested in me by the
there are some encouraging signs: Interest
he
Constitution and laws of the United States,
rates are down, mortgage interest rates, in-
do hereby proclaim December 10, 1991, as
flation seems to be holding down. And now,
ra-
Human Rights Day and December 15,
we've just got to give it a kick and get it
10,
1991, as Bill of Rights Day and call upon all
started up again. And I'm grateful to all of
ed
Americans to observe the week beginning
you for the example you've set. And now I
he
December 10, 1991, as Human Rights
guess we have about 6 minutes, but I want
its.
Week.
to see this place spring into action. Maybe I
ro-
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
can learn a few new hand gestures.
ng
my hand this ninth day of December, in the
Thank you all. God bless you, and God
of
year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
bless the United States.
na-
ninety-one, and of the Independence of the
e-
United States of America the two hundred
Note: The President spoke at 10:23 a.m.
as
and sixteenth.
from the soybean pit of the Chicago Board
ey
of Trade. In his remarks, he referred to Wil-
George Bush
to
liam F. O'Connor, chairman, and Thomas
F. Donovan, president and chief executive
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
officer of the Chicago Board of Trade.
ter, 5:01 p.m., December 9, 1991]
W.
in
Note: This proclamation was published in
in
the Federal Register on December 11.
y,
Remarks to the Chicago Mercantile
en
Exchange in Chicago, Illinois
December 10, 1991
Remarks to the Chicago Board of Trade
in Chicago, Illinois
Thank you all very much. And Jack,
se
December 10, 1991
thank you, sir, for that more-than-generous
introduction. To Bill Brodsky, my thanks to
IS
Thank you, Billy and thank you, Tom.
you, sir, for arranging all of this, coming
5
Listen, it's a great pleasure to be with all of
from Wall Street to Chicago, as you have.
you. And standing next to me is a guy who
I'm delighted to be with you. To Leo, Leo
d
most of you know, son of Illinois, Ed Mad-
Melamed, the Babe Ruth of the exchange, I
S.
igan, the Secretary of Agriculture, doing a
want to thank him. And, of course, salute
o
great job.
two others with me, your great Governor,
e
Listen, we wanted to come by and see
my friend Jim Edgar, and Ed Madigan, who
this great market. And all of you ought to
is our new-former Illinois Congressman,
1797
Dec. 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
and now our able Secretary of Agriculture,
[Laughter] No, actually it's been very, very
who is up to his eyeballs in working with us
friendly.
to try to make a successful conclusion to
But I really enjoyed the tour downstairs,
this GATT round. And he's knocking him-
and I also have been looking forward to this
self out, crossing the Atlantic Ocean back
part of the program, here on the upper
and forth, but we couldn't have a better
floor, the futures market of the future, I
Secretary of Agriculture trying to open up
think we really can peek into the next cen-
these foreign markets to our agricultural
tury. Soon, probably sooner than you
products. Ed, thank you.
expect, this area will be as packed and busy
And I thought Jim Thompson was going
as the trading pits below.
to be with us, but maybe he's not that
The Merc has become a bellwether of the
brave, a member of the Board of Trade and
future because it never, ever lost the inven-
a lawyer. [Laughter] But he was here, and I
tive spirit of its founders. You defied the
salute him, a longtime friend.
Jack mentioned the visit to the trading
doomsayers when you pioneered that risk-
floor, and I do want to thank everyone in-
pool management through the Exchange
Trust. You established the first financial fu-
volved in that trip through that melee for
their warmth of the reception and the-I
tures market, the International Monetary
Market. You saw an international market-
thought it would be pretty hard to match
the emotion of last weekend out there in
place and established overseas offices before
Pearl Harbor, but I'll tell you, this was a
most exchanges even thought of setting up
little different. Younger kids, all-there
domestic branches. And you created Euro-
were a few old guys down there-[augh-
dollar Futures a decade ago, and I know
ter]-but I'm talking about enthusiasm and
you celebrated its 10th anniversary yester-
the future. And it was a wonderfully inspir-
day. And you should be very, very proud of
ing trip through that floor, and I want to
this world leadership.
thank those of you who were here that par-
In challenging times, you've thrived. And
ticipated in that and everybody else respon-
this year, you trimmed expenses to improve
sible for that visit. Thank you very, very
efficiency, and your business grew by more
much.
than 4 percent, I'm told. Through the ups
It's great to be back here and to have a
and downs of the business cycle, you've op-
chance to visit briefly with the leaders of
erated without requiring a dime's worth of
the business community and leaders of this
assistance from the American taxpayer. And
exchange. As you know, we've had a staff
you've taken care of your own without
change at the White House, a new Chief of
losing your momentum for a single minute.
Staff coming there. And when John Sununu
It's great to be here-I mentioned him
resigned, I looked to Chicago, I looked to
earlier-with Leo Melamed whom, I sup-
the Windy City for help, for another sound
pose, you call the father of the future. And
manager, communicator, and consummate
now, you all know of his professional accom-
politician. Well, Mike Ditka was busy with
plishments, but he never left his imagina-
other responsibilities-[laughter]-and Sam
tion at the office. As many of you know, he
Skinner, though, rose to the fore. And I
has also written prodigiously. His greatest
think we're going to have a very good oper-
triumph was the science fiction thriller
ation with your friend and mine, Sam, who
"The Tenth Planet." It's not about Capitol
did a great job as Secretary of Transporta-
Hill; it is another science fiction thriller.
tion, now in this new, key place as we move
Sometimes, though, debates on Capitol
into a new year.
Hill about the economy sound as if they
I've really enjoyed my visits here to both
were about life on another planet. And you
exchanges today, the board and then here.
know, an economy does not run just on
I've seen the future. It uses hand signals, at
money. An economy lives and breathes on
least for now. [Laughter] But then, I've also
ideas and information.
glimpsed at the fact that that's also chang-
Entrepreneurs like the men and women
ing. Speaking of hand signals, I saw a few
who trade in the Merc's pits, the farmers
riding in here. [Laughter] They have a nice
who work the fields by day and the com-
way here of making one feel at home.
puters by night, arbitrageurs in London,
1798
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 10
and investors the world over, these people
And, again, I salute Sam Skinner for his
swap ideas, information, dreams, and dares,
leadership as our Secretary of Transporta-
and they fire an economy. Their energy
tion on this important job-creating legisla-
drives our Nation forward. They chart the
tion.
course through the international market-
Although both political parties will feel
place.
tempted to engage in partisan warfare
A government that does not understand
when Congress comes back in January, re-
the gritty fundamentals of business cannot
convenes, I will be calling upon the Demo-
understand how to help an economy grow.
crats and the Republicans to lay partisan-
Ten years ago, many of you stood with us as
ship aside long enough to pass a clear,
the Reagan-Bush administration took on the
strong growth package. We owe it to the
old wisdom that government could solve
taxpayer; we owe it to those who have jobs,
everything and that business could flourish
and we owe it to those who don't have jobs
regardless of what burdens Washington
to get that done regardless of politics. And
heaped upon it. We cut the taxes and
I'm going to do that, no matter that 1992 is
peeled away regulations, restrained spend-
a Presidential election year.
ing, promoted free trade. And out of that
And I might say, being in his hometown,
came the longest peacetime economic ex-
I can work with Dan Rostenkowski, your
pansion in the history of this country. While
friend and mine, who is chairman of the
others may have sat back to enjoy their new
Ways and Means Committee. And if we had
prosperity, you were a driving dynamic
more like him I believe we could have
here. You moved forward.
gotten these problems solved long, long
You've stood with my administration as
ago.
we work to create the conditions for a more
In the post-cold war world-and you've
vibrant economy. I've asked Congress for 3
set the example on this one-we must
years to pass a series of growth initiatives,
thrive in the international marketplace. I
job-creating initiatives. And the economy
am going to be meeting this weekend with
has turned sluggish. People want action.
President Salinas. And I know he was up
And I want action, action to help people,
visiting you all earlier this year. And the
action to make things better now and in the
two of us are going to discuss trade matters
future.
in detail. And later this month I will pro-
And our administration believes as you do
mote free and fair trade-read that, jobs-
that the solution lies in free markets for
with our allies in Japan and South Korea
free people. We've promoted straightfor-
and Singapore, and also going down to Aus-
ward measures to invigorate the economy,
tralia. Free and fair trade means more jobs
such as cuts in the capital gains tax; banking
for Americans.
reform, inclusive banking reform legislation;
And we must not pull back into some
letting first-time homebuyers use these
isolationistic sphere listening to the siren's
IRA's for purchasing homes; a permanent
call of "America first." I learned that lesson
tax credit for R&D, for research and devel-
as a young kid just at the beginning of
opment, and so on.
World War II, and I don't want to see this
We pushed other initiatives to make the
country go back to "America first" and pro-
most of our human capital now and in the
tection. That will shrink markets and throw
future: A revolution, for example, in Ameri-
people out of work. And we need to stand
can education; a tough crime package to
together against that call from the left and
back up the police officers that we are sup-
against that call from the right to stay
ported by every single day of our lives; a
within ourselves. We owe the world leader-
tort reform bill up there that will put some
ship, and they're going to get it from this
caps on some of these mindlessly high set-
President.
tlements that are driving much of the in-
You know, the allegation is that I spend a
dustry to its knees; and recently, a transpor-
lot of time on foreign affairs. I take great
tation bill that will create jobs and provide
pride in some of the accomplishments
much needed repair for our roads and
we've made. I think America came together
bridges and infrastructure.
at Desert Storm, and we found a new sense
1799
Dec. 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
of confidence, a new spirit as a Nation. And
chairman emeritus of the exchange and
I'm not going to back away from that. I am
chairman of the Globex Corp. A tape was
proud that we're bringing parties that have
not available for verification of the content
stood at each other's throats for years,
of these remarks.
bringing them together in the Middle East
to talk some peace. I'm proud of the way
we've handled the evolution in the Soviet
Union. And right today it is extraordinarily
Remarks to the Illinois Farm Bureau in
complicated.
But my point is, we cannot withdraw, we
Chicago, Illinois
can't pull back. You can't do it. You're en-
December 10, 1991
gaged in the markets, and well you should
be, because that offers prosperity to the
Thank you, John, and to all the members,
American people as well as to others. And I
thank you. Thank you, John White, Gover-
don't think a President should pull back in
nor Edgar, and to Secretary Madigan, son of
the face of domestic criticism by some par-
Illinois, who is doing a superb job as our
tisans suggesting that we don't have to
Secretary of Agriculture. I'm glad he flew
worry about our national security and that
out here with us. To Congressman Ewing,
we don't see that jobs stem from being en-
who will be flying back with us, I under-
gaged with foreign countries, instead of
stand, on Air Force One back to Washing-
being pulled back from engagement with
ton. We've welcomed him to the Congress
foreign countries.
and proud he's there. To Enid Schlipf, who
So, I can do both. We can stay involved,
has been at my side today, and I'm grateful
work for world peace, enhance our national
for that, his counsel. We had a session, a
security, and now drive forward to get this
listening session, getting counsel from busi-
economy moving by bipartisan action for
ness people, and it was most appropriate
growth, economic growth that means jobs
that Messrs. White and Schlipf were there.
for the American people.
And to all of you ladies and gentlemen of
Years ago, Carl Sandburg described this
the Illinois Farm Bureau, thank you for that
city as "the hog butcher for the world."
warm reception and for your hospitality. I
That was the Chicago of another era, an-
feel that I've come to the right place. My
other world. And today, Chicago serves the
top priority is to get this country moving
pork belly's future, the currency's future,
faster and more confidently on the path of
the future, period, of an international mar-
economic progress.
ketplace. And the one message I'd like to
I've had excellent visits this morning on
come out of this meeting here today and
the trading floors at the Merc and at the
the other meetings I've had is that we are
Board of Trade. I lost 3 pounds in the proc-
the hub of the international market. And
ess just kind of working my way through
countries that are emerging into democracy
those hand signals. And it was wonderful.
are looking to us for leadership in terms of
And I had the privilege to have both John
making world markets. And nobody does it
and Enid, who are leaders of the Farm
any better than the people right here in
Bureau, at my side during those sessions
this room.
and also, at Billy Goat's-[laughter]-I think
Thank you very, very much. And now get
you guys were up there. It's a marvelous
back to work and help us shape another
burger place here. But speaking of farming,
American century. Thank you all. I'm glad
let me give you a little bit of historical trivia
to be with you.
that will not send you into euphoria, but I
always try to claim kinship with various
Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. fol-
States. And my great-grandfather, David
lowing a tour of the trading floor. In his
Walker, grew up on a farm near Blooming-
remarks, he referred to John F. Sandner,
ton, Illinois. How about that one? Nobody's
chairman of the board of governors of the
ever heard that before.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange; William J.
But anyway, meeting with so many Illi-
Brodsky, president and chief executive offi-
nois farmers and agribusiness leaders, I've
cer of the exchange; and Leo Melamed,
had a chance to talk face to face with some
1800
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 10
men and women who are leading the way.
isolationism and protectionism. They say
e and
You see, agriculture is a perennial export
they want to put "America first." You have
pe was
leader, and recently exports have been a
the common sense to recognize that Amer-
content
tremendous factor, a big factor in our over-
ica is first and will remain first only if we
all economic growth. And here's how im-
stay engaged in world markets and involved
portant that is: Every billion dollars in agri-
in world security. And as long as I am Presi-
cultural exports means approximately
dent, that's exactly what I intend to do.
25,000 American jobs.
American agriculture is productive and
au in
American farmers understand how the
competitive because of its strong orienta-
world works. You know that taking a stand
tion to free markets. Our agriculture owes
for peace and stability abroad, supporting
much to such fundamentals as advancing
emerging democracies, developing free and
productivity, embracing new technologies,
nbers,
fair international markets, will make our na-
moving forward to new frontiers in scientif-
Gover-
tional economy much stronger. You know
ic research.
what a determined American involvement
son of
Rural America is a model of strength on
in global trade represents to the bottom
as our
social issues that are vital to our future.
e flew
line. It means higher net farm income.
Thank God that family and family values
Ewing,
So first, I really wanted to thank, enthusi-
remain SO important to agricultural Amer-
under-
astically give thanks for the Farm Bureau's
ica. Farm communities, let's face it, they
shing-
efforts to keep America a leader in world
face many hardships. But they always in-
commerce and world security. I know I
ngress
volve parents in the schools, and that
f, who
speak for several hundred thousand young
service men and women in saying thank
always produces better students. With pro-
ateful
grams such as 4-H and FFA, Future Farm-
ion, a
you for all your support during Desert
ers of America, rural America takes a lead-
busi-
Shield and thank you for all your support
during Desert Storm. We are very, very
ing role in our America 2000 strategy to
priate
revolutionize, literally revolutionize our
there.
grateful.
The Farm Bureau's leadership is vital to
education.
en of
our progress for free and fair trade, no mis-
I can't tell you how impressed I am also
r that
take about it. You made a big contribution
at how much most farmers know about
lity. I
to getting the North American free trade
computers, not speaking for all of you, I
e. My
talks off and running. You've helped launch
understand, but some of you. But I've had
oving
th of
our Enterprise for the Americas Initiative
enough trouble just finding the "on" switch
for trade and investment throughout the
on my computer, say nothing of getting the
Western Hemisphere. I can assure you, be-
cursor to move where and when I want it
g on
cause of your foresight, we can look forward
to. But the point is this, anyone who doesn't
t the
to unprecedented prosperity and economic
appreciate the sophistication of the modern
proc-
security for hundreds of millions of North
farmer doesn't understand the modern
ough
and South Americans from the Illinois prai-
farmer.
rful.
John
ries to the pampas of the Argentine.
Last month, by the way-maybe some of
arm
Secretary Madigan and Ambassador Carla
you all were out there-but I spoke to
Hills are working to secure a solid agree-
18,000 of our best and brightest kids at the
sions
hink
ment for global trade at the Uruguay round
Future Farmers of America convention in
of the GATT negotiations. A successful
Kansas City. And let me tell you, I can't
lous
GATT negotiation will literally revolution-
contain my excitement thinking about the
ing,
rivia
ize world agriculture trade, opening mar-
day when those young men and women
kets and leveling the playing field for
become the leaders of our country. They
ut I
ious
American exports. When we achieve this,
were bright and alert and patriotic and for-
we will owe an incalculable debt to the
ward-looking. And somebody, parents in
avid
Farm Bureau who has always looked ahead
this room and across agricultural America
ing-
and never looked back on this important
are doing a wonderful job with these young
dy's
question of international trade.
men and women.
Illi-
And I might say, John, you're quite a con-
The guy that introduced me was so good,
trast, this marvelous organization, to the
I thought he was getting ready to run
I've
noisy voices that want to withdraw us into
against me. [Laughter] But anyway, you
me
1801
Dec. 10 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
should have heard him. He's a real articu-
ital gains, no tax on capital gains on assets
held longer than 6 months. In Japan, an
as
late dude.
Another concern I know you share with
entrepreneur who sells the company that
it
me is the drug problem. The stakes here
he's built from scratch pays a tax of 1 per-
involve not just the economy but our deep-
cent. A capital gains tax cut will free up the
est social and moral well-being. Wherever I
capital that we need for growth. And it will
go in this country, I call attention to those
increase the value of land, of labor and cap-
who fight the drug war on the front lines. I
ital all at once by reducing the tax on suc-
praise the businessmen and women who
cess. And I am going to keep on fighting
keep drugs out of their companies and the
until we get that done.
neighborhood youth centers that keep teen-
Right now, we place entrepreneurs in a
agers off the streets. So, let me take this
lose-lose situation. When they risk money
opportunity right now to thank hundreds
and effort on something that fails, they lose.
and thousands of Americans who don't get
And when they risk money on a winner, we
mentioned often enough for their devotion
tax the capital gain, and they lose again. We
in running the strongest kind of drug-free
have to put an end to this lose-lose ap-
workplaces. And I'm referring, again, to the
proach to the economy. A capital gains cut
moms and the dads and the grandparents
will stimulate investment and create jobs in
who run America's family farms.
every sector. And quite frankly, it will re-
Now, I know that sometimes times are
store some fundamental fairness to the way
tough for America's farmer. And that's why
we treat farmers and the way we treat
we stand by our commitment to help ease
homeowners.
the pain caused by natural disasters. This
week I will be signing legislation to provide
Capital gains tax relief is but a part of our
drought and disaster relief. Many farmers in
program. Thanks to leadership from Illinois'
own Sam Skinner, our soon-to-be Chief of
Illinois and other States suffered unusually
severe losses this year and last year. And
Staff, I expect soon to sign a transportation
bill that creates new jobs while rebuilding
this legislation will provide much-needed
assistance for hard-hit farmers. And I will
our roads and bridges. And I'm working for
a research tax credit to help new technol-
be delighted to sign it.
