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Pot stirred, producers speak outIt has been quite some time since we've had as much discussion over one particular issue. Climate change legislation, cap-and-trade legislation, global warming bill--whatever you want to call it--has many readers concerned. High Plains Journal columnists have also taken the opportunity to discuss the issue as it moves though Congress. Ken Root, for one, wrote this in his "Political climate change" column on July 6: "In our 20 years of debate, we have concluded that our factories and farming practices are a hazard to the long-term health of the planet. Whether this is right or whether our reaction will achieve the desired outcome is irrelevant. We are going to make fundamental changes to address global warming." And readers got fired up. "I truly doubt that Mr. Root has real understanding of the grave impact 'cap-and-trade' legislation....will have on our ability to produce food and fiber at any reasonable cost and the serious negative effect that rural America will suffer if it also passes the Senate and becomes law. Many wheat growers were concerned when the National Association of Wheat Growers announced they supported climate change legislation. In a letter to the editor, Karl Scronce, president of NAWG, said, "We've known for a long time that the agricultural sector will face heavy costs through any sort of greenhouse gas regulation and that this regulation is increasingly near on the horizon." NAWG felt it was in wheat growers' best interest to participate in the discussion. Scronce said, "The big picture is clear: Agricultural producers have the opportunity to participate in carbon markets and make money in the process. Or producers can choose not to be part of the legislative process and accept regulation from EPA or legislation that does not include ag offsets." But NAWG's move surprised and concerned many in the agriculture industry. In his July 20 column, Seymour Klierly wrote, "The day before the House passed the broad sweeping bill by two votes, NAWG released a statement endorsing the bill. Keep in mind roughly 120 other agriculture and rural community groups strongly oppose the bill. Fast forward two weeks to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on the global warming bill, where Chairman Barbara Boxer touted NAWG's press release as a shining example of the agriculture community's support of the bill." Recently, a meeting High Plains Journal attended found producers commenting on the legislation and its passage by the House of the 1,400-page document before it was released to the public. "There was no information given to the general public about the bill before the House passed it," said one farmer. Another said, "Our Kansas legislators have stated this is one of the worst bills in front of them for ag in 25 to 30 years. But, politicians decided we have to have cap-and-trade and they voted for it based on that." One farmer said, "It's a piece of legislation tailored to the urban middle class who sees this action by their congressman in the media and says, 'Hey, this guy's doing something for us and I'll vote for him next term.'" One thing is certain: Climate change legislation is causing a stir in the agriculture community. And that can only be good. If farmers and ranchers are fired up, then they will be more engaged and active to find the best solution for the agriculture industry. Don't take it for granted, however, that other farmers have got your back. They need your help. Call your legislators and voice your opinion. Become active in your farm organizations and help them find the best solutions. The number of American farmers continues to decline; therefore, you must voice your opinions. And voice them loudly, so they can be heard all throughout the Beltway.
Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 620-227-1806, or by e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com.
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