Sometimes the tax burden can be so great a farm is forced out of business. Some families are able to manage estate taxes through estate tax planning and life insurance, but these tolls can be very expensive and use money needed to operate the farm. We support incentives and market-based options for the restoration and protection of wetland areas and changes in the nationwide wetlands permit proposal to allow traditional agricultural activities. The costs associated with wetlands conservation must not be borne solely by landowners. We support initiatives that would give Americas farmers freer and fairer trade arenas in which to sell their products.
Many nations unfairly restrict the importation of United States agricultural products.
All agricultural products should also be exempt from embargoes and unilateral sanctions except in the case of armed conflict. Through the preservation of farms, we will have saved a significant portion of the irreplaceable character and history of many areas of Bucks County. Moreover, we are investing in our future and the future of our children. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify on this most important issue.