Measure provides major funding for food and nutrition, and help to Nevada ranchers and farmers

May 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid lauded Senate passage of the Farm Bill today. The legislation, which now goes to President Bush, provides important benefits to people throughout Nevada.

More than $1 billion over the next decade is included to help low-income families put food on the table, and $110 million will be directed to help our most vulnerable through food banks and soup kitchens struggling with rising food costs. Food stamps receive a boost as well, with new rules tying them to inflation to increase purchasing power.

Farmers can benefit from $1 billion in funding for farm-based renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. For ranchers, an important new provision allows private landowners to apply to receive cost share assistance for conservation work on rangeland vulnerable to or affected by wildfire.

“We’re providing immediate help and solutions to so many areas of Nevada in this legislation,” Reid said. “The President is threatening to veto this good bill that would help feed, the hungry and the needy throughout our state who are struggling to make ends meet. I urge him to sign it and bring assistance to so many who will not otherwise find it.”