Now, I know that the economic downturn
ogies create more jobs; working for new
is hurting a lot of people in virtually every
IRA's to help the first-time homebuyer,
stimulate that homebuilding market; and
sector. And I've heard from some tough,
optimistic people on my visit just today, but
for bank reform. We desperately need com-
they didn't sugarcoat their message about
prehensive bank reform to help America
the pain and the problems the country is
compete in the 21st century and to help
going through right now.
free up capital right now.
You and I know that we've got to do
We want our children's future to be
more to get the economy on the move, to
worthy of the dreams and sacrifices that
get confidence back. And I'm prepared to
built and sustained America as a great
fight harder than ever for a series of growth
Nation. Back in 1862, in spite of his preoc-
initiatives. And when Members of Congress
cupation with the Civil War, our President
go back to work in January, after Christmas,
established back then the U.S. Department
they'll hear from me in no uncertain terms.
of Agriculture. Abraham Lincoln revered
My growth initiatives will give Americans
the American farmer. He believed deeply
the freedom and incentive to get higher
and stated eloquently that a strong Ameri-
yields from their efforts. A top priority, and
can agriculture was the key to preserving
John referred to this, is to cut capital gains
our Nation's independence.
taxes. I know it's a top priority of the Farm
A century and a quarter later, the men
Bureau, too, and I want to express my deep
and women of Illinois ag are worthy heirs
thanks for your outstanding support on this
to Lincoln's vision. You and this organiza-
initiative.
tion form a vital force for keeping America
Our high taxes, then, on capital gains are
strong and free. And I am looking forward
way out of line with the policies in other
to seeing some of you, many of you maybe,
successful economies. Germany has no cap-
next month at the American Farm Bureau
1802
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 11
national convention out in Kansas City. And
n
as
And then, of course, we have a keen in-
I am delighted to be with you today. And I
terest, the whole world does, in the nuclear
it
am proud to work with you to help keep
questions there. And frankly, assurances
this great country of ours growing and
have been pretty good there. I see no
le
thriving. I pledge to you I will do my level
Il
reason to alarm the American people, but
best to lead this country to new growth and
it's something that we're following extraor-
new opportunity.
dinarily closely, and we are in touch. And I
c-
May God bless you and may God bless
feel that the thing to do now is just to go
the United States of America. Thank you all
forward with the plan of the Secretary and
very, very much.
see where it comes out.
a
But we can't make any predictions on the
:y
Note: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. at
evolution of all of this. That's their business.
e.
the Palmer House Hotel. In his remarks, he
Our interests are as I stated in here: De-
ve
referred to John White, Jr., and Enid
mocracy, market reform, humanitarian as-
Schlipf, president and former vice president,
sistance, the nuclear question, and peace,
p-
respectively, of the Illinois Farm Bureau.
peaceful evolution of all of this.
ut
in
Capital Gains Tax Cut
e-
Q. Mr. President, you made clear yester-
ay
day you're going to keep fighting for a cap-
at
Exchange With Reporters in the
ital gains tax cut-
Cabinet Room
The President. Yes. I will keep on fight-
December 11, 1991
ing
is'
Q. Are you going to, have you got any
of
other
Soviet Union
on
The
President.
for
that.
But
now
Q. Mr. President, who is in charge in the
we've got to get to work in the Cabinet, so
or
Soviet Union at this point?
thank you.
ol-
The President. Well, we're following that
Q. But, sir, do you have any other ideas
ew
situation very closely in the Soviet Union.
to jumpstart the economy?
er,
And of course, our main interest is in demo-
The President. We'll be talking about
nd
cratic and market reform, the continuation
that, as I said yesterday-at the time I said
n-
of that. They are going to sort these matters
yesterday, too. So, we'll just keep working
ca
out themselves. We will support democrat
on it.
-lp
and-reformers wherever they are there.
And that means at all levels, incidentally.
Note: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. In
e
So, we are watching it very closely. And
his remarks, he referred to Secretary of
at
as these dramatic changes take place or
State James A. Baker III and Robert S.
at
proposals come forward, that's a matter for
Strauss, U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet
>c-
the Republics and the center to sort out. I
Union. A tape was not available for verifi-
nt
think the answer to that question, you've
cation of the content of this exchange.
nt
just got to look at where you're talking
ed
about. So, we'll let that evolve.
ly
I'll be meeting this afternoon with the
ri-
Secretary and our Ambassador and be talk-
ig
ing about Jim's upcoming trip, the reasons
Remarks at a Fundraising Luncheon for
Senator Frank H. Murkowski
that are clearly of vital interest to us. One,
en
we want this humanitarian question, hu-
December 11, 1991
irs
manitarian aid, to go forward in order to
:a-
Frank, thank you, and good luck. Thank
promote peaceful reform. That's a ques-
ca
tion-besides that, we've got just a plain
you for that very nice welcome. To you all
rd
interest in seeing that people are fed. Ed
assembled, my thanks to you. And, Nancy,
e,
Madigan and I were talking about this yes-
Barbara and I send our very best wishes,
au
terday on the way to Chicago.
not just for the holiday season but for
what's over the horizon for you and that
1803
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Jan. 23
le in the
remarks, he referred to Lord Henry Plumb,
the American Spectator, a monthly maga-
commu-
former President of the European Parlia-
zine.
strong,
ut there
ment, and R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr., editor of
em con-
es it in
n makes
of pur-
Remarks to the Law Enforcement Community in Kansas City,
Missouri
ains us,
January 23, 1990
sustain.
ust con-
solution
Thank you, Mayor Berkley. Thank you
is attending to duties in Washington. I hope
1 of the
very, very much, all of you. Thank you very
he's doing the right thing back there, as
tution is
much. But how did you know that our dog,
Congress just reconvened. And of course, SO
see the
Millie, was the most popular person in the
many law enforcement and community
beneath
Bush family? [Laughter] I'm delighted to be
leaders-the police chief has been at my
introduced by my friend Dick Berkley, and
side, and the respect with which he's held
d there
thank you for that warm introduction. As
by people in the communities is very clear
olutions
he confessed, we go back a long, long time,
and obvious-Commissioner Ray Price.
th these
and I'm grateful to him for his friendship
And of course, I had a wonderful meeting
and the
and his leadership. I also want to thank and
with the Ad Hoc Group. I've known the
cause
pay my respects to two that flew out here
leader of the group because he is serving on
ch of us
with me on Air Force One: our distin-
one of our most prestigious antinarcotics
h start.
guished Attorney General, Dick Thorn-
task forces in Washington, Presidentially ap-
burgh; and our drug policy czar-why we
pointed, working closely with Bill Bennett
year-
begin-
use the word in the United States, I do not
and me. Al, we're just delighted that you
rica to
know-but our able Drug Policy Director,
are willing to not only do what you are
Bill Bennett. Both here with me today, and
1 centu-
doing here but take the time to be a part of
book of
both doing a superb job for our country.
that. Al Brooks-an outstanding leader for
It's always good to see the Governors, and
this community.
m, eco-
leader-
be with them, of these two great States,
Then I had a list-not to read off, neces-
genuine
both friends-John Ashcroft, from Missouri,
sarily, but I would be remiss if I didn't say
ime to
and of course my friend Mike Hayden, from
how pleased I was with the briefing I re-
time to
just across the line-I think it's just across
ceived out here-the Ad Hoc Group. Inspir-
nd the
the line-but both of them, side by side
ing presentations-and I won't mention
to look
with us, recognizing that the States must
them all, but Dr. Stacey Daniels, Dr. Mark
have considerable influence, must take a lot
Mitchell, one a Ph.D. psychologist, the
future
of action, if we're going to solve the prob-
other an M.D.; Cliff Sargeon, who just
ed, we
lems that I wanted to talk to you about
hitchhiked a ride with us somewhere along
alities.
today.
the line-I don't know where he is out
passion
And of course, we also had some other
there-and of course, Ron Finley and Vic,
orld is
travelers with me, friends of good standing
Majeeda, Aasim-so many others that just
y have
flying out, your two able Missouri Senators,
made this whole program come alive.
enture
Jack Danforth and Kit Bond. Both-whoops,
And now, before I get to my words, let
they're here-here's one. Where's Kit?
me also salute the Army and thank the
Over here. And of course, Congressman Ike
band from Fort Riley for that wonderful
SS you
SS the
Skelton, my friend, and also Tom Coleman.
music. Outstanding, as always.
k you
And let me just say about this group of
And I can tell you-and mean it-that it
Representatives, Senate and House: All of
is great to be in the heartland, great to be
them, all four, are taking leadership roles in
back in Kansas City. And you know, Kansas
this fight against crime. And I know that
m. in
City has so much of which to be proud.
In his
your Congressman from the district I just
You've heard the tally: grassier than Ire-
visited, Alan Wheat, wanted to be here. He
land; built on more hills than ancient Rome;
73
Jan. 23 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
more water, more fountains than Paris. But
clearly making a difference.
you also know what really sets Kansas City
I spent a part of the morning here in the
apart. It is not your parks. It's your people.
downtown inner-city area. I can't remem-
They call it the Kansas City spirit-restless,
ber a more inspiring experience since I've
idealistic, determined. It's the kind of spirit
been President. Went to 33d and Park-saw
that pushed back frontiers and brought the
what they used to call the drug tree, an
railroads west, rebuilt a burned-down con-
ancient, curbside oak where the drug deal-
vention hall in 90 days, and survived three
ers put up a basketball board to lure young
floods this century. And, yes, it's a commu-
children and cover up their own deadly op-
nity spirit, a spirit that emphasizes the
erations. And it's still a rough area, still not
value of collective well-being. Norman
free of crime. But a lot of crack houses are
Rockwell captured-in a painting called just
gone, and a lot of pride's come back. And
that-the "Kansas City Spirit." It pictures a
block after block, house after house carries
brawny, sunburned man, feet firmly plant-
the sign of victory, Ad Hoc's six-word warn-
ed on the ground, eyes on the distant hori-
ing to the cowards of the night: "This
zon. And one hand clutches a blueprint,
neighborhood fights back against drugs."
and the other's rolling up his sleeves.
Part of the solution to the drug menace
And thank God, it's a spirit that is very
lies in effective, community-based initia-
much alive today, because in recent years,
tives like the Ad Hoc Group here. Also,
it's not the convention hall that's caught
fire but the streets themselves, burning
cooperation between local and Federal law
enforcement is essential, as we saw last
with a new form of pain called crack and
Friday when Kansas City police combined
crackling with a burst of gunfire not heard
with Federal agents to bust what may be
in Kansas City since the outlaw days of the
Old West.
the biggest crack ring in town. Another
But people in this town refused to surren-
part, an essential part, lies in the demand
der to the drug plague. You took back
side: stopping drug use before it starts, and
what's yours-took back your kids and took
helping those who want to stop. And our
back your streets. It began like the spirit of
national drug strategy calls for record levels
Kansas City, when one man rolled up his
of new funding for both education and
treatment.
sleeves and stepped forward with a blue-
print-a blueprint that's become a model
But demand-side solutions alone, impor-
for our cities, an inspiration to people ev-
tant as they are, will never be enough.
erywhere. I had the pleasure of meeting
There are people out there intent on doing
with him, as I alluded to earlier, and with
evil-cowardly, amoral. And when they
his group this morning; and I know that
spot someone vulnerable-the school kid
many more than I mentioned are here with
who has to cross a drug-infested corner to
us this afternoon. They're a group of home-
get home-they see their fellow man the
grown Kansas City heroes called the Ad
way a pack of jackals sees a wounded fawn.
Hoc Group Against Crime, and the man's
A 4-year-old boy shot dead in a suspected
name-you know him, Alvin to some, Al to
crack house; an 11-year-old kid gunned
me-Al Brooks.
down outside another drug den, allegedly at
Ad Hoc recognized early on that the war
the hands of a 14-year-old guard; in a down-
on drugs meant unconventional warfare, a
town bar, a mother sells her baby for crack;
battle to be fought day by day, house by
and a firebombing leaves three generations
house, family by family, child by child, be-
dead, including a grandmother and three
cause each kid saved is a victory won.
little kids-the headlines are horrifying,
Working closely with police, Ad Hoc mem-
sickening, outrageous. And though they
bers gather in force-gather by the dozen,
come from Kansas City, they are tragically
using bullhorns, wooden coffins, street ral-
familiar in cities across America.
lies-to warn drug dealers to get off the
Strong families are an important element
street. They're not subtle. I just saw them
in a healthy, respectful society. Many of
in action out there. But they are deter-
life's most important lessons are learned
mined, and they are united, and they are
within the walls of our own homes, and we
74
Administration of George Bush, 1990 / Jan. 23
must do everything we can do to strength-
our thanks for providing the new Federal
e in the
en our families and help them cultivate
troops that we asked for-new agents, new
remem-
character in our children. But let us also be
prosecutors, new prisons to catch, convict,
nce I've
clear about the role of personal accountabil-
and contain those who prey on our cities.
rk-saw
ity, of the responsibility of the criminal for
But it's time for Congress, reconvening
tree, an
his actions. The fact of the matter is, the
this very day, to finish the job, because it
ug deal-
criminal chooses his way of life, his compan-
does no good to send the troops into battle
e young
ions, the kind of crimes he commits. He's
adly op-
wearing handcuffs. Shortly after taking
not the victim; he is the victimizer.
still not
office, I sent a comprehensive package to
And you who have struggled, worked
Congress to combat violent crime, to back
uses are
hard for safe streets know this. It's time we
ek. And
up our new lawmen with new laws-laws
protect the rights of our elderly, our kids,
that are fair, fast and final. Fair-an exclu-
carries
and our crime victims everywhere. The
d warn-
sionary rule designed to protect the truth
law-abiding community that you represent
"This
and punish the guilty, and not good cops
has a duty to punish wrongdoers. Punish-
who have acted in faith. Fast-habeas
gs."
ment is not, as some may see it, an unseem-
corpus reforms to stop the frivolous appeals
menace
ly indulgence in revenge. Just punishment
that are choking our courts. And finally-
initia-
is a moral, civilized response to wrong. Pun-
e. Also,
ishment is necessary not only as a deterrent
fair, constitutionally sound death penalty
ral law
to future crimes but for its own sake-
provisions, because for any drug dealer who
IW last
which is to say, for the sake of justice.
kills a cop, no penalty, in my view, is too
nbined
This tradition of justice speaks not of a
tough.
nay be
society that disparages human life but,
Major portions of our crime bill still await
.nother
rather, one that treasures innocent human
congressional action. But today there's an-
emand
life as precious, as unique. In Larry
other bill-a Trojan horse standing at the
its, and
McMurtry's-you remember it-classic
gates of Congress. It's called S. 1970. It
nd our
western novel "Lonesome Dove," two
looks like a real crime bill. It sounds like a
I levels
Rangers finally put an end to a brutal
real crime bill. But look at it-take a look at
n and
gang's deadly rampage, and one of the out-
it. Go to the library and get it. In actuality
laws turns out to be Jake Spoon, the Rang-
it will be tougher on law enforcement than
impor-
ers' old partner. "It's a bad situation," says
on criminals. And its so-called reforms of
hough.
Captain Call, moments before arresting his
the exclusionary rule, habeas corpus, the
doing
old friend. "But there he is. He put himself
death penalty, and the Justice Department
they
in it." McMurtry's saga, like the lives of the
itself will only entrench and extend the
ol kid
real-life pioneers who inspired it, reveals
legal loopholes and the redtape that disrupt
er to
some simple truths. Most Americans believe
honest law enforcement and have angered
n the
each of us faces the innate temptation to
the American people for far too long. It
fawn.
succumb to evil and yet always has the free-
must be defeated. America needs a crime
ected
dom instead to choose to do good.
bill with teeth, yes, but this is a sheep in
inned
Today too many law-abiding Americans
wolf's clothing.
dly at
are prisoners in their own homes, and we
We don't question anyone's motives. One
lown-
really have to change that. We have got to
of the things I don't like about politics-
rack;
change it. The wrong people are behind
maybe I should expect it, get into the
tions
bars. Go to the community I came from.
arena, as Teddy Roosevelt called it-it
three
Talk to the lady and her husband in a
seems to be a charge and countercharge. I
ying,
Christian home, a cross and the Bible
propose one agenda and somebody else, an-
they
inside, locked in for fear of what's on the
other. We don't have to question the other
outside.
ically
person's motives or integrity in making the
The first line of defense will always be
proposal, but it is time to debate these dif-
our local law enforcement. But as in the
nent
ferences openly. We can't accept any-
y of
days of legendary U.S. marshals like Bat
thing-and I will not-that rolls back the
rned
Masterson and Wild Bill Hickok, places like
clock on our ability to fight crime and
1 we
Kansas City again need the support of top-
punish wrong-doers. And good legislation
notch Federal lawmen. Congress deserves
shouldn't have to wait until the final weeks
75
Jan. 23 / Administration of George Bush, 1990
of an election year-as happened in 1984,
Of course, the truth is, it doesn't matter
1986, and 1988, just by coincidence. And
how you hold that picture. Because no
America wants it done right. And America
matter how you look at it, the Kansas City
wants it done responsibly. And America
spirit, the real Kansas City spirit, always
wants it done now.
faces the same way-forward to a brighter
You in Kansas and Missouri, right here,
tomorrow, forward to the future ahead.
have set a personal example of courage in
Thank you for an inspiring day. Thank
grappling with tough choices. In this city,
you for this warm greeting on this January
you fought back and you got involved and
day. God bless you all as we begin a new
you refused to look the other way. And you
year. God bless Kansas City, and especially,
have my thanks and the gratitude of an
God bless the United States of America.
admiring nation.
