This is historical material, "frozen in time." The web site is no longer updated and links to external web sites and some internal pages will not work.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release December 1, 1998

           VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
                       WILL BUY $20 MILLION IN BEEF
                     FOR FEDERAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

             Also, Asks Secretary Glickman For Comprehensive 
                  Proposal to Strengthen Farm Safety Net

Washington, DC -- In remarks before the third annual Farm Journal conference, Vice President Gore announced today that the Agriculture Department (USDA) will buy up to $20 million in U.S. beef to help improve prices for cattle producers and the livestock industry.

"I am pleased to announce today that we will act right now to help hurting farmers," Vice President Gore said. "Our Agriculture Department will buy $20 million in U.S. beef, helping America's cattle ranchers who have been operating at or below break-even levels for most of this year."

Today's announcement is the latest in a series of purchases and other actions that USDA has taken to help offset a surplus of federal cattle that has depressed prices to ranchers, farmers, and feedlot operators. During fiscal 1998, USDA bought 145.7 million pounds of domestic beef products at a cost of $158.9 million. The beef is distributed to recipients in federal food assistance programs.

The Vice President's announcement builds on the Administration's continuing efforts to shore up the domestic farm safety net. Since taking office, the Clinton-Gore Administration has forged over 260 new trade agreements and has opened more markets to U.S. agriculture than any administration in modern history. Last month, for instance, the Vice President announced that Argentina will lift its ban on U.S. pork in an agreement that is expected to bring up to $10 million next year to U.S. pork producers.

The Vice President also asked Secretary Glickman to present to him, in time for the next budget, a comprehensive proposal for a stronger farm safety net.

"It is time to strengthen the farm safety net in this country, for the sake of our economic future," Vice President Gore said. "That is why I am asking Secretary Glickman for a comprehensive proposal for a stronger farm safety net. Together, we must ensure that those who use the land wisely don't lose it at Mother Nature's hands."

###