Salazar moves to close farm payment loophole

Staff Reports
August 1, 2007

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U.S. Sens. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., have joined forces in an effort to curb waste and abuse within federal farm payments policy. The two have introduced a measure that will close a loophole that allows commodity support payments to non-farmers.

Salazar, in a press release, said the bill would end the practice of providing commodity support farm payments to landowners who no longer use the supported land for agricultural purposes. Land that was formerly used for agricultural purposes that has been redeveloped for commercial or industrial use, or subdivided into multiple residential uses, would no longer be eligible for farm payments.

“It is common sense that land that is now used for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes should not be eligible for farming support programs. Closing this loophole is one clear way we can eliminate wasteful spending and abuse, ensure that farmers who truly need support payments actually receive them and hopefully help our rural communities flourish,” Salazar said.