Thank you all very, very much.
In the Norman Rockwell painting that I
mentioned earlier, the man with the blue-
Note: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in
the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium
prints is looking sharply to one side. They
Music Hall. In his remarks, he referred to
say a young boy saw the picture in a book
Larry Joiner, Kansas City chief of police;
and asked his father, "Dad, Kansas City is in
Ray Price, president of the board of police
the center of America. Which way is the
commissioners; and Stacey Daniels, Mark
man facing-west or east?" The father's
Mitchell, Cliff Sargeon, Ronald Finley,
answer was pure Midwest: "Well, son, it
Victor Syng, Majeeda Baheyadeen, and
sort of depends on which way you hold the
Aasim Baheyadeen, members of the Ad Hoc
book." [Laughter]
Group Against Crime Steering Committee.
Nomination of Bradley Gordon To Be an Assistant Director of the
United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
January 23, 1990
The President today announced his inten-
Office of Near Eastern and South Asian
tion to nominate Bradley Gordon to be an
Analysis, 1979-1985; research assistant for
Assistant Director of the U.S. Arms Control
the Middle East Institute at Columbia Uni-
and Disarmament Agency for the Bureau of
versity, 1975-1976; and research assistant
Nuclear Weapons and Control. He would
for the Bureau of Applied Social Research
succeed Kathleen C. Bailey.
at Columbia University, 1975.
Since 1987 Dr. Gordon has served as a
Dr. Gordon graduated from Brandeis
legislative assistant for foreign policy, de-
University (B.A., 1971), the University of
fense, and intelligence for Senator Rudy
Vermont (M.A., 1974), and Columbia Uni-
Boschwitz. Prior to this, he served as a pro-
versity (Ph.D., 1979). He was born May 22,
fessional staff member on the Senate For-
1949, in Burlington, VT. Dr. Gordon is mar-
eign Relations Committee, 1985-1987; po-
ried, has three children, and resides in
litical analyst for the Central Intelligence
Reston, VA.
76
December 31, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR CURT SMITH
FROM:
BOB SIMON
SUBJECT:
JOKE PREMISES FOR FARM BUREAU
Bush spoke to the same convention two years ago in Orlando.
Bush spoke to the Illinois Farm Bureau on Dec. 10 in
Chicago. While there, he visited the Chicago Bd. of Trade,
where agricultural products are bought and sold.
Bush was last in Kansas City on Nov. 13, where he spoke to
18,000 screaming teenagers who belonged to the Future
Farmers of America.
Bush will have just gotten back from Asia, which is now the
largest export market for US agriculture.
The audience will be made up of actual working farmers.
They tend to be conservative and Republican. The Farm
Bureau has been very supportive of Reagan and Bush policies
in the past.
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
As delivered on December 5, 1991
TEXT OF REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
1991 ANNUAL MEETING
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Kansas city, Missouri
Thank you Harry Cleberg. Before I go on today, I want to
congratulate the recipient of this year's Dreyer Award, Stan
Hillius. Stan, job well done.
Now, I confess that I feel right at home with a group like
yours, as I do with any group that has 22,000 Hoosiers! It's
great to be back in the Midwest. Kansas is the home of Dwight
Eisenhower, and Missouri is the home of Harry Truman. As a
matter of fact, Truman's home in Independence is not too far from
here.
Truman, of course, served as Vice President to a popular
President, and his critics were very, very tough on him.
Some called him "unintelligent;" others called him a "roughneck."
One columnist wrote that Truman "gives no evidence of his ability
to perform the function of the Commander-in-chief." I just can't
imagine anybody saying such things about a Vice President!
I'm from Huntington, a small town in Indiana. Huntington is
a farm community. Communities like Huntington depend upon
farmers, who, to be successful in this day and age, must be part
businessman, part chemist, and part engineer. To run a farm or a
ranch you've got to be strong and tireless, and you need common
sense. More than anything else, though, you've got to have
patience. My friends, I don't blame you if your patience with
Washington, D.C. is running a little thin these days.
For more than two years, President George Bush has had a
jobs package on Capitol Hill. That package includes a cut in the
capital gains tax, to encourage investment in new ideas and new
opportunities. Unfortunately, the Democratic Congress refused to
pass our growth package. If our jobs package had passed the
Congress, I am convinced we would see a strong vibrant economy,
instead of the weak sluggish economy that we see now. I'm not
here to blame others, I'm merely stating a fact. A lot of people
have been put out of work, a lot of families have been thrown
into uncertainty. Since the Congress has refused to pass the
President's jobs package, we have no alternative but to take our
case to the American people, and that is exactly what the
President will do.
My friends, we continue to have a huge problem, and that
problem is not unprecedented. Our problem is Washington, D.C.
has a built-in bias against reform, against individual initiative
and creativity, and in favor of big government. Throughout the
bureaucratic system, there are those would regulate business to
death and smother the free market with red tape and litigation.
The special interests in Washington love the system. I call it
the iron triangle: the unelected special interests, the
Congressional staff, and unelected Federal bureaucracy.
Now, I don't mean to suggest that there's never a new idea
in Washington. After all, many in Congress have an idea for a
brand-new entitlement program. It's a new way to spend your tax
dollars. This new entitlement program is not for the farmers,
nor for the middle class, nor is it for the poor, the disabled,
nor the aged. No, this new entitlement program is for Congress
itself. It's called taxpayer financing of their own elections.
Well, I have a better idea that will break the iron triangle:
instead of taxpayer financing for the Congress of the United
States, how about term limitation for the Congress of the United
States?
As many of you know, I am the Chairman of the President's
Council on Competitiveness. To make America more competitive,
and to revive the entrepreneurial spirit, the Council's goals are
simple and straightforward: to reduce the costs imposed by
government, whether through taxes or by regulation; to restore
our education system; to level the playing field for American
exporters; and to give Americans more control over their lives.
Look at the regulations that come out of Washington -- more
than 2,000 every year, taking up about 53,000 pages of fine print
in a big, ugly book of which most Americans have never heard: the
"Code of Federal Regulations." Did you know that last year
Americans spent 5.2 billion hours filling out government forms?
Do you know what that means in terms of jobs? It's the
equivalent of 2.6 million full-time employees doing nothing else
but filling out forms!
Now, some regulations are necessary to protect public health
and safety; nobody disagrees with that, but many regulations are
unnecessary, and an awful lot of them don't really protect
anyone. In fact, some regulations are downright harmful.
Overregulation comes from an attitude in the bureaucracy that
they know how to run your farm, or run your life, better than you
do.
Regulations are expensive too. In our opinion, our current
regulations are more expensive than they need to be. If you want
to talk about "expensive," consider this: regulations cost the
economy at least 180 billion dollars every single year.
2
That exorbitant cost is why the Competitiveness Council is
committed to reducing and -- wherever possible -- eliminating
burdensome and unnecessary regulations. Especially the
regulations that threaten the loss of American jobs, waste
millions of dollars in time and money, impose unnecessary
mandates on farms, cities and towns, and cause higher prices for
consumers.
That leads me to another area where the Council is making a
difference: the exciting field of biotechnology. By the year
2000, if we play our cards right, biotechnology should become a
50 billion dollar industry, with the United States as the world's
leader. The possibilities are truly wondrous, from safer
medicines to a cleaner environment.
In agriculture, new biotechnology can mean faster results,
more resilient crops, leaner livestock, and healthier foods. We
simply can't afford to neglect biotechnology. That is why the
Council is going to make sure the bureaucracy doesn't needlessly
hold back this growing industry.
We've also been adamant about making real reforms in one of
the largest sectors in our economy: our legal system. America
has the very best legal system in the world, but I think you'll
agree with me on one thing: there's a heck of a lot of room for
improvement. That's the message I brought to the American Bar
Association a few months ago. Naturally, the leadership of the
ABA had a conniption, but the American people understand the
problems; they know the system is simply out of control.
Look at the issue of product liability. It's been estimated
that product liability insurance for American firms costs as much
as 15 times more than what some European and Japanese companies
have to pay. Remember, that's just insurance. Think of the
growing portion of operating costs that used to go to testing
labs but now go to law firms. Closer to home, look at how much
extra you pay for farm machinery because of liability concerns.
We've become the most litigious society in the world. The
litigation explosion has meant a loss of jobs, but it's had other
implications, too, such as its implications for competitiveness,
for quality of life, for access to justice, and for the cost and
availability of health care. I'm told of an experimental vaccine
that might reduce the incidence of HIV-positive babies born to
mothers with AIDS. This is a wonderful development; but for fear
of legal problems, companies have been reluctant to go forward
with testing. Ladies and gentlemen, I say it's about time
Americans had more incentives to create and innovate and build
not incentives to file lawsuits.
3
I know every person in this room today is proud, as I am, of
a rather remarkable fact: each American farmer puts food on the
table for 128 people around the world. Unfortunately, we're not
a model of efficiency in everything. After all, we have five
percent of the world's population, but we have 70 percent of the
world's lawyers. Enough is enough!
You know, I often think back to one of former President
Ronald Reagan's descriptions of the Federal government. Any of
you who raise livestock know what he was talking about: at one
end, nothing but appetite; at the other end, no sense of
responsibility. Well, we're trying to make sure the government
acts more responsibly in a lot of different areas.
A good example of that is our attempts to put some common
sense into federal wetlands policy. As you may know, we
supervised the revision of the manual on America's wetlands.
The Council reviewed the facts, then recommended guidelines.
It's pretty simple: wetlands should be wet! Our new guidelines
will distinguish between genuine wetlands, which deserve to be
protected, and other kinds of land -- like dry, productive
farmland -- which do not. We struck an important balance:
keeping the President's pledge of no net loss of actual wetlands,
while allowing for perfectly legitimate land use and protecting
the constitutional rights of landowners.
Now, I freely admit that we upset a few Washington
bureaucrats, who wanted to expand the definition of "wetland" to
include millions and millions of acres of dry land. These
bureaucrats claim that science is on their side. Well, that's
the kind of "science" the columnist Warren Brookes calls
"Bureaucratic Science, a term best described by its initials.
My friends, I came here today to touch base with one of the
most important groups in all of America, those who work the land.
Everything you do here at Farmland helps to fulfill two critical
needs, preserving the great American farming heritage, and
building the future of American agriculture. As always, you are
doing your job very, very well.
Let me congratulate you on what you've accomplished, and let
me encourage you on what you're about to undertake, both
challenges known, and unknown, because, in the words of President
George Bush, "what's good for agriculture is good for America."
Thanks again. God bless you, and enjoy the holidays.
#
#
#
4
THE WASHINGTON POST
SUNDAY. DECEMBER 29. 1991 A13
Farm-State Republicans Nervous About a Winter of Discontent
By Guy Gugliotta
the year, a softening in what had been a
dicting that international trade negotiations
Republican nervousness over the GATT
strong livestock market and a collapse in
will result in reduced subsidies by other
talks has been apparent at least since the
Washington Post Staff Writer
the dairy industry, where milk prices
-countries and more access for U.S. farmers
Dole letter, which suggested that Bush re-
NEW HARTFORD, Iowa-Chuck Grass-
dropped from $13.43 to $10.02 per hun-
to foreign markets. The mechanism for
mind the world that European and Japanese
ley drove his 1961 Oldsmobile 98 slowly
dredweight between July 1990 and March
these hoped-for reforms is the current
intransigence could prompt the United
along back country roads, talking crops and
1991.
round of talks on a new General Agreement
States to activate "triggers," putting all its
weather with his son Robin and pointing out
Prices have since improved somewhat,
on Tariffs and Trade. the basic document
fallow land into production, jacking up its
the windbreaks, fences and tree lines that
helped especially by the Soviet Union's de-
that regulates the world's commerce. The
export subsidies and enacting other mea-
mark the borders of the half-dozen pieces of
cision to buy $3.75 billion in U.S. grain, but
agricultural GATT talks have remained
sures designed to flood international mar-
Iowa that make up the Grassley farm.
the dairy industry continues to suffer and no
deadlocked for six years, with the United
kets with cheap U.S. food.
"Robin was the only son who wanted to
one is particularly optimistic, especially
States charging that Europe and Japan are
Trade war is likely to cost the United
farm," Grassley remarked. "But as a prac-
not serious about liberalization.
States billions of dollars in unplanned sub-
farm-state members of Congress. "The ag-
tical matter he was the only one I could af-
No one can predict whether a break-
sidies and incentives, a stiff price for a gov-
ricultural economy could best be described
ford to help." Farming, as Grassley is wont
through is possible. but there is little opti-
ernment trying to manage a prolonged bud-
as à house of cards," Senate Minority Lead-
to philosophize, keeps you "income poor
mism among congressional Republicans:
get crisis. Understanding the financial con-
er Robert J. Dole (R-Kan.) wrote President
when you're alive," even though it can make
"Deep down here in my gut, I see them [ne-
straint, Rep. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) has in-
Bush on Sept. 12.
you "asset rich when you die."
gotiators] going over
to
sit
for
six
troduced legislation to open debate on the
Charles E. Grassley, 58-a homespun
Dole's letter, ostensibly private but
months and they think we have to have an
possibility of pulling the triggers as soon as
Republican sprung from the rich, dark soil
readily available to anyone who wanted a
agreement, just for the sake of having an
possible: "Some people say I'm advocating a
of eastern Iowa-is the only full-fledged
copy, has become one of Congress's most
agreement," said Grassley, who is up for re-
trade war," Roberts said. "My point is that
farmer in the U.S. Senate. His father
cited jeremiads. Its principal complaint,
election next year, but in no immediate dan-
we're already in a trade war
and there
raised a family on 80 acres of corn; Grass-
however, had little to do with domestic mar-
ger of losing. "I don't feel good about it."
isn't any farm-state representative that's
ley raised his family on 200 acres of corn
kets.
The biggest-fear expressed by Grassley
optimistic about any real breakthrough in
and soybeans: and now Robin, 31, owns,
Instead, Dole focused on what he: per-
and others is that U.S. interest in resolving
GATT."
leases or shares with his father 850 acres
ceived as U.S. passivity in allowing Europe
other, GATT concerns-the agreement
The Bush administration refused to com-
of corn and soybeans and sells pigs on the
and Japan to use agricultural subsidies-and
covers many different kinds of trade-could
promise agriculture at, GATT talks last
side.
restrictive trade practices to capture mar-
lead negotiators to bargain agricultural in-
year, helping to provoke the current im-
kets that used to belong to U.S. farmers.
SEN. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY
terests away in a "bad" agreement. In that
passe. Officially, the administration contin-
Caught in a credit crunch in 1985, Rob-
in almost lost it all, but he was able to
USDA figures show U.S. farm products in
"I don't feel good about" trade talks
case, Grassley said. the GATT treaty will
ues to regard agriculture as the "linchpin" of
1980 were worth $40.5 billion and com-
be in for "a bad time" when the Senate
GATT. and has repeatedly promised Con-
struggle through. "It's not bad now," Rob-
in said. "The rest of the country may be
manded 18.3 percent of the world export
In particular, Dole said, there could be a
meets to ratify it.
gress that there will be no agreement that
having a recession, but we're doing all
market, while in 1990, $40.2 billion in U.S.
resurgence of farm "populism," advocating
For Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Wis.), a
does not satisfy agriculture.
right."
exports held a 13.9 percent market share.
tighter controls on production to boost farm
bad GATT agreement could be the finishing
Still, Republican members of Congress
The United States, Dole said, has been
prices. This policy, known as "supply man-
touch on what promises to be a horrible
are not convinced that the administration's
Still, for the elder Grassley and other
agement," is closely identified with Sen.
year. With the highest concentration of
belligerence matches their own: "I hope
farm-state Republicans in Congress, 1991-
losing ground during two Republican pres-
92 promises to be a winter of difficulty, per-
idencies, "and the market senses that there
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a Democratic pres-
dairy farmers in the United States-many
they thinking about using the triggers,"
is no firm commitment in Washington to do
idential hopeful.
of them Democrats-Gunderson said his
Grassley said. "If the administration is hard-
haps to be followed-for some-by an ugly
Dole said in a recent interview he has not
only advantage heading into the election
nosed in negotiations, if they're talking
payoff at the ballot box in November.
anything about it
Some would say our
changed his views since September: "Peo-
year is that no one is running against him
tough and we don't use those triggers,
The Agriculture Department projects na-
policy amounts to "unilateral surrender.
ple in farm country will favor a Republican,
yet.
we're going to lose all credibility."
tional net farm income at $44 billion for
With only 2 million farmers in the coun-
but if times are hard and somebody's got
"Trying" to any GATT agreement in a
If Bush does not read the signals, he
1991, down from 1990's record $50.8 bil-
try, many of them in states with small pop-
another idea, they'll listen." Dole, who re-
depressed economy is very hard
and
could find himself harshly judged by his Re-
lion. In 1992, it predicts, net farm income
ulations, the effect of agricultural discon-
cently underwent surgery for prostate can-
dairy is in a despair that is very difficult to
publican colleagues: "Farm-state congress-
could drop further, perhaps as low as $40
tent on next year's presidential race is like-
cer, said he has not yet decided whether to
overcome," Gunderson said. "A supporter of
men are a pretty independent lot," Roberts
billion.
ly to be minimal. But "the stakes are high
run for reelection next year.
mine back home told me last week that
said. "You learn early to take care of your
The department and farmers attribute
for congressional Republicans," Dole cau-
Republicans have been able to sell a free-
even though I didn't have an opponent, I'd
district. because if you don't nobody else
the downturn to flat grain prices early in
tioned.
market agricultural policy in part by pre-
still lose if the economy didn't improve."
will."
This Is
FARM BUREAU
®
American Farm Bureau Federation
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BELONGING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The many programs and services provided by the American
Farm Bureau, in cooperation with state and county Farm
Bureaus, are tailored to strengthen agriculture and rural
America. However, the organization's true strength pours
from its members. The work of individuals is vital.
