March 15, 2007
By RAJU CHEBIUM
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE
rchebium@gns.gannett.com

WASHINGTON Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., says a bill he introduced today would help American farmers use cleaner energy, conserve land, embrace organic farming, and help people eat healthier food.

The problem is finding the money for it.

Spending rules Democrats adopted this year require spending increases to be offset with budget cuts or additional tax revenue. A spending plan approved by the Senate Budget Committee on Thursday earmarks $3 billion a year in additional spending for agricultural programs.

Menendez introduced the measure today along with Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and Jim Gerlach, R-Pa.

Some of the money for the bill could come from cuts in subsidies for grain and cotton growers, Kind said, adding that fruit and vegetable growers could see their federal share increase.

The New Jersey Conservation Foundation supports the measure, which is being co-sponsored by Reps. Jim Saxton, R-3rd Dist. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist.; Albio Sires, D-13th Dist.; Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist.; Bill Pascrell, D-8th Dist.; and Rush Holt, D-12th Dist.

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