SENATE FARM BILL HAS GOOD AND BAD PARTS

The US Senate approved its version of the new Farm Bill late last week. Minnesota Farmers Union spokesman Doug Peterson said the $288-Billion bill has some good things for consumers and producers. The new bill includes Country of Origin labeling requirements and state inspection of interstate shipments. He also likes the permanent disaster program in the bill and funding for farm fuels and specialty crops. Peterson is disappointed that the bill continues large subsidies to what he calls 'mega-farms'. President Bush has said he may veto the bill if the final price tag is too high. The Senate bill now goes to a conference committee to find common ground with one from the US House.