Generations of American farmers and ranchers have discovered
that Farm Bureau enables them to accomplish tasks they
cannot accomplish alone. Today, like yesterday, Farm Bureau
is an organization where belonging makes a difference.
FARM BUREAU IS
Farm Bureau is the nation's largest farm organization.
Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization of member families
speaking out for agriculture. These member families grow
every farm commodity produced in the nation.
Farm Bureau's influence runs from local to international levels.
Farm Bureau is nonpartisan, but is politically active. It exists
SO farmers and ranchers may work toward mutual goals.
Members control Farm Bureau and its policies.
Farm Bureau is nongovernmental. Farm Bureau is more than
3.8 million families in 50 states and Puerto Rico united
in action.
GRASSROOTS
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MEMBER CONTROL
Farm Bureau economists advise leaders and staff on all
economic aspects of public policy. This division conducts
studies and public presentations on issues such as farm
The foundation of Farm Bureau
policy, international trade, health care, regulatory policy,
is more than 2,700 county
the federal budget
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and tax policy.
grams to meet farm families'
AMERICAN
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AGRICULTURAL
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Thousands of volunteer leaders
INSURANCE
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The American Agricultural
and as voting delegates during annual business meetings.
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and services for the entire family.
many types of casualty and
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Voting delegates govern Farm Bureau. Once county Farm
Bureaus set policies, they select voting delegates to voice their
beliefs at state Farm Bureau annual meetings. After states
adopt their policies, they name delegates to represent them
COMMUNICATIONS
at the AFBF annual meeting. Policies adopted by voting dele-
SYSTEMS
gates govern the American Farm Bureau. These policies deal
with many issues, such as natural resources, economics and
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the production and marketing of agricultural commodities.
with members. This includes the operation of the Farm Bureau
Other policies deal with international trade, food quality and
Advantage Skynet Satellite Network, which links AFBF to
safety, research and technology, health and humanities and
state Farm Bureaus, and state Farm Bureaus with county
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ACRES, a computerized information system, offers subscribers
THE OFFICERS AND BOARD
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The president, vice president and the 24 other members of
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the AFBF Board of Directors are farmers and ranchers. The
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
vice president performs duties as directed by the president.
Voting delegates elect the president, vice president and
22 board members for two-year terms. The chairmen of
Farm Bureau's information division communicates with
AFB Women and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee
member families and the public. Members receive a weekly
also serve on the board.
newsletter, the "Farm Bureau News." Members also receive
regular broadcast information through the monthly video
Officers are selected by the board. The administrator and
newsletter "Farm Bureau Reports." Farm Bureau provides
assistant secretary/treasurer coordinates and directs the
information to the media through personal contact, print
staff. The general counsel and associates provide legal advice
and video news releases, daily radio Newslines, satellite feeds,
and representation to officers, board and staff members.
backgrounders and other projects.
The treasurer oversees the organization's finances, manages
investments and prepares budgets. The secretary coordinates
NATURAL AND
materials submitted to the AFBF Board, maintains the official
minutes of the board meetings and keeps the organization's
ENVIRONMENTAL
official documents and written records.
RESOURCES
Farm Bureau's Natural and
Environmental Resources
AFBF OFFICES
(NER) division fosters steward-
ship. The NER staff includes
specialists in resource man-
The general offices of AFBF
agement and agricultural
in Park Ridge, III. include: the
inputs. Issues of concern
office of the president, the
include land and water use
administrator and assistant
and conservation, energy, wildlife management and the
secretary/treasurer, general
efficient use of farm inputs.
counsel, treasurer, secretary
and all but one of the federa-
LEGAL
tion's operating divisions.
The Washington, D.C. office is located near the Capitol, and
The general counsel's office provides legal advice to officers,
serves as headquarters for the national affairs division and
the board and staff members. Farm Bureau attorneys pursue
some members of the information staff. From these offices,
agricultural policy issues in the courts, and before govern-
American Farm Bureau offers many services and programs
mental agencies.
through its divisions.
ORGANIZATION
NATIONAL
AFFAIRS
This division coordinates AFBF's
membership activities and policy
development process. Eight area
The national affairs staff
field service directors report to
maintains daily contact with
the organization division director.
Congress and regulatory agen-
Area directors work with state
cies. Each member of this
Farm Bureaus on program and
staff of registered lobbyists
organizational matters.
specializes in a different area
of agricultural expertise-
This division includes the program development department,
from farm programs and
which helps with the programs and activities of the AFB
trade, to transportation and the environment. They represent
Women's Committee and the Young Farmers and Ranchers
America's farmers and ranchers before boards, agencies and
Committee. Other activities include: rural health and safety
at congressional hearings. Each year the battle differs, but
programs, Ag in the Classroom, Adopt-A-Scientist program,
the national affairs staff states agriculture's case in the
and Farm/City Week activities.
nation's capital.
Political education and local affairs programs also spring
from the organization division. These programs include:
COMMODITIES
L.E.G.I.S./State (a program which tracks agricultural legis-
lation in the states), local affairs, and the rural crime
prevention program.
Market research and development are the commodity divi-
sion's priorities. Advisory committees, composed of active
Coordination of the AFBF annual meeting and other meet-
producers of each major commodity, meet regularly to make
ings, and human resource development for members and
recommendations to the AFBF Board. Staff members carry
staff also comes through this division. In addition, this
out the board-approved recommendations.
department presents Market Master seminars, an educa-
tional ag-marketing program.
The American Agricultural Marketing Association (AAMA),
an AFBF affiliate, handles marketing activity. The AFBF com-
modity staff supervises the AAMA fruit and vegetable pro-
grams and coordinates state association marketing programs.
FARM BUREAU NEWS
Vol. 70, No. 41
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
October 28, 1991
Farm Bureau presses for health insurance deduction
The American Farm Bureau Federation last week
health insurance industry that point to systems that
urged Congress to allow a 100 percent deduction of
At press time, national health care legislation, in-
provide 'no frills' health plans to subscribers at
health insurance premiums paid by self-employed
cluding the extension of the current tax deduction
reasonable prices," Laurie testified. He said the state
farmers, ranchers and other small business operators.
for health insurance costs of self-employed in-
of Maryland has permitted Blue Cross-Blue Shield to
John G. Laurie, president of the Michigan Farm Bu-
dividuals was introduced in Congress by Sen. Lloyd
provide policies that do not contain some two dozen
reau and a member of the AFBF board, told the House
Bentsen (D-Texas) and Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D-
state-mandated health benefits that conventional
Ways and Means Committee that at the very least, the
Ill.). It also would increase the deduction from the
policies must contain. He added, "State mandates are
25 percent deduction due to expire at the end of this year
current level of 25 percent to 100 percent. Farm
indeed a growing problem as more expensive coverage
should be promptly extended. The congressional com-
Bureau is studying the measures.
and high-risk coverage are imposed on the health in-
mittee is holding three weeks of hearings to examine
surance industry.
comprehensive health insurance reform in America.
"Health care and health insurance are of direct and
"We are particularly concerned about the health
Denying tax deductibility for self-employed people
pressing concern to our membership," Laurie empha-
delivery system in rural areas and strongly support ef-
sized. "We strongly support a system of private health
forts to recruit and encourage health professionals to
while permitting it for other workers is simply unfair,
said Laurie, who with his family operates a 2,000-acre
insurance where all individuals have the opportunity
serve rural communities."
dairy and cash crop farm near Cass City, Mich. And,
to join a group that is insured by an insurance carrier
He added that veterans who are eligible for VA
he added, allowing the 25 percent deduction to expire
that is able to operate under a sound financial basis.
medical benefits should be permitted to use the rural
at the end of the year also would be unjust.
"We are heartened by some recent trends in the
See Health insurance, page 3
Congress acts on grazing, highway, ag measures
The House last week voted to retain
tax through Sept. 30, 1998, and permit
ministration is expected to oppose this
to take this issue through the authoriz-
the current grazing fee formula, and
ing process. The facts are there and we
the other 2.5 cents to expire. This would
cost as well as provisions in the bill that
passed a $151 billion, six-year highway
can win this battle on the merits of the
mean that the federal gasoline tax
would raise dairy price supports.
"
would drop from 14 cents a gallon to
reported out a bill that ties dairy and
11.5 cents on Oct. 1, 1994.
Highway bill increases
Farm Bureau supports the Senate bill
linked decreases the chances of either a
disaster provisions.
money for mass transit
because it does not extend the tax; it
dairy or a disaster bill passing this year.
Grazing fee formula retained
A highway bill that would increase
would return the tax to 9 cents, Lear
money for mass transit and set aside $5
It would extend provisions of the crop
Fees charged for grazing animals on
said. Under the House bill, each state
billion for special projects passed in the
insurance and disaster assistance title
federal lands will remain the same in
would get back at least 90 cents for
1992, after House passage of the 1992
House on a 343-83 vote.
of the 1990 farm act. Producers would
every dollar it pays in gas taxes. The
The measure now moves to a confer-
be eligible to receive payments for either
Interior Department appropriations bill.
amount allocated for mass transit is $32
ence committee with the earlier $123
1990 or 1991 crop losses.
Jon Doggett, an AFBF assistant direc-
billion, a far larger amount than in the
tor of national affairs, while applauding
billion five-year highway bill passed by
past, Lear said.
The dairy bill includes a diversion pro-
the move, said proposals such as a graz-
the Senate. Bruce Lear, an AFBF assis-
gram, a price support of $11.10 and
ing fee increase should be handled
tant director of national affairs, said the
Senate Ag Committee marks up
changes in the solids content of milk.
through the authorizing process, not
House and the Senate bills differ on
dairy, disaster bill
Costs would be paid through assess-
some issues, including a major differ-
A dairy and disaster bill was reported
appropriations.
ments on the milk sold by producers who
Doggett noted that "many perceive
ence over taxes.
out of the Senate Agriculture Commit-
increase their marketings. It also man-
there was a trade-off of funding for the
Last year's nickel gas tax increase is
tee on a voice vote with little debate.
dates the sale of surplus dairy products
National Endowment of Arts for grazing
set to expire on Sept. 30, 1994. The
The disaster provisions are estimated
to the USSR during the remainder of
fees, a perfect example of why we need
House bill would extend 2.5 cents of that
to cost $3.2 billion if enacted. The ad-
1991.
FB NEWSWRAP
FB calls for tax cut, reduced spending
The American Farm Bureau Federa-
$64 billion more instead," Kleckner
Last Week
tion and the National Taxpayers Union
said.
teamed up last week to renew a call for
David Keating, executive vice presi-
Hearings on wetlands continued
in a House subcommittee with tes-
an immediate tax cut paid for by re-
dent of the National Taxpayers Union,
duced government spending.
said the federal deficit, running between
timony from government agencies.
In a nationwide video news conference
$350 billion and $360 billion this year,
USDA announced price support
on the Farm Bureau satellite network,
is the largest ever.
levels and target prices for 1992
AFBF President Dean Kleckner said
"Federal spending on domestic pro-
wheat and feed grain crops, and
that one year after the highly touted
grams is rising at a rate of 7-10 percent
set price support levels for 1992
budget agreement passed Congress, the
a year after adjustment for inflation, the
oilseed crops. Price supports for
nation's fiscal condition is a shambles
fastest growth in spending since World
wheat and feed grains increased 8
and Washington spenders are out of
War II," he said.
and 6 percent; target prices
control.
Keating agreed the budget deal and
remain the same. Price supports
"The budget deal cut by Congress and
new taxes gave little in return to tax-
for oilseeds are unchanged.
the administration was a political fast
payers, while the Senate has made it
shuffle in which we got higher taxes but
harder to cut taxes than to raise them.
This Week
no spending reduction," Kleckner said.
There are a few hopeful signs. Keating
House leadership plans to
"Taxpayers are frustrated and angry
mentioned the growing sentiment in
consider a dire emergency
and they are going to do something
Congress for legislation mandating a
supplemental appropriations bill.
about it" in the next election.
balanced federal budget. Indications are
Energy legislation may come
"We were promised a $500 billion def-
that congressional leaders from both par-
NEWSPAPER HANDLING
before the full Senate. House
icit reduction but wound up with a $54
ties are becoming more interested in try-
subcommittee markup continues.
billion increase. We were promised a
ing to pass an anti-recession tax package.
$366 billion spending cut, but we'll pay
See Tax cut, page 3
Page 2
Farm Bureau News
October 28, 1991
COMMENTARY
Are farm politics rooted in myth?
WHAT DO YOU
By Hyde Murray
Recently, a Washington think tank called the Center for National Policy
MEAN YOU DON'T
gave all of us in agricultural policy and politics something startling to think
SEE ANYTHING ?
about.
THE WATCH
They said two main myths are the cornerstones of farm policy in our
country.
The first myth found was that farming and farm payments play a minimally
CONGRESSO
significant role as a source of income in rural areas. The second myth they
found was that the "farm vote" is not a significant factor in presidential
RABBIT
elections.
To back up their findings, the center cited statistics that show only 19
FROM THE
of the poorest 583 counties in the country depend on farming for one-fifth
or more of their total personal income. They also found that among the 482
HAT.
highest income rural counties, only 167 depended on farming.
BUDGET
On the voting side, the center discovered that farmers like members of
CUTS
most other occupations, are not automatic votes for one party or another,
but like their city and suburban neighbors they are heavily influenced by
national and international issues and trends.
The center's study also found that rural people themselves overwhelmingly
perceive farm program payments to be important to their local economies, even
in places where the center found government payments were hardly a factor.
Finally, the study concluded that elected leaders must change their views
in spite of the beliefs of their rural constituents, and that such action will
take insight, courage and leadership to bring about a change in the estab-
lished pattern.
What does all this mean to you and me? Does it mean that agriculture is no
longer an influential and vibrant force in American politics? Of course not.
It's a great thing for all of us that think tanks exist. They make us think
and make us act.
This study is a valuable one in the sense it will help make all of us think
again about the goals and purposes of farm programs and about continuing
our common effort to make the Ruropolis a better place to live and work.
At the same time, we should retain our basic perspectives about the essen-
agriculture
and
the
role
plays
our
economy,
our nation and the world.
Sure, the farm population has shrunk from colonial days when nearly 90
Bush urged to press EC on oilseeds
percent of our ancestors were engaged in agriculture to a mere 2 percent of
The American Farm Bureau Federa-
ducer and processor subsidy system,
today's national population of 250 million. And, of course, farmers are Ameri-
tion has urged President Bush to obtain
which had the effect of dramatically
cans first and farmers second. They proved that this year by supporting Opera-
a commitment from the European Com-
reducing imports from Europe, the EC
tion Desert Storm while forfeiting a billion-dollar grain market in Iraq.
munity to bring its oilseed subsidy sys-
would demand the elimination of those
Fewer farmers, however, doesn't mean less influential farmers. Their sup-
tem into conformity with the General
subsidies and would be taking a very
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
port or opposition as a bloc of voters and citizens can still mean the difference
hard position in the GATT to protect its
or take appropriate countermeasures.
between victory and defeat in many states and districts and in the elec-
trade rights," Kleckner said.
Nearly two years ago, a GATT panel
toral college where the fate of presidential candidates is decided.
A new oilseed subsidy system was ap-
ruled that EC subsidies on oilseed prod-
We also should remember that many people who live in off-farm com-
proved by EC farm ministers last week,
ucts were inconsistent with the EC's
munities retain a generational link and a sympathy for the problems faced
which they said "is compatible with the
GATT obligations and nullified the
by farmers and ranchers. The mere fact that there are relatively few peo-
trading rights of the United States.
GATT conclusions," according to EC
ple engaged in a profession does not mean that public support and public
In a letter to Bush, AFBF President
Agriculture Commissioner Ray Mac-
Sharry. But U.S. officials reacted cau-
interest in that profession is equally small.
Dean Kleckner pointed out that since
then "there has been a great deal of talk
tiously to the plan, voicing concern that
A case in point: There are only 1,700 or SO professional football players in
but no concrete action by the EC to halt
the measure does not comply with
the NFL, but millions of Americans follow their performances; and millions
these admittedly unfair subsidies. In the
GATT rules and may be no better than
of dollars are generated by the franchises, the goods and the services that
meantime, U.S. soybean producers and
the existing policy.
flow from the activity of this tiny group of citizens. Instead of a federal farm
processors have lost billions of dollars in
Pressure on the administration to re-
program, this group enjoys a federal antitrust exemption
and
the
football
exports."
taliate against the EC is increasing in
player bloc is unlikely to change the outcome of many presidential elections.
Failure to resolve the issue soon will
Washington. Resolutions were intro-
An example of agricultural relevance is seen in our international trade
raise serious questions about the effec-
duced last week in Congress calling on,
activities. Relatively tiny groups of rice farmers in Japan and wheat farmers
tiveness of the GATT dispute settlement
but not mandating, the administration
in France seem to hold the political levers that will open or close enhanced
process and the GATT itself, Kleckner
to take action to enforce the GATT rul-
trade between the peoples of 102 nations of the world.
said.
ing against the EC if it is not in com-
Another point of reference for the center's study and conclusion should
"There is little doubt that if the
pliance by Oct. 31. Farm Bureau sup-
be the clear recognition that farm programs are instruments of public policy,
United States adopted a similar pro-
ports the resolution.
not merely devices to bring financial joy to farm and ranch operators. En-
vironmental enhancement, the delivery of a safe, clean, wholesome and fairly
priced supply of food, fiber and forestry products, along with benefits, such
FARM BUREAU NEWS
as orderly marketing, raising tax revenue for federal, state and local govern-
ments, and job creation across the land also are factors that convince all
(ISSN 0197-5617)
Americans that farm programs are indeed important to everybody.
Joseph S. Fields, Director of Information
In conclusion, let's all look at the whole picture
myths
and
facts
before
E. Rankin Lusby, Director of Publications
Joan Waldoch, Editor
we begin to reject and abandon the notion that the farm vote and farm pro-
Hertha Lund, Ass't Editor
Mace Thornton, Ass't Editor
Carole Staus, Ass't Editor/Business Mgr.
grams are very important for all of us.
Gene Malone, Ass't Editor
Phyllis Brown, Production Ass't
(Hyde Murray is an assistant director of national affairs for the American
Published weekly, except the last week in December, by the American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., SW,
Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-484-3600.
Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. Before joining Farm Bureau
Second class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Subscription rate for officers and board members of county and state Farm
he served as counsel and minority staff director of the House Agriculture
Bureaus - $6, which is deducted from dues. For other subscribers $10.
Committee and as minority counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives.)
Postmaster: Send address changes to Farm Bureau News, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024.
October 28, 1991
Farm Bureau News
Page 3
Canadian heart patients look to U.S. for critical care
By Mace Thornton
payments, at about 75 percent of the total bill, from
Ontario's Health Insurance Program.
WINDSOR, Ontario - Seventy-year-old Renzo Ghiloni
Billett's action came after recognizing Canada's
Health care video conference set
smiles as he puts a treadmill through its paces. Stride
health care accessibility problem. "This is not a utopia.
A live nationwide video conference on national
by stride, the machine's rhythmic whir floods his ears
We've got many people dying, we've got people sitting
health insurance and rural health care will be aired
like a sweet symphony. Heartbeat by precious heart-
at home waiting for that phone call in pain. I've had
at noon CST, Nov. 5, over the Farm Bureau Advan-
beat, the retired Canadian has a new lease on life or-
farmers come in here and say, 'I'm just going back to
tage Satellite Network. The conference will report the
chestrated by surgeons, not in his own country, but in
work till I die, then at least my family will get my
findings of a study into the impact, in other nations,
the United States.
death benefit.'
of national health insurance on health care access in
Regardless, some Americans continue to look to the
Billett says U.S. policy-makers still tell him Canada
rural areas.
Canadian health care system as a model for solving
has the best health care system in the world. "I say,
The study was contracted by the American Farm Bu-
U.S. health care woes. Many Canadians, however, like
'Yes, we do, as long as you're not sick.' We should have
reau Research Foundation and conducted by the Na-
Ghiloni, know their health care system is far from
the ability for a two-year-old to get surgery, instead of
tional Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas. The
perfect. For them, the leap across the border to secure
waiting six months and then getting bumped. We've
logistics for the one-hour conference: Satellite K2, DX
American health care is a matter of life and death.
had people bumped 11 times off their surgical rosters.
Channel 8, Transponder 6, Audio 6.2 and 6.8.
Nearly eight months ago, after unsuccessful heart
We've had people not admitted into hospitals because
catheterization surgery in Canada, Ghiloni was told
there was just no room."
Billett says both cases are indicative of socialized
his aortic heart valve remained 95 percent closed. He
Heartbeat Windsor, a private, voluntary organiza-
medicine in Canada. "It does not work for the multi-
needed surgery within two weeks, or he would face the
tion, was founded in 1989 to help critical Canadian
heart patients who faced the long waiting lists of
tudes, or for some of the very critical, life-threatening
real possibility of death.
Unable to secure timely surgery in either of two On-
socialized medicine. The organization has directly
conditions," he says. "We do not have free health care.
tario locations, he faced the life-threatening proposi-
helped save hundreds, and indirectly maybe thousands,
If a man makes $50,000 a year, he will be taxed at
tion of waiting. However, like a number of other Cana-
of Canadian lives. However, as of Oct. 1, the Canadian
three levels up to $25,000. Half of what he earns is
dians, Ghiloni reached out for what has been called the
government slashed funds for stateside operations
taxed to pay for these services; however, we are not get-
"safety valve" of the Canadian health care system. He
because last year it lost $240 million to U.S. facilities.
ting these services."
crossed the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor with
The decision to cut has effectively closed the U.S.
Billett says barring positive changes by the Cana-
Detroit, and underwent immediate heart surgery in the
border to Canadian patients.
dian government, the Canadian health care system
United States.
According to American Tom Lubotsky, administrator
could fail within three years. He says it could go total-
"I can honestly say I wouldn't be talking to you right
of the cardiology product line at Detroit's Harper/
ly bankrupt, and it's close to that now.
now if I had to wait on a list here in Canada," Ghiloni
Wayne State University Hospital, that Canadian
Dr. David Wonham, who practices medicine in Wind-
says.
government decision will drastically affect the number
sor, has seen socialized medicine fail before. After 10
The life-saving surgery was made possible by the
of Canadian patients his hospital treats.
years of practice under a socialized system that even-
groundwork of patient advocate Michael Billett, chair-
"For this kind of care, especially open-heart surgery,
tually faltered in England, he moved to Canada.
man of the Windsor Cardiac Emergency Care Associa-
the Canadian government would now only pay $400
After practicing in Canada for the last 21 years, he
tion, commonly known as Heartbeat Windsor. He con-
a day," he explains. "If you assume a length of stay
has grown critical of Canada's government-controlled,
vinced hospitals in the United States to accept
of 10 to 11 days for an open-heart patient, you're talk-
one-payer system.
ing $4,000 or $4,400. Our average bill for a simple
"If you have it all in one ball of wax, there is no com-
Health
bypass would be anywhere from $23,000 to $27,000.
Continued from page 1
petition," he says. "Things go downhill. The user will
That's just the hospital bill, that doesn't include pro-
not complain because he's got no choice. The person
fessional fees. Obviouslv. there is not an incentive for
sunpluing
the
the
the
chospitals and health facilities near their homes; uti-
us to handle those patients.
lizing a voucher or reimbursement system.
nurse, they can't complain because they've got no other
That's bad news to people like 41-year-old Canadian
"In recent months, there has been a great deal of
employer. And if the government complains, guess
Mike Roy. Luckily, he had heart surgery at Detroit's
interest in a single-payer system like the one im-
what? It costs them more money. Nobody complains
Sinai Hospital 10 weeks ago and is recovering. How-
plemented by Canada," Laurie told the committee
and it's too late. Then, when things go wrong, there's
ever, because of diabetes and other health concerns,
members. "We believe a system like that is not
he's not confident about his future.
nothing to fall back on."
adaptable to our country because it fails to deliver
"My condition, more than likely, is going to happen
Successful health care systems must be immune from
the quality and quantity of care that we in this coun-
again eventually," he says. "When it does, I figure
politics, according to Dr. Wonham. He says realistic
try take for granted."
The Farm Bureau leader added, "The one thing
that's going to be it."
guidelines must also be set to dictate who foots the bill
the failures of the economies of the Soviet Union and
After being turned down by three heart specialists
for specific procedures, and individuals must be given
in Toronto for being a "bad risk," heart surgery for
the option to participate, financially and by choice, in
Eastern Europe have shown is that more govern-
Florida Roy (no relation to Mike Roy) was arranged by
their own health care. Without those essential points,
ment central planning will not provide high quali-
Billett at a hospital in Philadelphia.
a system will fail.
ty health care at reasonable prices."
"I'm not covered with insurance. If had to have sur-
"I did tenure under the British system," he says.
AFBF joined with 290 other groups to form the
gery again today, who's going to care about me? Canada
"That's why I came over here. Unfortunately, the
Healthcare Equity Action League (HEAL). HEAL
didn't," she says. "Canada didn't care for this surgery.
system has gone the same way here. I hope you guys
represents more than 1 million employers and more
They won't care next time either. Now, I can't even go
don't do the same thing, I'd hate to see three systems
than 30 million employees nationwide.
to the States. That was taken away from us. That hurts."
go down the drain in my lifetime."
Young farmer tightens belt; wishes Uncle Sam would
With his corn and soybean crop yields
out of diminished returns before the
of spending and give better value for
The Streator farmer thinks farmers
cut in half by drought this year, Illinois
family can think of such things as vaca-
dollars spent."
and other self-employed business people
farmer Dan Vial says he will have to cut
tion, home improvements or capital ex-
Vial says he definitely feels that tax re-
are unfairly treated in only being al-
expenses in 1992. He wishes the federal
penditures for farm machinery.
lief and tax savings to individuals and
lowed to deduct 25 percent of the
government would do the same.
The young farmer, in his 11th year of
business people would be a boon to the
premiums they pay on health insurance.
Vial, who was featured on an Ameri-
business, feels the brunt of big govern-
local economy. Feed, plant food and im-
Employers can deduct the full amount
can Farm Bureau Federation video con-
ment constantly borrowing to finance
plement dealers already are feeling the
of insurance premiums paid as a benefit
ference on tax and budget issues, farms
expenditures, something individual
losses being suffered by farmers this year.
to their workers, Vial said.
900 acres near Streator. He splits his
farmers and other small business oper-
750 tillable acres between corn and soy-
ators can't do.
Tax cut
Continued from page 1
beans. Corn yields ranging from 40-80
"We have failures and temporary set-
bushels per acre and beans between 17
backs, but you have to live within your
A top priority of both Farm Bureau
budget deal, seriously address the spend-
and 20 were about half what they would
means," says Vial. "We might have to
and the National Taxpayers Union is
ing issue and say no to more taxes."
be in a normal year, Vial said.
borrow to keep going sometimes, but
getting control of federal spending,
Farm Bureau is calling for a reform of
Vial and his family will feel the pinch
that only works for so long. I don't see
reducing the tax rate for immediate
the budget process, no more budget sum-
of lower net income next year as will
how the government seems to think
relief to taxpayers and a constitutional
mits and an overall limit on federal
farmers and business operators who de-
they can keep doing that all the time.
amendment to require a balanced bud-
spending. Spending should be allowed to
pend heavily on agriculture.
It just won't work."
get and to limit taxing and spending
grow no more than the rate of inflation,
Farm expenses for the Vials will be
Farmers aren't cold to the needs of
power, according to the two leaders.
with the exception of servicing the
almost the same as for a normal crop.
people who presently have to draw upon
Kleckner said Farm Bureau's message
national debt and meeting national
Living expenses, taxes and health in-
the government, said Vial. "But we'd
to the president, Congress and those
emergencies, according to Farm Bureau
surance premiums will have to be paid
like to see the government get control
seeking office in 1992 is: "Scrap the 1990
policy.
Page 4
Farm Bureau News
October 28, 1991
INSIDE FARM BUREAU
Kansan hopes Soviet freedoms will spur economic reform
By Gordon Hibbard
"The Soviet leaders must
Attentive adults took notes, asked
questions and focused full attention on
act quickly and boldly to
the impromptu lecture presented in the
peel away the layers of
Ukraine by the farm leader from Kansas.
bureaucracy that are suf-
What was designed to be an informal
focating the human spirit.
gathering of local Ukrainian leaders
and visiting Kansans, transcended into
Until that happens I can-
an elementary mini-course on private
not be optimistic that the
enterprise.
political and economic
Led by Kansas Farm Bureau Presi-
reforms will be achieved.
dent Doyle Rahjes, the 18 agricultural
and agribusiness leaders from Kansas
Doyle Rahjes, President
were overwhelmed by the interest local
Kansas Farm Bureau
leaders expressed in free enterprise and
private agriculture. Local leaders asked
When the Kansans' agricultural mis-
questions unheard of in the Soviet re-
sion to the Ukraine, Belorussia and
public just a few weeks before.
Russia was arranged almost 18 months
Leaders in Nebelitza village, about 60
earlier, little did anyone realize the
miles from Kiev, located in the
timeliness of the October visit.
Makazow area, enthusiastically wel-
Rahjes, whose group was in the
comed their guests from the United
Ukraine at the same time Secretary of
States. Most wanted to know how to set
Agriculture Edward Madigan was com-
Doyle Rahjes, president of Kansas Farm Bureau, discusses wheat varieties
up a private farm and what help Amer-
pleting his assessment of Soviet agricul-
with farm managers at the "Temp" Collective Farm near Nebelitza in the
icans could provide.
ture, was able to brief the Cabinet of-
Ukraine. Rahjes led a group of 18 Kansas agricultural and agribusiness
Since the failed coup in August, the
ficer in Kiev on the challenges facing
leaders on a two-week mission to three Soviet republics.
reform movement in the Soviet repub-
local villages and the vacuum of under-
lics has lunged forward at breakneck
Soviets question whether political deci-
even a short supply of those products,"
standing they have concerning private
speed. A once proud Communist Party
initiatives and free enterprise.
sions are being made fast enough. Ration
Rahjes said.
has been stifled. Reforms have increased
"The local officials had no understand-
stamps already are issued to limit food
The farm leader believes the United
personal and political freedoms, but eco-
purchased through the state stores.
States has an obligation to provide assis-
ing of free enterprise, how a free enter-
nomic freedom has not been fully ad-
prise system provides a tax revenue base
Rahjes said he is "pessimistic that re-
tance to Soviet agricultural producers.
dressed by the Soviet leaders.
for government services or how to
form measures will occur very soon, but
"We need to help them construct a
The eyes of Nikolai Lenin presided
achieve a business profit," Rahjes said.
hopeful the new political and personal
system rewarding individual efforts,"
The Kansas delegation's visit was the
freedoms will forward economic freedom."
Rahjes said, adding such aid might in-
over the meeting from a memorial
cameo on the front wall, while Rahjes
first time international visitors had
He said he was impressed with the
clude agricultural education or techno-
their area since 1956. At that
logical support.
business. The image of the Marxist rev-
time, a group of Chinese officials were
Soviet people. Officials and workers were
The farm leader believes the Soviet
olutionary leader's image reinforced the
escorted by Communist Party leaders
"very critical" of their government.
Kansans' view that the bureaucratic
agricultural system is several decades
wanting to impress the Marxist allies.
"Many people we talked to were frus-
system was still in place, they said.
behind the United States in technologi-
"When they came, the party leaders
trated with the lack of leadership and
cal support, infrastructure and business
The economy is crippled. Printing
made us put on our good clothes before
direction," he said. "It is obvious that
knowledge.
presses in the Soviet republics are run-
we could welcome them," a local collec-
there are very few restraints in personal
ning day and night to satisfy the income
"We should-pursue any opportunity to
tive farm manager said. And today, "Our
expression of opinion. Hopefully, this
of soldiers, bureaucrats and other gov-
encourage their steps toward an econom-
workers wanted me to express to you
same freedom can be applied to their
ic and political system that will unshackle
ernment workers. Skeptical citizens are
how happy we are that you are here."
economic system, which currently in-
tired of high prices and unfulfilled prom-
the centuries of political repression and
With inflation running 3 percent a
hibits individual initiatives."
ises of better living conditions.
unhealthy nationalism," Rahjes said.
week and rumors of food shortages, many
Rahjes is concerned that the old order
However, he added, any help given "must
of control is still entrenched at the local
be carefully designed and monitored."
AFB Research Foundation progress report
level among political leaders and state
Without outside assistance, Rahjes
Jan. 1 - Oct. 11, 1991
$162,633.20
farm managers. Economic reform, as it
fears the economic reforms will collapse,
Campaign total (1990-91)
$247,481.30
relates to private ownership of land or
the bureaucratic system will continue
Top counties
Top states
Top states % of goal
free enterprise, will not be fully
and an adversarial relationship with the
Mississippi Co., Ark.
achieved until local leaders relinquish
$3,570
Arkansas
Soviets will rekindle.
$32,625
Vermont
205%
their control, he said.
Crawford Co., Ark.
$1,900
Iowa
$18,879
New Jersey
126%
"The Soviet leaders must act quickly
White Co., Ark.
$1,750
Mississippi
Complicating the bureaucratic maze is
$10,182
New Hampshire 116%
and boldly to peel away the layers of bu-
Faulkner Co., Ark.
$1,500
Pennsylvania
$ 8,704
Delaware
103%
the nationalism exhibited by the in-
reaucracy that are suffocating the hu-
Craighead Co., Ark.
$1,275
Illinois
$ 8,147
Arizona
89%
dependent republics. The Ukraine is
man spirit," Rahjes said. "Until that
Morris Co., N.J.
$1,150
Oklahoma
$ 7,125
Pennsylvania
76%
opting for complete sovereignty, with a
happens, I cannot be optimistic that the
Hamilton Co., Ind.
$1,000
Utah
$ 6,250
Utah
72%
national referendum in December.
political and economic reforms will be
Kosciusko Co., Ind.
$1,000
Indiana
$ 5,350
Colorado
45%
Local Ukrainian leaders are calling
achieved."
Salt Lake Co., Utah
$1,000
Vermont
$ 4,905
Arkansas
41%
for a move to sever ties with the remain-
Weber Co., Utah
$1,000
Virginia
$ 4,646
Oregon
40%
Sangamon Co., Ill.
ing Soviet republics. The strong anti-
(Gordon Hibbard is director of com-
$1,000
Soviet fervor already has been blamed
munications and public relations with
for some food shortages in Russia.
the Kansas Farm Bureau.)
My Commitment Of Support
"Ukrainians will not sell their agri-
Yes!
Here is my contribution to the American
cultural products for rubles, they want
PLEASE PRINT
Neb., N.J. FBs
Farm Bureau Research Foundation
something tangible," Rahjes said. "It is
$50
NAME
a very difficult situation because they
$100
are very bitter toward the Soviet sys-
reach '91 quota
$250
ADDRESS
tem, and especially Russians."
Two more state Farm Bureaus reached
$500
While U.S. grain sales to the Soviets
$
CITY
COUNTY
STATE
ZIP
their membership quotas recently. Mem-
(
were discussed, Rahjes said it "makes no
)
bership statistics for Nebraska and New
My check is enclosed
TELEPHONE
DATE
sense to assume there will be significant
Jersey are:
OR Please charge my credit card:
purchases without something to back
Nebraska - 42,671 families; 37th in
VISA
Master Card
American Express
Card Expiration Date:
the tumbling ruble."
nation; 9th in Midwest; 23 years of
Return to: AFB Research Foundation, 225 Touhy
Bartered goods, he said, could be one
growth; all-time high.
Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068
option if an adequate supply of a needed
New Jersey - 5,409 families; 38th in
Signature:
resource can be provided. "Russia is best
nation; 11th in Northeast; 13 years of
known for its vodka and oil, but there's
growth.
