92 



12 

 reduced. Farm prices are above price support levels and the 

 value of exports is near record high. But slow rural economic 

 growth, global export subsidies and access to global markets are 

 continuing problems. Commodity program costs are rising and 

 cause concern but should decline next year. Viewed against 

 historical measures, farm income remains strong and steady, while 

 asset values and eguity have stabilized. Food price increases 

 are likely to continue to be moderate, helping to slow increases 

 in both the overall cost of living and the cost of our food 

 assistance programs. 



Mr. Chairman, that completes my statement. I have attached 

 a short data appendix for additional information. 



(Attachments follow:) 



