Grainnet

Leadership of the National Sorghum Producers met June 25 to discuss and review Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson's hard-fought amendment to the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

The bill, which was approved in the House Energy and Commerce Committee last month and heard by the House Committee on Agriculture two weeks ago, included language that caused significant concern to the National Sorghum Producers and its producer members.

House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson negotiated an agreement with bill sponsors late June 24 that significantly improved the prospects for agriculture.

Following the June 25 meeting, NSP Chairman Toby Bostwick, a sorghum producer from Melrose, New Mexico issued the following statement:

"The National Sorghum Producers recognizes, wholeheartedly appreciates, and supports the efforts of Chairman Collin Peterson to fight for agriculture's protection in negotiations on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

"His efforts on behalf of agriculture are to be highly commended.

"The amendment brokered by the Chairman is certainly a step in the right direction toward protecting and benefitting farmers in any future climate change legislation.

"This piece of legislation has far reaching impacts that have the potential to affect every American citizen.

"Given the potential negative effects of this bill on cost of production and world competitiveness of agriculture producers, NSP cannot in the best interests of our producer members and agriculture in general, support the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

"The legislative process is an extensive one, but at this point, the bill leaves too many unanswered questions for our industry.

"NSP will remain involved in the legislative process as long as climate change legislation is under discussion.

"NSP strongly encourages members of Congress to vote 'yes' on Chairman Peterson's amendment to the bill and to vote 'no' on final passage of H.R. 2454."

For mote information, call 806-749-3478.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• National Sorghum Producers

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