FARM BUREAU NEWS
Vol. 70, No. 46
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
December 2, 1991
Economic growth package needed, FB tells Congress
A comprehensive economic growth package, includ-
ings cap and benefit tax on Social Security recipients.
standards. And, restore tax-deductible IRAs as a vehi-
ing a capital gains tax cut expanded individual retire-
Two other policies that Farm Bureau asked Congress
cle for increasing savings for retirement, education,
ment accounts, is sorely needed to encourage capital
to adopt are a cut in the tax rate on capital gains to
first-time home buyers and catastrophic illness."
investment and individual savings, Farm Bureau said
a maximum of 15 percent and indexing of capital gains
Another important issue is the health insurance tax
in a letter to all members of Congress.
for inflation.
deduction for self-employed taxpayers. A six-month ex-
"Without a program, we are concerned that the
The federal government should limit spending "by
tension of the current 25 percent deduction, set to ex-
economy will continue to flounder," American Farm
allowing no program to grow more than the inflation
pire Dec. 31, was passed last week by Congress. The
Bureau Federation President Dean Kleckner said.
rate, with exclusions for debt service and national
six-month extension would coincide with development
"Congress must take action in the coming year."
emergencies," Kleckner said.
of a tax bill next spring, according to AFBF tax and
Farm Bureau urged Congress to consider several
The Farm Bureau leader urged reform of the budget
budget specialist Grace Ellen Rice. House Ways and
AFBF policy positions and to incorporate them in leg-
process, with an end to "budget summits" and "deals."
Means Committee Chairman Dan Rostenkowski (D-III.)
islation. One of the policy positions states that future
"Stop the congressional sham of referring to 'reduc-
indicated this would be the last extension to be granted
economic policies should build on the successes of the
tions from scheduled increases' as spending cuts," Kleck-
for such provisions, "so Farm Bureau members will
1980s, which were lower taxation, spending restraint,
ner said. "Stop blaming the Federal Reserve Board and
have to work hard to preserve and expand the health
regulatory common sense, freer trade and sound money.
higher oil prices for the economic slowdown that has been
insurance tax deduction," Rice said.
Kleckner called on lawmakers to immediately cut
caused by runaway federal spending, anti-growth tax
Kleckner emphasized that this provision "must be
taxes on labor, including Social Security taxes on in-
policy and productivity damaging federal regulations."
reinstated and expanded in the next Congress, just as
dividuals and self-employed persons, to the rate needed
He urged Congress to place a two-year moratorium
an economic growth package must be put in place to set
to pay current retirees plus a one and one-half year
on "all social, economic and environmental regulations
the country on a surefooted economic course into the
reserve fund. He also urged the removal of the earn-
that damage productivity and destroy jobs and living
21st century."
Administration stands behind proposed manual revisions
Reports that the Bush administration
federal wetlands delineation manual.
ulgated without public review and com-
field tests of the manual's new defini-
has shifted its stance in revising the fed-
The Council on Competitiveness,
ment, went too far in subjecting non-
tions were being shared. "Partial infor-
eral wetlands manual are erroneous, ac-
chaired by Quayle, has played a key role
wetlands to regulatory oversight,
cording to a statement from Vice Presi-
in the revision process.
Quayle's office said. "The process now
mation is a dangerous thing, he said.
dent Dan Quayle's office.
The revisions are currently open to
being overseen by the Competitiveness
"People can make the wrong assump-
The administration remains com-
public comment and will remain SO un-
Council - particularly the notice and
tions. Some of the data may apply to a
mitted to correcting "an overly broad
til Dec. 15, Quayle's office said.
comment period now under way - will
county or state but does not reflect an
wetlands definition that has caused hard-
The Quayle statement confirmed that
supply additional information with the
across-the-board assessment of what is
ship and unnecessary interference with
"there has been no change whatsoever
goal of eliminating confusion prompted
States." really going on throughout the United
private property rights since its adoption
in the delineation process, which is con-
by the unreviewed 1989 manual."
in 1989," the statement said.
tinuing as planned.
Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
He said USDA's Soil Conservation
The statement was issued in response
"All responsible officials have agreed
James Moseley said it is "unfortunate
Service, one of the agencies involved in
to news reports last week suggesting
that the 1989 manual, which was prom-
and unfair" that preliminary data from
wetlands regulation, won't provide
that the administration had backed
public comment on the manual until all
away from its proposal on defining
wetlands after scientists had concluded
Highway, disaster bills passed
of the data has been compiled and
analyzed. "It is not good public policy to
that it could leave many "obvious wet-
come out with results when the
lands unprotected." The reports referred
Property rights dropped
Ag disaster aid included
information-gathering process is not
to the proposed revisions to the 1989
After long hours of debate on how to
House and Senate conferees agreed to
complete," Moseley said.
divide the funds, House and Senate con-
compromise provisions of a "dire emer-
See Wetlands, page 3
ferees agreed last week on a six-year,
gency" supplemental appropriations bill
FB NEWSWRAP
$151 billion bill to reauthorize and
last week. The House and Senate then
revamp highway and mass transit pro-
passed the bill.
Last Week
grams. The bill did not include the Farm
"Farm Bureau considers passage of the
AFBF President Dean Kleckner
Bureau-backed private property rights
bill a win," said Rob Nooter, American
and Illinois Agricultural
amendment.
Farm Bureau Federation farm program
Association President John White
During negotiations on the bill, con-
specialist. "While the amount of disaster
traveled to Moscow where they
ferees dropped the private property
assistance is not as much as we would
met with Russian agricultural
rights measure because of lack of sup-
have hoped for, it should provide mean-
officials, farm groups and farmers,
port in the House. "The Senate strong-
ingful assistance to farmers who need it."
and with U.S. Ambassador Robert
ly supported this measure, but with only
The conference report included $995
Strauss.
102 co-sponsors in the House we didn't
million for disaster assistance for 1990
have the support needed to carry the bill
The Senate approved a set of
and 1991 crops. Another $775 million
forward," said Jon Doggett, American
amendments to the 1990 farm bill
would be available for fiscal year 1993,
Farm Bureau Federation assistant di-
that give producers more
if President Bush includes such a request
rector of national affairs.
flexibility in planting on 0/92
in his budget submission, Nooter said.
acres and accelerate wheat
"We haven't lost yet. Farmers and
The additional funding would apply to
deficiency payments. The bill was
ranchers need to contact their congress-
1990, 1991 or 1992 crops with at least
sent to President Bush.
men during the holiday break and let
$100 million designated for program crops
them know how important private prop-
planted in 1991 and harvested in 1992.
This Week
erty rights are to landowners," Doggett
The entire bill will cost $5.8 billion
A delegation of Farm Bureau
said. The amendment would require leg-
and includes funds for costs of Operation
NEWSPAPER HANDLING
leaders will meet with trade
islators and regulatory agencies to con-
Desert Storm and additional funding for
negotiators in Geneva for
sider the impact of any action on private
the Federal Emergency Management
consultations on the GATT talks.
property rights and avoid any unneces-
Agency in addition to agriculture disas-
sary taking of private property.
ter provisions.
Page 2
Farm Bureau News
December 2, 1991
The President's Column
By Dean Kleckner
President
American Farm
Bureau Federation
How do you rate Farm Bureau?
Even though the calendar's winding down, Farm Bureau's work continues.
Virtually everything we do in Farm Bureau is aimed at one of two goals. One
is to improve net farm income. The second is to enhance the quality of rural
life. The two goals are open-ended. Most of the time, for most of our work, we
don't have specific numbers to attain by a certain date. This effort for con-
tinuous improvement makes it tough to measure results.
Some issues do lend themselves to dollars-and-cents analyses. Look at our ef-
FEDERAL
fort to avert higher grazing fees on public lands. Working closely with the
Public Lands Council, the Cattlemen and others in a coalition, Farm Bureau
helped inform legislators of the harm that quadrupling grazing fees would
cause ranchers and rural communities. So, the fee hike was thwarted, saving
those who run cattle and sheep on public lands more than $119 million a year.
Another Farm Bureau program with measurable results is our well water test-
ing project. So far, 12,500 farmers have had their well water tested for purity by
Heidelberg College in Ohio. Because we deliver a significant number of samples
to be tested, the college grants Farm Bureau members a special price. Those
farmers who have participated in this program have saved $1.2 million in lab
fees. More important, they now know the quality of the water their family uses.
There are other examples of more money in farmers' and ranchers' pockets,
thanks to Farm Bureau. They include our efforts to keep the health insurance
Automatic pilot
tax deduction or to regain title for property owners who granted easements to
railroads. We produce and
how-to manuals, we offer marketing education courses and we televise
Dairy legislation fails in the Senate
livestock auctions to attract more buyers.
An amendment to the supplemental
to the red meat industry and the amount
Pay-off is far off for some projects
appropriations bill that would have
of producer assessments necessitated by
More often than not, though, we are involved with projects where benefits are
modified the dairy program and estab-
the bill caused a dilution of support.
not immediate. One example is our bid to maintain what are commonly called
lished an $11.10 per hundredweight
The government supports the price of
minor-use pesticides, agricultural chemicals used by virtually all growers of
support price failed 51-47 in the Senate
milk by buying excess production of
fruits, vegetables and nursery crops, certainly not minor by my definition.
Nov. 22.
dairy products at the support price.
In 1988, Congress amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
The amendment, offered by Sen. Pat-
Farmers are now being paid an average
Act to require chemical companies to retest and reregister all pesticides labeled
rick Leahy (D-Vt.), would have estab-
of $12 to $12.50, which is above the
prior to 1984. This is expensive. Paperwork for one new herbicide weighed 37
lished a voluntary diversion program to
$10.10 support level and higher than
pounds. Rather than bear the expense, manufacturers have yanked over 20,000
pay producers for agreeing to reduce
out of 45,000 registered products off the market, as we predicted when we lob-
price levels that prevailed earlier this
their output by 5 to 25 percent. Another
bied for more sensible rules in 1988. Farmers who produce fruits, vegetables and
year.
provision would have allowed no more
nursery crops worth $35 billion are losing safe pesticides.
Dairy legislation has been opposed by
The imminent withdrawal of the fungicide OPP illustrates the problem.
than 20,000 additional cows to go to
the Bush administration and consumer
Growers spray OPP on citrus to prevent rot and mold during storage and
slaughter each month as a result of the
activists who said the legislation would
diversion. It would have maintained the
handling. Less than 200,000 pounds are applied annually and there is no effec-
have increased consumer dairy prices.
tive alternative. Annual sales of OPP are less than $500,000. Compiling data
California exemption for milk solids
The Congressional Budget Office es-
to reregister OPP with EPA would cost manufacturers $2.5 million. And, there
standards, but would not have man-
timated that the higher support level
dated increased standards for the entire
is no guarantee that EPA will grant the registration.
would raise consumer dairy prices 7 per-
Another aspect of this issue is that people's increasingly prevalent anti-
country.
cent or about 17.5 cents on a gallon of
chemical attitude makes retention of minor-use chemicals a very unattractive
The vote represents the probable end
milk costing $2.50.
issue for Congress. Imagine the reaction we get when we ask for help keeping
to dairy legislation in the Senate for
Since efforts to create dairy legislation
pesticides on the market, no matter how spotless the scientific credentials. But,
some time to come. Several weeks ago
began last spring, prices have returned
we keep on asking.
a similar proposal died before reaching
to more normal levels; however, a recent
the House floor because it lacked a con-
Detail work is necessary for results
USDA report warned that "income pros-
sensus of support from the dairy in-
pects will not be bright" during the first
Back in June, we invited over 30 groups to a conference on minor-use pesti-
dustry. Provisions to provide protection
half of 1992.
cides. Now, as a coalition, we are addressing deficiencies in FIFRA. Agricul-
ture must speak with one voice or our message and our food protection tools
will be lost.
Farm Bureau is working with Congress, manufacturers, farm groups and
FARM BUREAU NEWS
others to reduce the cost of reregistration for minor-use chemicals; to address
(ISSN 0197-5617)
the food safety concerns of consumers; and to assure the availability of safe, ef-
Joseph S. Fields, Director of Information
fective pesticides.
We're doing all this to address one part of one policy written by America's
E. Rankin Lusby, Director of Publications
Joan Waldoch, Editor
farm and ranch families. Protecting private property rights by seeking sensible
Hertha Lund, Ass't Editor
Mace Thornton, Ass't Editor
wetlands definitions and compensation for impaired value is another area that
Carole Staus, Ass't Editor/Business Mgr.
Gene Malone, Ass't Editor
Phyllis Brown, Production Ass't
is demanding a great deal of organizational money, time and effort. We're do-
Published weekly, except the last week in December, by the American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., SW,
ing the same to implement our policies on international trade, tax relief, food
Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-484-3600.
safety, education, conservation and the rest of the 185 policy areas. How does
Second class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Subscription rate for officers and board members of county and state Farm
Bureaus - $6, which is deducted from dues. For other subscribers - $10.
Farm Bureau measure up to your expectations, your standards? Increasing
Postmaster: Send address changes to Farm Bureau News, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024.
membership numbers tell me that we are meeting your demands and desires.
December 2, 1991
Farm Bureau News
Page 3
TRADE
Latest proposal may mean breakthrough on GATT talks
As the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
expenditures (now around $12 billion per year) would
year by increasing the tonnage subject to the low tariff
negotiations move forward, numerous questions are
impose a limit of around $7.9 billion by 1998. Under
and lowering slightly the high tariff above the quota.
arising about the effect of an agreement on U.S. com-
a continuation clause, EC subsidies could drop to
For commodities where imports already exceed 3 per-
modities and farm programs.
around $4.8 billion by the year 2002.
cent of domestic consumption, the initial minimum ac-
While many key issues remain unsettled, Paul
If the 35 percent cuts were undertaken in volume or
cess level would simply be current import levels.
Drazek, American Farm Bureau Federation trade spe-
tonnage, an important shift in world market shares
Unclear at this point, Drazek said, is how to handle
cialist, said it appears the U.S. and the European Com-
could occur, he said. "EC wheat exports might be re-
cases when current imports are already higher than
munity are moving toward an agreement that would
duced from 20 million tons to 13 million tons by 1998
the minimum established during a base period when
result in agricultural subsidy cuts in the range of 30-35
and down to 8 million tons by 2002. The additional 12
imports were lower.
percent, phased in over five or six years.
million tons available to other grain exporting coun-
A USDA study released in May, although using dif-
Does such a proposal represent a greater compromise
tries would be equal to almost a half billion bushels
ferent base years and percentage reductions than will
by the U.S. or the EC? Drazek explained that it
of potential additional sales." EC wheat exported for
likely be agreed upon, concluded that the following
depends largely on the yet-to-be-decided base year
both flour and feed competes with U.S. wheat, corn and
commodities would not face meaningful cuts in U.S.
chosen as the starting point, as well as a number of
soybeans in world markets.
support prices as a result of the Uruguay Round:
other factors.
The EC uses export subsidies on many commodities
wheat, feed grains, rice, cotton, tobacco and probably
Subsidy reductions from current levels may be larger
including pork, poultry, beef, barley and numerous
oilseeds. Fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, nursery and
or smaller than 30-35 percent depending on the level
high value products. "It is not surprising that the EC
greenhouse products, beef, pork, sheep meat, poultry
of subsidies during the base year selected, Drazek ex-
is arguing for its budgetary-limit approach and the
and eggs also would be unaffected, since there are no
plained. "If subsidies were lower during the base year,
United States and other countries favor the tonnage-
domestic support programs for them.
a 30-35 percent reduction from that level would mean
based approach," Drazek said.
According to the study, virtually all of these com-
countries would really have to make a larger cut from
Farm Bureau's position is that the export subsidy
modities would benefit from the GATT agreement
the higher subsidy levels currently in place."
negotiations must result in meaningful cuts in volumes
through some combination of increased production, in-
The reverse also would be true. If subsidy levels were
of commodities exported with subsidies. Before mak-
creased exports, higher prices and higher farm income.
higher during the base year than current levels, the
ing a judgment on the reported 30-35 percent reduc-
Commodities likely to be affected are dairy, peanuts,
actual subsidy reduction would be lower than 30-35
tion figures, Drazek said, "we must see more clearly
sugar and wool. The extent to which support programs
percent. This is one way countries can get a "credit"
what they really mean."
for these commodities would be affected depends on a
for having made subsidy cuts in recent years, Drazek
Discussions of a 30-35 percent cut in import protec-
number of yet undecided factors, including the base
said.
tion can be misleading, Drazek said. Products subject
year, percentage cut and the definition of subsidies to
He added that the 35 percent cut could turn into a
to tariffs will be treated differently than those subject
be disciplined. "It is fairly safe to assume that the ef-
60 percent cut if a "continuation clause" is adopted,
to non-tariff barriers. "The most sensitive commodity
fects on these commodities would take the form of in-
extending the cut to 10 years. "Obviously, this would
areas in the U.S. are where import quotas are main-
creased imports, lower production, lower support prices
result in more substantial subsidy reductions in the
tained under Section 22 of the Agricultural Adjustment
or lower farm revenues," Drazek said.
EC, and much more open markets in other countries
Act (dairy, peanuts, cotton and sugar-containing prod-
Although world market prices might rise for these
such as Japan. But it also would mean more substan-
ucts). For such commodities, as well as for many prod-
commodities with reduced foreign subsidization, prices
tial cuts by the U.S."
ucts subject to non-tariff barriers in the EC, Japan, and
would not likely rise to offset the reductions in sup-
The benefit of a 30-35 percent cut in export subsidies
other countries, the agreement likely will require that
ports, he added.
be
replaced
by
minimum
access
commitments
Once a GATT agreement is finalized, the president
EC wants to make its subsidy reductions in budgetary
governed by 'tariff-rate quotas.' The minimum access
must notify Congress 90 days in advance of signing the
terms only. "Comparable reductions in EC internal
levels apparently being discussed are 3 percent of
agreement. The Congress then can review the agree-
price supports would mean the EC would not need as
domestic consumption the first year, perhaps increas-
ment and assist in the drafting of the implementing
much money to subsidize its commodities down to the
ing to around 5 percent after five years."
legislation. During this process, changes in the agree-
world market price. So the EC could reduce its budget
Minimum access using "tariff-rate quotas" would like-
ment are possible, although "major changes could scut-
but not really affect the ability of the remaining sub-
ly work in the following manner. Each year, foreign
tle the entire package," Drazek said. Provisions also
sidies to meet and beat world prices."
products could be sold in the importing country at a low
could be added to the legislation to minimize damage
A cut in both the budgetary limits on export subsidies
or zero duty, until a quantity has entered that equals
to U.S. producers.
and the actual volume of product that can be exported
the agreed minimum percentage of domestic consump-
After the review process, Congress gets the completed
with subsidies would be much more meaningful,
tion. At that point, the importing country would erect
and signed agreement and implementing bill for
Drazek said.
a high enough duty to cut off additional imports. Mar-
passage or rejection under the "fast-track" 60-day ap-
For example, a 35 percent reduction in EC subsidy
ket-access growth would be achieved each subsequent
proval process.
