Sen. Max Baucus has been named to the Farm Bill Conference Committee, which is tasked with merging the House and Senate versions of the new farm bill.
Baucus helped author the Senate-passed legislation, which implements country-of-origin labeling, stops Farm Service Agency office closures, and includes a permanent drought assistance fund, a safety net for wheat and barley producers, and a boost for alternative energy.
Baucus, a Democrat, says he included a first-ever $5 billion agriculture disaster assistance fund so producers facing losses due to drought don't have to return to Congress year after year for assistance.
He said Wednesday he'll fight to keep the disaster aid intact and to protect other important provisions for Montana producers.Associated Press
