While commodity prices have improved slightly from last year, margins are still tight. We promised our constituents a smooth transition from the failed, government-dominated farm policies of the last 63 year period prior to 1996. We must follow through on that promise, and this legislation helps us fulfill that goal. This bill provides tremendous opportunities for farmers. The Crop Insurance title helps farmers utilize additional risk management activities.
Farmers can increase their individual coverage levels thanks to better premium subsidies.
And for the first time, pilot programs will be available to determine how livestock producers can be included as an insurable commodity. The bill before us today would not have been possible otherwise. The Budget Committee's work and cooperation allowed the Agriculture Committee to supply farmers with the funds necessary for the smooth transition farmers deserve by providing what is viewed as an additional AMTA payment at 1999 levels. This fund will assist agricultural producers by providing grants for ventures to capture a greater share of the consumer food dollar. An ethanol plant in Blairstown, Iowa The 21st Century Group Independent dairy producers from Kansas Pork America a national cooperative of independent pork producers New Jersey Farm Bureau which recently commissioned a study to determine the feasibility of ethanol production and held a meeting at which 300 New Jersey farmers attended due to their interest in value-added opportunities.