STATUS REPORT
Wetlands
Continued from page 1
Farm Bureau has repeatedly called for
areas that do not function as 'true' wet-
exports of dried breakfast cereals
a balanced wetlands policy "that will
lands and never should have been jur-
PESTICIDE REGULATIONS: A bill to
pre-empt local government from regulat-
reached a record $85 million in fiscal
allow farmers to farm and true wetlands
isdictional," he said.
year 1990, up fourfold since 1986 and
to be preserved," according to Herb
Quayle has stated that the manual's
ing pesticides (H.R. 3850) was intro-
accounting for 17 percent of worldwide
Manig, assistant director of the Amer-
final definition will honor the "no net
duced in the House last week. Supported
by Farm Bureau, the bill would make it
trade, up from only 8.5 percent in 1986,
ican Farm Bureau Federation's natural
loss of wetlands" pledge made by then
and environmental resources division.
according to USDA.
Vice President Bush in 1988. But Mass-
clear that only the federal government
Claims that vast acres of wetlands will
achusetts soil scientist Jerome Carr said
and states have the authority to regulate
CATTLE ESTIMATES: Starting next
be lost as a result of the revised manual
the "no net loss" slogan has become so
the manufacturing and use of agricultural
year, USDA will release cattle inventory
are simply not true, according to several
abbreviated that it is counterproductive.
chemicals. Companion legislation also
and cattle on feed reports on Fridays or,
wetlands experts. Kevin Martin, a
"In the original agreement between
was introduced in the Senate.
when Friday is a holiday, on the previous
North Carolina soil scientist, said after
the Environmental Protection Agency
workday. The action was taken because
reviewing the new manual that the revi-
and the Corps of Engineers, the actual
AG FACTS: Agriculture provides em-
of public comments that release of cat-
sions should cause "no loss of marshes,
wording refers to 'a goal of no overall
ployment for 21 million people, or one
tle on feed reports early in the week
swamps and bogs."
net loss of values and functions.' That
out of every six jobs in the country. Each
disrupts marketings as traders wait for
"Most of these 'losses' are 'paper'
agreement also recognizes that 'no net
American farmer produces enough food
the report's information. Farm Bureau
wetlands in the 1989 manual that never
loss of wetland functions and values
for 128 people - 94 in the U.S. and 34
supported the change.
should have been called wetlands in the
may not be achieved in each and every
in other parts of the world.
BST BAN VETO: Wisconsin Gov.
first place," Martin said. "What is
permit action,' Carr added. Federal
regulators and environmentalists are
COTTON CROP: USDA predicts the
Tommy Thompson vetoed a bill that
needed first is the definition, to deter-
1991 cotton crop will total 18.2 million
would have renewed a ban on BST. An
mine what a wetland is, through sci-
reluctant to acknowledge these points,
earlier state ban on use of the hormone
ence. Then, where politics should get in-
he added.
bales, up 17.5 percent from last season
and the second largest on record. Mean-
expired June 1. A similar ban on farmer
volved is determining what you can and
Carr suggested that the "no net loss"
use of BST in Minnesota is tied to the
can't do on a wetland."
slogan be replaced with a more accurate
while, a resurgance in the popularity of
Wisconsin law; it is effective only if
North Carolina soil scientist Hubert
one of, "Wetland stewardship: protect
cotton apparel helped boost growers'
Wisconsin adopts a similar ban or states
Byrd agreed the manual changes will
the best, manage the rest."
receipts to a record $5 billion in 1990.
with 40 percent of the total U.S. milk pro-
not reduce the acreage of valuable
Farm Bureau strongly supports legis-
duction adopt a ban.
wetlands in the United States.
BREAKFAST CEREAL EXPORTS: U.S.
lation in Congress (H.R. 1330, S. 1463)
"It will return to private landowners
to establish a rational wetlands policy.
Receiving the ASAE's Educational
related to engineer-
tries judged outstanding in originality
A membership of 3,927,115 families is
Aids Blue Ribbon Awards were Farm
ing in agriculture
and effectiveness as specific aids to
an all-time high and marks 31 years of
Bureau's cooperative well water testing
education that can be copied, emulated
growth for the national organization.
program, a winner in the video category,
Also reporting quota this past week:
American Society of
or otherwise used in the interest of agri-
and the organization's professional self-
Illinois - 362,400 families; 44th in
Agricultural Engineers
culture far beyond the range of their
help education series in the publications
nation; 11th in Midwest; all-time high;
original application.
category.
25 years of growth. To date, the Illinois
The videotape presentation describing
on agricultural technology, chemical use
The awards encourage excellence in
Agricultural Association is the largest
the AFBF well water testing program
and integrated pest management. The
educational aids related to engineering
state Farm Bureau.
involved Jim Porterfield, associate direc-
set was produced by Porterfield and Ann
in agriculture and contribute to the
Oregon - 10,783 families; 45th in na-
tor of the AFBF natural and environ-
Sorensen of the AFBF natural and en-
overall improvement of educational
tion; 13th in West; 2nd year of growth.
mental resources division, and Stewart
vironmental resources division and
aids, ASAE said.
The Midwest Region also has exceeded
Truelsen, Ed Cilley and Tom McCoskey
Scott Rawlins, Hugh Johnson and Steve
The blue ribbon awards were pre-
its membership quota. It is the third of
of the information division's broadcast
Newton of the organization's commodi-
sented at the ASAE awards and recog-
Farm Bureau's four regions to hit quota.
department.
ty and marketing division.
nition banquet during the society's in-
Its membership of 1,367,658 families is
The professional self-help education
The publications are designed to en-
ternational summer meeting in Albu-
a new high for the region and represents
project consists of a series of publications
courage farm operators to evaluate their
querque, N.M.
25 years of growth.
Top Twenty
AFBF holds satellite conference on NAFTA
In Membership Achievement
November 26 1991
Percentage of '91 Quota
Alabama
224.1
Rhode Island
117.2
Alaska
115.9
Nevada
110.6
Utah
109.7
New Hampshire
108.5
Ohio
108.4
Georgia
107.7
Maine
107.3
Oklahoma
107.1
South Dakota
106.7
Connecticut
106.4
American Farm Bureau Federation President Dean
Clemson University; Cary W. Herndon, Mississippi State
Hawaii
105.3
Kleckner (at podium) opens a satellite conference held
University; Roberta Cook, University of California-Davis;
North Dakota
104.6
recently to discuss the results of a Farm Bureau Re-
Jim Holt, McGuiness and Williams, Washington, D.C.;
Michigan
104.6
search Foundation study on the impact of a North Amer-
Mark D. Newman, Abt Associates, Inc., Bethesda, Md.;
Virginia
104.4
ican free trade agreement on U.S. agriculture. Parti-
Thomas H. Spreen, University of Florida; E. Wesley
Florida
104.1
cipants were (from left) Mickey Paggi, AFBF; Karl
Peterson, University of Nebraska; and C. Parr Rosson,
Arkansas
103.8
Meilke, University of Guelph, Canada; Emily McClain,
Texas A&M.
Montana
103.8
Louisiana
103.8
Page 4
Farm Bureau News
December 2, 1991
INSIDE FARM BUREAU
Average cost of Thanksgiving meal lower than last year
The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 peo-
The overall price for this year's meal was determined
A Family-sized Thanksgiving Meal
ple was nearly $3 less than last year, according to a
from results of a nationwide survey of 72 Farm Bureau
(Cost of a meal for 10 people)
survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau
volunteer shoppers in 25 states and Washington, D.C.
Federation.
Farm Bureau's Thanksgiving Day dinner for 10 in-
This year's traditional family-sized meal cost $25.95.
cluded these items: a 16-pound, self-basting tom turkey;
Last year the same meal cost $28.85. Costs in other
a 14-ounce package of herb-seasoned, cubed stuffing
years averaged: $24.51 in 1987, $26.61 in 1988 and
mix; a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix; and a package
A Family-sized Thanksgiving Meal
$24.70 in 1989.
(Cost of a meal for 10 people)
of two, nine-inch, frozen pie shells.
A lower average price for the traditional Thanksgiv-
Also included were three pounds of fresh sweet
$30
$28.85
$25.95
$26.61
$24.70
ing turkey set the tone for the decrease in this year's
potatoes; a 12-ounce package of brown-and-serve rolls;
$20
meal. In addition, rolls, vegetables and cranberries cost
a one-pound package of frozen green peas; a half-pound
less than a year ago.
each of fresh carrots, celery and yellow onions; a
$ 10
At $2.59 per person this year, the meal's menu in-
12-ounce package of fresh cranberries; a gallon of whole
0
cludes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, peas, rolls,
milk; coffee; and one-half pint of whipping cream.
1991
1990
1989
1988
cranberries, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, a relish
Although eating habits have changed and areas of
dish and beverages.
the country vary in what they include in their tradi-
SOURCE: American Farm Bureau Federation
Turkey supplies and marketings were up slightly this
tional meal, Farm Bureau's survey has remained con-
year, according to Farm Bureau commodity specialist
stant over the years to allow the price comparison.
potatoes, $1.36; rolls, $1.00; peas, $1.06; carrots, $0.24;
Dr. Hugh Johnson. Consumers are benefitting from the
"Events of the past year around the world demon-
celery, $0.20; milk, $2.31; onions, $0.35; cranberries,
wholesale trade of frozen turkeys, which are about 15
strate the real meaning of Thanksgiving for Ameri-
$1.34; coffee, $0.18; whipping cream, $0.76; and
cents per pound lower than a year ago.
cans," said Purcell.
miscellaneous items, $1.85.
According to Johnson, America's appetite for turkey
"We live in a bountiful nation that is the envy of the
The following states participated in the price survey:
continues to grow, with individual consumption up near-
world. Thanksgiving has become a celebration of fami-
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,
ly one pound in the past year to 19 pounds annually.
ly and friends, but we mustn't lose sight of the spirit
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Min-
"While U.S. consumers already pay the lowest food
of the early settlers who took time to give thanks for
nesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
prices in the world, the holiday meal becomes an even
the good harvest."
New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
better value since most stores offer the ingredients at
Average prices to feed 10: Turkey, $10.67; stuffing,
South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wash-
special prices," said Marsha Purcell, AFBF spokesperson.
$1.99; pumpkin pie mix, $1.41; pie shells, $1.24; sweet
ington, D.C.
FB programs recognized by ASAE
AFBF exceeds quota
for 31st year in a row
The American Farm Bureau Federa-
farming systems in terms of proper and
tion was recognized recently for com-
With almost a week to spare, the
Excellence in
safe chemical use, adaptation to new
munication excellence in two categories
American Farm Bureau Federation
technology and incorporation of inte-
by the American Society of Agricultural
educational aids
reached its 1991 membership quota -
grated pest management practices.
and then some!
FARM BUREAU NEWS
Vol. 70, No. 47
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
December 9, 1991
International trade negotiations heating up
By Jack King
agreement must be right or we will be forced to oppose
Negotiators in the world agricultural trade talks are
it," Kleckner warned.
export subsidies be based on the volume of exports, not
The Farm Bureau delegation met with Arthur
expenditure levels, which the Europeans want. The
finally getting down to serious business, following five
base years used to compute the subsidy cutbacks also
and one-half years of lackluster talks. The outcome of
Dunkel, director general of the General Agreement on
will be critical to the agreement.
the Uruguay Round remains uncertain, however, due
Tariffs and Trade (GATT), members of the U.S. trade
to continued sharp differences between the United
representative's office involved in the negotiations and
"In all our meetings, we made it clear that a mora-
States and the European Community.
delegates from the EC, Japan, Latin America and
torium on filing of complaints related to soybeans or
Australia.
any other agricultural products for the duration of the
A delegation of Farm Bureau leaders traveled to
A working paper submitted by Dunkel has become
agreement would be unacceptable. In addition, we
Geneva, Switzerland, last week to monitor the talks
and present U.S. farm viewpoints. The delegation in-
the basis for the current talks. Though the paper lacks
stressed the need for the term of any agreement to be
cluded American Farm Bureau Federation President
precise details, the talks are proceeding on the assump-
continued and expanded beyond the initial five- to six-
year period," Kleckner added.
Dean Kleckner, AFBF Vice President and South Caro-
tion of various numbers and concepts.
lina Farm Bureau President Harry Bell, Pennsylvania
The discussions are moving forward on the basis of
The farm leader said a disproportionate level of ex-
Farmers' Association President Keith Eckel and Kan-
a suggested 30-35 percent cut in export subsidies over
port subsidies exists between the United States and the
sas Farm Bureau President Doyle Rahjes.
five years; tariffication of quotas and other border pro-
EC, making the talks especially difficult. In the past
"For the first time since the talks began, we observed
tection measures, with minimum access levels; plus a
year, the EC paid $12 billion in export subsidies toward
a serious commitment to the negotiations, but a lot of
continuation or "review" clause at the end of the ad-
the sale of 22 million metric tons of grain, meats, dairy
justment period.
work needs to be done if an agreement is to be reached
products and other goods, compared with $700 million
by the Dec. 20 deadline," said Kleckner.
"While we are encouraged by the newfound commit-
in U.S. expenditures.
ment to serious talks, we are troubled that the most
"We remain convinced that progress must be made
in world agricultural trade in the areas of market ac-
the Europeans are willing to give in agriculture may
"The talks have been made more difficult by the
Europeans' failure to prepare their farmers for cuts in
not be enough to make the agreement worthwhile for
cess, sanitary and phytosanitary standards and espe-
the United States," Kleckner said.
export subsidies and as a result their negotiators face
cially export subsidies. The terms, however, of any
stiff domestic problems. European Community officials
"We also are concerned that a 30-35 percent cut in
See GATT, page 4
Administration
meetings
U.S. leaders said last week they are
said, "Finally we are talking about cut-
of American agriculture," and is still in
volume of product that it is currently
encouraged by recent trade negotiations
ting export subsidies that have SO de-
that posture.
subsidizing.
with the European Community.
pressed world market prices, and we are
Responding to questions from the
When questioned about Section 22
Agriculture Secretary Edward Madi-
talking about cutting barriers to market
gan said in his opening comments at the
media, Madigan said the tonnage of cuts
products, Madigan said the administra-
access that have limited export oppor-
USDA Outlook Conference last week,
in export subsidies was important to the
tion was not bargaining away that pro-
tunities. For the United States, agricul-
"For the first time - in the last few
U.S., not just the budgetary cuts. He ex-
vision. Section 22 products, including
ture is important because it is our No.
plained that the EC is currently spend-
dairy, peanuts, cotton and sugar-con-
weeks - we are 'meaningfully engaged'
1 export."
in negotiations with the EC." Last
ing the equivalent of $12 billion U.S.
taining products, are those on which
Madigan said that the U.S. has shown
month he participated in trade talks in
dollars on export subsidies. Even if that
U.S. import quotas are maintained. "If
a "willingness to consider any proposal
were cut in half, he said the EC might
we reached a GATT agreement that re-
Europe - in Brussels, in Rome and in
that we feel would be in the best interest
The Hague - regarding negotiations in
still be able to subsidize the same
placed quotas with tariffication,
ultimately there would be some impact
the Uruguay Round of the General
on some of the Section 22 commodities.
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
But, the tariffication that would replace
U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills
See Outlook, page 4
FB NEWSWRAP
Last Week
The House Ways and Means
Committee held hearings on
economic policy proposals.
At its annual outlook
conference, the Agriculture
Department forecast a "healthy,
stable farm economy" for 1992
due largely to farmers'
conservative borrowing
practices.
NEWSPAPER HANDLING
This Week
Congressional committee
PHOTO BY JOE FIELDS
hearings on economic issues
Discussions about U.S. agriculture and the structure of Farm Bureau high-
continue.
lighted a recent visit to Moscow by Farm Bureau leaders. From left, John
Next Week
White, Illinois Agricultural Association president, and Dean Kleckner, AFBF
president, use AFBF's "Farm Facts" to answer questions from Russian farm
The AFBF Resolutions
organization leader Vladimir Bashmachnikov and Evgenij Ulyanov of the
Committee will meet in
State Committee for Land Reform. See article, page 3
Chicago.
Page 2
Farm Bureau News
December 9, 1991
COMMENTARY
Harsh realities for Russian farmers
MEMBERSHIP
By Joe Fields
American farmers and ranchers often feel threatened by political devel-
opments and government actions that endanger their way of life. To better
31ST
understand what farmers in the former Soviet Union are up against, try
EAR IN
to imagine yourself in the following scenario.
AROW
You were born into a collective farm behind the Iron Curtain. You learned
only the farming methods practiced on the collective and were not allowed
to hear or read about how farmers in other parts of the world operate. It
RECORD
is obvious to you that state collective farms have failed miserably to feed
HAIH
your countrymen.
Being the pioneering, entrepreneurial person you are, you recently seized
an opportunity that your father and grandfather never had. As steps toward
democracy began to disintegrate the USSR, your collective farm was left
in disarray, so you took over some of the land it no longer used. The aban-
doned property you began using includes a few acres, a few buildings and
run-down equipment, nearly all of which had been cannibalized for parts.
You fashioned some living quarters for your family out of prefabricated
construction materials left laying around the property, and acquired some
livestock, perhaps dairy cows, hogs, maybe a few chickens, by trading items
you owned or found. You collect garbage from local restaurants to feed your
livestock. You supplement that with some mash from a nearby brewery.
You are now producing agricultural commodities, but it's hard to find a
market for them. You might be able to sell some produce or meat to a local
store, but the rubles they pay you have decreased in value in recent weeks
to the point that any amount of currency is virtually useless to you. So you
have turned to bartering your products for what you need to live and farm.
