AEM Applauds Senate for Progress on Farm Bill

Urges Congress to Include Robust Safety Net for Farmers and Ranchers

MILWAUKEE, June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the U.S. Senate begins floor proceedings this week to debate the 2012 Farm Bill, Association of Equipment Manufacturers Chairman and Krone NA Chief Executive Officer Rusty Fowler issued the following statement:

"With hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country directly and indirectly supported by the agricultural equipment industry, it is of utmost importance that Congress pass a fiscally responsible farm bill that includes a strong safety net for farmers and ranchers.  I am pleased to see the Senate take the initiative and move forward with this important legislation.

"Our country can take pride in producing the world's safest, most abundant and affordable food supply.  And it's important for us as Americans to remember that this takes enormous hard work and commitment.  This vital industry, which supports 21 million jobs and is one of the few areas in which America enjoys a trade surplus, is subject to the uncontrollable effects of weather and turbulent global market forces that place capital intensive farming and ranching operations at great risk. That is why sound farm bill policies are so critical to maintaining the U.S. lead in modern production agriculture.

"By working towards a new farm bill that maintains its historic commitment to providing a strong safety net, we can ensure farmers and ranchers have the tools necessary to prevent uncontrollable losses that potentially could jeopardize our future ability to produce the food and fiber that feed and clothe our nation and many other parts of the world.  Our nation's economy and job growth are dependent on a solid farm bill – Congress must pass a bill that includes the proper protections the agricultural industry needs to continue to lead the economic recovery."

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) - www.aem.org
AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 850 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.: Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China.

SOURCE Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)