Alternative energy takes spotlight during ag hearing

From the Billings Gazette,

Alternative energy took center stage.

"In Montana, we are a long way from an ocean and a long way from imported oil," Gov. Brian Schweitzer told the committee. "We send our grain off the Pacific Coast to third world countries and somewhere on the high seas. That ship meets another big ship with oil from those countries coming to the United States. Our farmers are paying the freight both ways."

Farmers are receiving mixed signals about their role in the future of energy in this country, he said.
Crops such as camelina thrive in Montana and can be used to make biodiesel, but federal crop insurance programs don't cover the oil seed plant.

"That needs to change so that when a farmer goes to the bank in the spring for an operating loan, the banker will lend money to plant alternative crops," Schweitzer said. "We need to send signals to the market that we are serious about alternative energy."

The farm bill covers numerous agricultural programs, such as farm income support, trade, conservation, research and crop insurance.

The current programs, set in 2002, expire next year. Some ag groups want to extend the current legislation, while others are calling for an overhaul, said Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., who is chairman of the committee.

Thursday's field hearings at the University of Great Falls was one of seven so far aimed at helping Congress craft the next farm bill. Another is set for next month in Texas.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is on the ag committee. Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., attended the hearing but is not a committee member.

Baucus called for stronger safety nets for traditional Montana crops such as wheat and barley. He said crops grown in other parts of the nation, such as cotton, receive more protection under the current bill.

Burns acknowledged that some people think the 2002 farm bill should be extended until after a new World Trade Organization agreement is reached.

"If our trade partners are willing to get serious about things like market access and tariff reduction, then a short extension is something to be considered," he said. "But right now, we aren't making a lot of progress, and some issues that Montana wheat and barley producers are facing just can't wait."

Burns added that he wants the new farm bill to address high shipping rates paid by farmers served by a single railroad.

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