You're not making any money, but you can feed your family from what
your farm produces, and the rest of what you produce can be traded for a
used welder, a worn out tractor or clothes for your family.
But several worries keep you awake at night. The land, facilities and home
What a reach!
you occupy could be taken away from you tomorrow.
Your government, which has been too preoccupied with bigger problems
to worry about what you're up to, might revert back to an oppressive, socialist
or fascist regime and punish you for daring to practice private enterprise,
Congress okays FB-supported
something it might consider as treason. You are also very well aware the
government knows how to punish its people.
technical corrections bill
Prior to its holiday recess, Congress
allowed producers to plant minor oil-
New bill in Senate would make
approved and sent to President Bush a
seeds on those acres. The "technical cor-
package of technical amendments to the
rections" legislation expands the list of
1990 farm act. Farm Bureau supported
"minor use," experimental and indus-
SCS responsible for ag wetlands
the measure, which Bush is expected to
trial crops that can be grown on land
sign.
already eligible for subsidies under the
A bipartisan group of senators has in-
system "has created a nightmare for
The corrections, among other things,
0/92 and 50/92 program.
troduced Farm Bureau-backed legis-
farmers."
will give producers more flexibility in
The measure passed by Congress also
lation that would put the U.S. Agricul-
"If you are a farmer with a single wet
the crops they can plant on 0/92 acres
would accelerate deficiency payments
ture Department in charge of wetlands
patch of ground on your land, you are
and accelerate government deficiency
made to farmers participating in the
decisions.
up against four different agencies of the
payments to wheat farmers.
wheat, barley and oats programs. Initial
The legislation (S. 2018) would create
federal government armed with complex
The provisions will allow farmers to
payments will be made in December
a "one-stop shop for farmers and ranch-
and confusing regulations from two dif-
interchange planting of corn and grain
rather than in July.
ers when seeking answers on wetlands,"
ferent pieces of legislation," he said.
sorghum on their base acres for those
In addition, it will eliminate the re-
according to the bill's chief sponsor, Sen.
"Even worse, the four federal agencies
crops.
quirement for dairy producers to comply
Christopher Bond (R-Mo.).
probably will not even agree on whether
The 0/92 program allows farmers to
with a conservation plan in order to
If passed, the measure would make
the patch of wet ground on your farm is a
plant protective ground cover on acres
receive refunds of assessments collected
the USDA's Soil Conservation Service
wetland or not, let alone how you should
enrolled in wheat and feed grain pro-
from them, and correct a flaw in the
responsible for determining whether
handle it. But if you don't handle it right,
grams, and still collect 92 percent of
farm bill that prevented USDA from
agricultural land is classified as a
you could be penalized or fined tens of
those crop subsidies. In recent years,
making loans to farmers under the high
wetland. Currently, the Army Corps of
thousands of dollars," Bond said.
Congress has expanded the number of
moisture corn loan program.
Engineers, the Environmental Protec-
The best agency for handling wetlands
cash crops farmers can grow on the land
The measure also contains a number
tion Agency, the Interior Department's
issues is the Soil Conservation Service,
and still receive subsidies.
of other technical improvements to er-
Fish and Wildlife Service and SCS are
he said, because it "knows farmers and
The 1990 farm act, for the first time,
rors and omissions in the 1990 farm act.
responsible for regulating wetlands.
farm operations and can apply that
The Wetlands Simplification Act
understanding to these determina-
would give SCS, in consultation with
tions." The legislation would keep SCS
the Fish and Wildlife Service, the au-
working in consultation with the Fish
FARM BUREAU NEWS
thority to identify wetlands and develop
and Wildlife Service.
(ISSN 0197-5617)
restoration and mitigation plans con-
"We can preserve our wetlands with-
Joseph S. Fields, Director of Information
cerning wetlands on agricultural lands.
out burying family farmers in red tape,
E. Rankin Lusby, Director of Publications
Under the Clean Water Act, property
bureaucracy and paperwork. It is clear
Joan Waldoch, Editor
Hertha Lund, Ass't Editor
considered a wetland cannot be filled or
that we must increase federal efficiency
Mace Thornton, Ass't Editor
Carole Staus, Ass't Editor/Business Mgr.
drained. In addition, the federal "swamp-
when dealing with wetlands," Bond said.
Gene Malone, Ass't Editor
Phyllis Brown, Production Ass't
buster" law denies crop subsidies and
Farm Bureau strongly supports this
Published weekly, except the last week in December, by the American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., SW,
Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: 202-484-3600.
farm program benefits to producers who
measure along with the wetlands legis-
Second class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Subscription rate for officers and board members of county and state Farm
alter wetlands.
lation introduced by Rep. James Hayes
Bureaus - $6, which is deducted from dues. For other subscribers - $10.
Bond said the current regulatory
(D-La.).
Postmaster: Send address changes to Farm Bureau News, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20024.
Page 3
December 9, 1991
Farm Bureau News
THE CHANGING USSR
Private farmers struggle against obstacles in 'new' Russia
By Joe Fields
ing partners with them through joint
ventures and other changes."
MOSCOW - If someone waved a magic
The two American farm leaders also
wand over the Soviet republics and
met with the new Russian minister of
dropped in an agricultural infrastruc-
agriculture, Victor Khlystun, appointed
ture like America's, Soviet farmers still
to that position by Russian President
might be no better off. Even if equip-
Boris Yeltsin only a week earlier. Kleck-
ment, fuel, chemicals, seeds and mar-
ner urged Khlystun to set up programs
kets were available, what value is a
to help private farmers through the cur-
bountiful harvest if money is worthless?
rent transition period, but also to leave
AFBF President Dean Kleckner and
them free enough from central control
Illinois Farm Bureau President John
to farm.
White made that assessment of the
The Agriculture Ministry of the Soviet
situation in Russia during a trip to
Union no longer exists. It is just one of
Moscow just before Thanksgiving.
many casualties of the disintegrated
They toured a hog operation and a
USSR. As many officials told Kleckner
dairy, both located about 30 miles east
and White, Mikhail Gorbachev is now
of Moscow. They talked with farmers.
president of nothing.
Through an interpreter, they learned
Individual republics are faring much
what the new breed of private farmers
better. Farm Bureau has a counterpart
is up against.
in Russia. Just as private farms are in
Kleckner and White also had meet-
their infancy, their farm organization is
ings with U.S. Ambassador Robert
barely born. Vladimir Bashmachnikov
Strauss. In Moscow, Strauss struggles to
is president of the Association of Farm-
John White (center) and Dean Kleckner (right) lined up with other Moscow
keep up with developments in all the
ers and Agricultural Cooperatives of
citizens to check out the meat supplies in a private store.
republics so he can advise U.S. officials
Russia.
his members, Bashmachnikov is ex-
chase a coat priced at 1,100 rubles. In the
on appropriate roles and responses. He
That makes Bashmachnikov's posi-
is optimistic democracy will survive.
tremely interested in gaining further
time it took her to get the cash together,
tion comparable to Kleckner's, except
knowledge of how Americans farm and
the price had jumped to 1,800 rubles.
Kleckner agrees.
that the Russian farm organization is
There are two kinds of grocery stores -
"I believe the chances for successful
how Farm Bureau works.
funded by the government. The needs of
transition to démocracy are slightly bet-
"These Russian farmers have a hard
state stores and new private stores.
Russia's private farmers are SO great
Some Russians can afford the prices in
ter than 50-50," Kleckner said. "On the
that their organization is overwhelmed.
time comprehending how we in the
the state stores, but there is little or no
upside is their strong desire for freedom
It wants to step in and fix all the prob-
United States have choices of where to
food. Kleckner and White stepped inside
and privatization. The downside is their
lems at once, but lacks the resources.
buy tractors or chemicals or seed or
one state store and did what Russian
lack of infrastructure, facilities and
President Kleckner invited Bash-
feed," Kleckner said, "much less how we
consumers were doing. They observed
choices to allow it to happen.
machnikov to America in the next few
have choices in marketing our com-
modities. They just don't understand."
empty shelves, fought their way up to
with
World and Farm Bureau - can do to
how Farm Bureau operates at the coun-
According to Kleckner, Russian farm-
help them along the way, perhaps by be-
ty, state and national levels. Just like
ers are very inquisitive, still starved for
on display, asked the price and left. It
words from the outside world.
wasn't the price, it was the quality.
"They are hungry for information,
In private stores there is plenty of
anxious to learn how we farm," said
food, but virtually nobody, except for-
Kleckner. "But when we tell them, they
eign tourists, can afford it.
realize that they lack the infrastructure
What kind of government will evolve?
to do what we do."
No one knows what the future may
Natasha, the
13-year-old
According to Kleckner, it's easy to feel
bring to the Soviet republics. No one
a tinge of pity for the farmers, and even
knows if any trace of the former central
daughter of
more for the average Moscow citizen fac-
government will continue to exist.
a Russian
dairy farm-
ing runaway inflation and a shortage of
Worse, no one knows if democratic re-
food. In a society where virtually every
form and private enterprise will survive
er, poses
with some
product and service has been provided by
the sudden shock of such radical change.
hogs, which
the central government, nearly every cit-
"These new private farmers are in a
were kept in
izen is an employee of the government.
very volatile situation," said Kleckner.
the same
That government has collapsed, but
"I just hope and pray they can make it
Russian President Boris Yeltsin says his
through this transition toward democ-
barn as the
republic will fund the USSR payroll
racy and opening of markets, for their
dairy cows.
through December, longer if he can.
own good and for the good of America
However, Yeltsin's rubles are becoming
and the rest of the world."
more worthless by the day. The skyrock-
(Joe Fields is director of the information
eting inflation can be illustrated in a
and public relations division for the
story about a woman who wanted to pur-
American Farm Bureau Federation.)
STATUS REPORT
GATT MEASURE: A sense of the
rights to eliminate unfair trade barriers;
$600 million, $275 million will go for wheat,
were pork chops, bacon, eggs, potatoes,
Senate resolution was introduced by
and achieve a sound agreement govern-
$138 million for feed grains, $67.5 million
red delicious apples and Mazola oil.
Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.) concerning
ing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
for protein meals and $22.5 million each for
necessary criteria for a GATT agree-
Farm Bureau supports the resolution.
soybeans and vegetable oils.
BEEF CONSUMPTION: After declin-
ment. The measure says any agreement
ing during most of the past 15 years,
must achieve elimination or substantial
SOVIET PACKAGE: USDA has an-
FOOD PRICES STABLE: A quarterly
beef consumption has stabilized, ac-
reduction of export subsidies as a
nounced commodity allocations for the
survey taken by AFBF shows average
cording to the National Cattlemen's
means of disposing of ag surpluses on
$1.25 billion credit guarantee package to
prices for 16 common food items totaled
Association. Per capital beef consump-
world markets; create new and ex-
the Soviet Union. A total of $600 million will
$29.56 in the fourth quarter of 1991, just
tion is projected to reach 67.6 pounds
panded market opportunities for U.S.
become operational immediately for export
34 cents more than in the same period of
(retail weight) in 1991, about even with
farm products; ensure against EC
sales of ag commodities. The remaining
1990. Items that rose slightly from the
1990 levels. Beef consumption in 1992
moves to substitute other trade im-
$650 million will be made available in alloca-
previous quarter were whole fryers, milk,
is projected at close to 68 pounds. In-
pediments to offset reductions in export
tions of $200 million each on Feb. 1 and
cheese, Cheerios, white bread, Crisco oil
creased production is cited as the cause
subsidies; allow the U.S. to exercise its
March 1 and $250 million on April 1. Of the
and Kraft mayonnaise. Items that declined
for the upturn.
Page 4
Farm Bureau News
December 9, 1991
INSIDE FARM BUREAU
American Farm Bureau reaches new membership record
The American Farm Bureau Federa-
tion's membership soared to a new
Tennessee proudly extended its con-
North Dakota, 11 each; and Connecticut,
Oregon, Utah and Washington had be-
secutive years of growth to 51. Other
10 years. Maryland, Massachusetts,
tween two and nine consecutive years of
record high 3,983,870 families for the
year. Forty-seven state Farm Bureaus
states with long strings of growth years
Pennsylvania, Kansas, Michigan, Min-
membership growth.
and all four geographic regions achieved
are North Carolina with 33; Louisiana,
nesota, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas,
Gains are also kept in percentages
Mississippi and South Carolina, 32 each;
Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia, Arizona,
year by year and a top 20 published
membership gain in 1991 over the pre-
vious year, propelling the national
Kentucky and Rhode Island, 30 each;
Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico,
weekly throughout the year.
Delaware and Georgia, each 28; Illinois,
organization to an 88,480 member
gain.
25; Ohio, 24; Iowa and Nebraska, 23;
and Wyoming, 20.
'91 state Farm Bureau membership
The Tennessee Farm Bureau had the
Other states with 10 or more years of
largest gain. It signed 17,432 more
continuous gain are Colorado, 18; Maine,
Alabama
272**
Nebraska
42,714**
members this year than last, and re-
15; New Jersey, 13; New Hampshire and
Alaska
221**
Nevada
2,922*
mains the largest of all state Farm
Arizona
Bureaus with 381,173 member families.
4,177*
New Hampshire
5,000*
Three other state units with more than
Top Twenty
Arkansas
166,740**
New Jersey
5,429*
300,000 members are Illinois with
State FBs in Percentage of '91 quota
California
83,002*
New Mexico
10,122*
372,838, Kentucky with 329,709 and
November 30, 1991
Colorado
16,650**
New York
22,802*
North Carolina, 312,938.
Alabama
242.9
Connecticut
3,690*
North Carolina
312,938**
Close behind Tennessee in member-
Rhode Island
117.2
ship gain was Georgia with a gain of
Alaska
Delaware
2,677**
North Dakota
26,681**
116.9
14,361 members. Others adding more
Nevada
110.6
Florida
81,093*
Ohio
125,351**
Utah
than 10,000 were North Carolina, 11,451;
109.7
Georgia
199,812**
Oklahoma
87,122**
Illinois, 10,863; and Kentucky, 10,256.
New Hampshire
108.5
Ohio
Hawaii
108.4
1,701**
Oregon
10,783*
Eight states had membership gains in
Georgia
107.7
Idaho
32,715**
Pennsylvania
23,042*
every county and 27 states reached all-
Maine
107.3
Illinois
372,838**
Puerto Rico
1,700
time high enrollments. Delaware gained
Oklahoma
107.1
South Dakota
Indiana
232,533
Rhode Island
1,013**
members in every county for the 14th
106.7
consecutive year. Tennessee accom-
Connecticut
106.4
Iowa
154,135**
South Carolina
103,750**
plished it for the fifth year in a row,
Montana
106.4
Kansas
140,120**
South Dakota
9,265**
Maine and Rhode Island each did it for
Hawaii
105.3
the fourth straight year. It was the sec-
104.9
Kentucky
329,709**
Tennessee
381,173**
Idaho
Tennessee
104.8
Louisiana
68,500**
Texas
296,024
ond consecutive year of every-county
North Dakota
104.6
Maine
gain for Georgia, Louisiana and Idaho.
4,550**
Utah
19,002*
Michigan
104.6
Massachusetts was the eighth state to
Virginia
104.4
Maryland
14,288*
Vermont
4,564
register a gain in every county.
Florida
104.1
Massachusetts
5,004*
Virginia
99,332**
Michigan
114,859**
Washington
5,423*
Minnesota
34,002*
West Virginia
12,677*
Mississippi
173,926**
Wisconsin
55,242**
The "Update" video news program
trade talks, the Russian situation,
Missouri
70,356*
will be presented via Farm Bureau Ad-
wetlands and legislative issues.
Wyoming
8,059*
Following Kleckner's introductory
Montana
4,170*
vantage Satellite on Thursday, Dec. 19.
The half-hour program will begin at
comments, there will be an opportunity
3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
for state Farm Bureau leaders to phone
American Farm Bureau Federation
in questions and comments regarding
President Dean Kleckner will open the
these and other issues. Viewers may
AFBF
3,983,870
show with a review of several key issues,
phone 1-800-626-2489 during the
including federal budget, international
program.
* Membership gain
** All-time high
LIVE VIA SATELLITE
Outlook
Continued from page 1
U
the quotas conceivably could be at such
December 19
estimated that a successful Uruguay
a significant number that it would be
Round agreement would expand U.S.
many years before anyone would be
agricultural exports by $6-8 billion over
Tune in and talk with AFBF
affected."
the next five years and add $1-2 billion
President Dean Kleckner
Hills said fairer competition and more
to farm income.
open markets will benefit American
"How far
how
fast
and
where
it
Learn about the latest issues
farmers, who lead the world with more
will end up are still in contention. I
than $40 billion in annual exports. That
can't tell you how it is going to come out.
P
in this 1/2-hour show
is about a third of the total value of U.S.
But we are engaged and we are fighting
farm production, she said. USDA has
every step of the way," Madigan said.
Phone lines will be open
for your comments
GATT
Continued from page 1
1-800-626-2489
admit, however, they cannot continue to
There are many issues in the talks
pay ever-increasing amounts for export
beyond export subsidies, said Kleckner.
subsidies."
"While seemingly further along, the is-
DATE
The European Community has de-
sue of sanitary and phytosanitary stan-
vised a new compensatory payment
dards also must be resolved in a satisfac-
program to cushion the effect of cuts in
tory manner. Unless these health and
export subsidies and internal supports.
inspection standards are properly set-
The EC is proposing it be included in
tled, other trade problems could overlap
a category not subject to GATT
into this area. We sought and received
disciplines.
indications that satisfactory progress
Farm Bureau Advantage Satellite Network (K2)
The Farm Bureau delegation expressed
will occur in this area."
serious concerns over the unknowns of
Transponder 8, DX receiver channel 12
The agricultural talks are considered
such a program. "The United States has
the linchpin in the current Uruguay
Audio 6.2 - 6.8
to be leery about the size and potential
Round, but agreements must be forged in
Program begins at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
permanency of such a proposal," said
14 other sectors as well. All seven previ-
Kleckner.
ous rounds have ended with agreements.