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11 



But increased consumer demand for even greater safety in an already safe and 

 wholesome food supply, more stringent legislative and regulatory mandates on food safety, 

 and advanced technology that allows us to measure ever-smaller levels of contaminants are 

 increasing the marketplace risks confronted by the original supplier of raw grains - the 

 American farmer. These developments, coupled with instant communication and the 

 efficiency of the pricing system, result in this risk being shifted down the marketing chain 

 direcdy to the farmer with increasing rapidity. Producers are increasingly encountering the 

 marketplace consequences not only of substandard yields, but substandard quality. 



We think this should be an important consideration as Congress examines the future 

 of the Federal Crop Insurance Program and the specifics of an economic safety net provided 

 to producers. 



Thank you for allovwng us to present our views on this topic. I would be pleased to 

 respond to any questions the committee may have. 



(The prepared statements dated April 4, 1989, and NGFA Newsletters 

 are held in the committee files.) 



(Attachment follows:) 



