05/15/08

A bill that would enhance food security and provide opportunity for Idaho farmers is headed to the White House.

The senate passed the 2008 Farm Bill with 81 in favor just a day after the house approved it with 318 "yes" votes which is enough to override a presidential veto.

President Bush has threatened to veto the 290 billion dollar bill. But Senator Mike Crapo says it something our state needs.

Crapo says, "Idaho’s agriculture industry is more than a 5 billion dollar industry and is a critical part of Idaho’s economy and the commodity title in the bill will continue to allow those farmers to be protected as they face global pressure."

About two thirds of the bill would pay for domestic nutrition programs while an additional $40 Billion is for farm subsidies.