Tom Harkin, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that the conference committee working on the 2008 Farm Bill has now approved all of the major elements of the bill. A few remaining issues are being addressed by congressional staff members, but the big issues are resolved and the next steps are for both the House and Senate to approve the final bill before sending to the White House for the President’s signature.

Senator Harkin was bullish on the near completion of the bill.

“Today’s adoption of all major elements of the new farm bill brings us within a few steps of the finish line. The Senate-House conference committee on the farm bill is now in the final stages of a strong, bipartisan bill that that will bring new funding and better policy in core farm bill initiatives – conservation, energy, nutrition and rural development – while continuing and strengthening farm income protection,” Harkin said.

“This bill provides support for everything from agricultural research and beginning farmers to protecting our natural resources and helping to feed hungry families. It looks to the future in renewable energy production and it ensures farmers have the income protection they need. Congressional negotiators have come a long way and are preparing to send the President a farm bill he can sign,” Harkin continued.