Thank you Mr. Chairman.  First, let me thank the Chair and Ranking Member for holding this hearing in such a timely manner.  I look forward to hearing from our panel of distinguished witnesses and in working with all members of the Committee to craft meaningful reforms to the Federal crop insurance system.

Let me begin by also thanking our colleagues and my friends Senators Roberts and Kerrey for their work on preparing legislation introduced last week to begin the reform process.  I am proud to cosponsor the Roberts/Kerrey bill and believe it to be an appropriate first step.  It addresses many of the concerns expressed to me from Idaho farmers and ranchers and has served to move our debate out of the theoretical and into practical matters.

Secondly, let me express my deep appreciate to Senator Baucus with whom I have been laboring to produce what I believe to be the second step in our reform mission.  Senator Baucus and I will soon unveil legislation that is designed to work with the Roberts/Kerrey bill to move us further towards our goal of providing new and real risk management tools to all farmers and ranchers.

The Baucus/Craig bill will address the needs of those farmers who produce what are called “minor,” “specialty,” or “non-traditional” crops.  Idaho has specialized in these niche markets and leads the nation in the production of crops such as potatoes, winter peas, and trout.  Idaho is second in the production of seed peas, lentils, sugar beets, barley, and mint.  Furthermore, we are in the top five states in the production of hops, onions, plums, sweet cherries, alfalfa, and American cheese.

By reforming the NAP program and making other small but meaningful changes, we can create a business environment in which these speciality farmers can flourish and give them the risk management tools they need.

Finally, let me express my dedication to seeing this effort through.  Nothing is more important to the farmers and ranchers of Idaho than the undertaking before us today.  In addition, I believe that while our task is large, by working together we can overcome it.  Indeed, we must.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.