Farm bill plan pleases Pelosi at least

One farm state politician recently compared the farm bill funding process to passing a kidney stone. The bill's main critics seem to put it in the same league as the articles establishing the Soviet Union, and farmers themselves, I think, are mostly uninterested at this point, given the marathon pace the whole thing has taken.

And when it's finally done you'll likely hear faint praise all around, with a bit of nose-holding, as is the case with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In a statement Friday, she cited the bill's potential to "ease the strain of rising food prices," and for its conservation provisions, and "commitment" to nutrition, fruits and veggies.

In the nose-holding part she says she "would have preferred more commodity reform," and she she notes the reduction in the tax credit for corn-based ethanol.

But, any back slapping in the halls of Congress may be premature, according to a new story by Agriculture Online Business Editor Dan Looker.

Ag Secretary Ed Schafer told reporters Thursday that President Bush will veto the farm bill. In response, Senate Ag Committee Chairman Tom Harkin said the plan isn't perfect but that deserves the President's signature.

"Inexplicably, the White House seems intent on destroying the harvest just as the seeds are being planted," Harkin said.