The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) / April 5, 2001 / BY: BEN KIECKHEFER STATE CAPITOL BUREAU
A contentious bill that proponents claim would protect farmers passed the Illinois House Wednesday, 72-41.
House Bill 524 would place restrictions on agriculture contracts to clarify agreements between individual farmers and companies contracting for their services. Some of the stipulations include the size of the type used, limiting confidentiality clauses and including a summary page.
The legislation's sponsor, Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said agriculture contracts need more clarity so large corporations do not take advantage of small farmers.
"There is a problem with clarity and equity in these contracts," he said. "This is what we're trying to address. ... If you eat, this bill affects you."
But downstate legislators said the variety of farming interests that either opposed the bill or were neutral should raise questions about the measure.
"I think it is a bad idea for the body of the General Assembly to assume the farm community supports this," Rep. John Turner, R-Atlanta, said during floor debate.
The Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers and state Department of Agriculture all were neutral. The seed industry, chemical and agribusiness companies expressed opposition.
Turner also said that while the majority of his constituency has farming interests, he has not heard one complaint about contracts with large corporations.
Larry Quandt of the Illinois Farmers Union said, however, that problems do exist. "... Does it have to be a problem in over half of the legislative districts?" he asked.
The Farmers Union, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association all supported the measure.
Rep. Chuck Hartke, D-Teutopolis, contended the measure does more to protect the companies than the farmers. "I'm one of the farmers Rep. Mautino is trying to protect, and I'm not all too crazy about it, either," Hartke said.
Copyright 2001 The State Journal-Register:
