Sugar Producer

June 2011

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Second, ensure that farmers and agribusi- ness have appropriate risk-mitigation tools. A big part of the farm bill historically is about ensuring that U.S. agricultural producers have government support to help mitigate unforeseen risk and keep our food supply plentiful, safe and within the budgets of most American families. There continues to be historic levels of volatility in the agricultural commodities market, and U.S. agribusi- nesses need to have all possible tools at their disposal to negotiate risk – whether it’s risk of a dramatic swing in prices, weather problems or world economic disruptions. We certainly recognize the reality that budget pressures will not allow a simple re- enactment of the 2008 farm bill. Cuts are likely in the 2012 version; we understand that. We feel strongly, though, that agriculture should not pay a disproportionate price to balance the federal budget. It is vital that U.S. lawmakers, in their effort to control federal spending, do nothing to take the shine off a rural economy that is one of the nation’s true bright spots. n Editor’s note: Logan is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Agribusiness Banking Group, CoBank. www.SugarProducer.com 23

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