Local food bank, farmers say controversial federal farm bill is needed

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Local farmers say the $290 billion federal farm bill that sailed through Congress is much needed, but President Bush is promising to veto it.

Local farmers say the $290 billion federal farm bill that sailed through Congress is much needed, but President Bush is promising to veto it. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 19, 2008 at 4:40 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2009 at 12:30 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Local agencies say the $290 billion federal farm bill is needed, despite recent criticism.

President Bush is promising to veto the bill, which sailed through Congress last week.

He says it's too expensive, and argues that it gives subsidies to wealthy farmers already getting record crop prices.

But the bill contains a number of different elements that some say are needed, especially in light of the rising food prices and cost of gas.

At the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, they track the farm bill daily.

“There are a lot of people that could use the food that it represents,” said Interim Director Lisa Jaworski.

The bill includes $250 million annually for emergency food banks across the nation to stock their shelves.

At the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, it’s money needed as more people request help.

Last year, through about 65 local agencies, they helped served 100,000 people. This year, they expect at least a 25 percent increase.

“The picture of who is coming to the pantry here on site is different,” explained Jaworski. “I mean, there are the regulars who come every month, but we're starting to see the people who come in nicer cars, the nicer outfits."

She blames layoffs, rising food prices and the cost of gas.

And it’s the price of gas that is also one of the concerns for local farmer Ken Sebasty.

It’s why he supports the farm bill.

It includes a $4 billion disaster protection program for farmers in the event of a drought or flood.

“If we don't have any protection and we end up with a drought this year, it's going to devastate a lot of farms, probably bankruptcies,” commented Sebasty.

He points to the increasing investment required to farm. Fertilizer used to cost him $250 a ton. Now, he pays $1,000 a ton. Seed corn is up more than $200 a bag.

And when it comes to fuel, he exclaimed, “It costs a $1,000 every time I fill the tractor."

With those prices, he says a drought or other disaster could do farmers in.

“That's our biggest worry right now, is just surviving,” said Sebasty.

But it seems the subsidies given to farmers are the big sticking point in this bill.

U.S. Senator Dick Lugar (R) from Indiana has called it fiscally irresponsible.

He points out that most of the subsidies go to wealthy farmers. He also worries about the impact on trade with other countries.

If Congress does override the president’s promised veto, it would be only the second time in his administration.

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