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Jury hears Trump and Cohen Discussing Hush-Money Deal on secret recording; Nature-based solutions help solve Mississippi River Delta problems; Public lands groups cheer the expansion of two CA national monuments; 'Art Against the Odds' shines a light on artists in the WI justice system.

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President Biden defends dissent but says "order must prevail" on campus, former President Trump won't commit to accepting the 2024 election results and Nebraska lawmakers circumvent a ballot measure repealing private school vouchers.

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Bidding begins soon for Wyoming's elk antlers, Southeastern states gained population in the past year, small rural energy projects are losing out to bigger proposals, and a rural arts cooperative is filling the gap for schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Farm Bill Agreement Focuses on Food Relief, Fuels, and Farm Disasters

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008   

Madison, WI – More food relief, farm-based fuels and disaster relief for farmers –- these are some of the highlights of a long-awaited Congressional agreement on the new U.S. Farm Bill.

Sue Beitlich with the Wisconsin Farmers Union reports there's a lot of good news for state farmers and consumers, such as Country-of-Origin labels ("COOL")to help consumers know where food comes from. A permanent disaster relief provision will help farmers deal with floods, droughts and other disasters.

"That means if we suffer crop or livestock losses because of Mother Nature, we don't have to go back to Congress each year on an ad hoc basis and ask."

The farm bill agreement also would boost investment in farm-based energy, including biofuels. Critics blame those fuels for recent increased food prices, but Beitlich argues biofuels help keep transportation costs down, which is an important factor in food prices.

"It boils down to one thing, and that's oil. The price of crude oil is way up; it's at historic highs. With ethanol as a blend to our gasoline, it has reduced the cost, and there are studies to show that. It really is not raising the cost of food."

President George Bush has threatened to veto the Farm Bill because it still includes commodity subsidy payments. Beitlich doesn't like those subsidies either, but she believes the good parts of the farm bill outweigh the bad, and she hopes it passes.

She is quick to add that the Farm Bill isn't just for farmers. A lot of it deals with food relief, which she says is particularly important in the face of recent escalating food prices.

"Over 70 percent goes to food and nutrition programs, y'know from food stamps to school meals, and WIC: Women, Infant and Children programs."





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