Agri News, MN
05-15-07
Lang, Petersen have differing reactions to legislative moves
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
Agri News staff writer
DES MOINES -- Iowa Farm Bureau president Craig Lang said agriculture will
thrive thanks to the 2007 Legislature while state Farmers Union president Chris
Petersen is a little disappointed.
Petersen said that while the Iowa Power Fund and increasing the minimum wage
will benefit rural areas, he's disappointed because no action was taken on
livestock issues or the spot market bill. Legislators and Governor Chet Culver
campaigned on these issues and made promises that haven't been fulfilled, he
said.
"By passing the $100 million Iowa Power Fund, the state made it clear that Iowa
will continue to be recognized as a national leader in biorenewable energy," said
Lang. "Our livestock and poultry industry will also benefit from the research and
development of the renewable energy industry."
Petersen said he hopes family farmers get some of the profits and rewards from
the biofuels industry.
"I don't want to see renewable fuels and wind go the same way as the hog
industry with outsiders coming in here and building and the profits leaving,
Petersen said.
Legislators also extended the gas tax incentive for consumers to use ethanolblended gasoline, Lang said. The Legislature dedicated $32 million to Iowa
State University to build and equip a laboratory for renewable fuels.
"The work done on renewable energy is clearly a win-win for Iowa farmers and
consumers," Lang said.
Petersen said that House File 873 and Senate File 550 would have revamped
the master matrix, increased setback distances, addressed water quality and
given local people more input in siting livestock.
"I was very disappointed the bills did not move forward," Petersen said. "The vast
majority of Iowans want livestock issues addressed."
Petersen said he was "quite mad" that nothing happened with the bill would have
required processors to buy 25 percent of the swine they slaughter on the open
market.
"We've got to get serious about offering farmers another opportunity," Petersen
said.
Lang applauded legislators for taking the first step in developing a
comprehensive approach to water quality by directing resources to the state's
water quality needs.