This is Gwen Outen with the VOA Special English AgricultureReport.
Recently, the American Farm Bureau Federation asked the majorpresidential candidates about farm issues. Here are some of theanswers by President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry.
The Farm Bureau asked what policies the candidates would proposeto strengthen farming.
President Bush said the farm bill of two thousand two hadprovided payments to farmers when prices were low. The Department ofAgriculture says the bill has provided farmers with more thanfifteen thousand million dollars.
Senator Kerry said he would seek fair trade policies. He alsosaid he would expand agriculture markets to include new kinds ofproducts. Mister Kerry said he supported financial protectionagainst low prices and other risks for farmers.
The Farm Bureau asked how the candidates would change America’senergy policy to meet energy needs while moving toward renewableenergy sources in the future.
Senator Kerry proposed a Clean Fuels Partnership that would bringtogether government, agriculture and industry. The goal would be tohave twenty percent of America’s motor fuel produced from Americanagricultural products by the year twenty twenty. One example isethanol, a fuel made from grain.
President Bush said he proposed a bill to provide four thousandmillion dollars in lower taxes for renewable energy businesses. Butthat bill has not passed in Congress.
The Farm Bureau asked if the candidates would seek greateracceptance of biotechnology products.
President Bush said he opposes identifying genetically engineeredfood with labels. He said the government is aiding farmers who donot want to grow such crops.
Senator Kerry said he would seek the acceptance of safeagricultural products around the world. He said nations should notuse the issue of biotechnology to unfairly close their markets toAmerican exports.
Both candidates were asked why farmers should vote them.
President Bush said he understands the problems of farmers. Andhe added it was important to pass more tax cuts and to open newmarkets.
Senator Kerry said he wants to help American family farmerscompete in the international agricultural economy. He said he wouldfight for fair trade and protect farmers from risks like floods andlack of rain.
This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by MarioRitter. This is Gwen Outen.