58 



I would point out to you that I was extremely encouraged with 

 Secretary Espy's testimony this morning reminding us of President 

 Clinton's commitment to the encouragement of private investment 

 for economic growth here in this country. But gentlemen, I raise a 

 flag of caution. Those of us in the private sector, not understanding 

 where the regulatory requirements will take us, are going to be 

 hesitant to make that investment. It is a concern that I share with 

 the committee today. 



The Secretary also indicated that a farmer should have the op- 

 portunity to stay in the field and be productive. I can tell you gen- 

 tlemen and the lady member of the committee that that is prob- 

 ably where I would prefer to be today. Unfortunately, the regula- 

 tors do not allow us to do that. 



We could touch upon the wetlands issue. We could touch on 

 scenic rivers. We could touch on endangered species. We could 

 touch on seasonal farm labor regulations. And we could give in- 

 stance after instance where farmers continue to exhibit and use a 

 disproportionate share of their time in complying with regulations 

 instead of enhancing productivity. 



Our delegates at our immediate past meeting concluding in Los 

 Angeles just a couple of weeks ago adopted the following guidelines 

 that we would urge this committee and the Congress and the ad- 

 ministration to look at as they look at the regulatory maze we have 

 created. 



Our delegates said, "New regulations should adhere to the fol- 

 lowing important principles: 



"The regulations are based upon sound scientific data, which has 

 been subject to replication and peer review; 



"The costs as well as the benefits of the regulation have been 

 carefully weighed; 



"The regulations have been subject to independent analysis and 

 public scrutiny; 



"Alternatives to regulation have been considered, especially the 

 provision of market-based incentives; and 



"The regulations respect the practicality of doing business in the 

 industry being regulated." 



The adoption of a policy framework such as this would allow 

 Congress to know what it is mandating for production agriculture. 

 It would guide the executive branch in implementing congressional 

 intent and ensure producers that regulation is well thought out, de- 

 signed to achieve policy goals set by Congress, and respect the 

 rights of individuals to use their private property. 



Gentlemen, I would urge you as you sit on this committee to take 

 a look at the cost of regulation that is being imposed upon Ameri- 

 can agriculture today. If we are going to consider a successful eco- 

 nomic enhancement program for the future, part of that package 

 has to be regulatory review and responsible consideration of the in- 

 dividual expected to comply. 



Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to testify on behalf 

 of the American Farm Bureau Federation before your committee. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Eckel appears at the conclusion 

 of the hearing.] 



