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Governor candidates Jim Nussle discusses agricultural policy Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Born in Des Moines, Jim Nussle received a bachelor's degree from Luther College and a law degree from Drake University Law School. After graduation from law school, he moved to Manchester, started a law practice and was elected Delaware County Attorney. While serving as County Attorney, he also volunteered as a firefighter and worked as president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1991 and has been re-elected seven times. He is chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Nussle continues to live in Manchester with his wife, Karen. He has two children from a previous marriage.
His running mate is Bob Vander Plaats.
Q: How do we continue to promote renewable energy and also make sure that rural Iowans get to share in this boom?
A: I envision Iowa being the renewable energy capital of world and that entails local investment and attracting outside investment into our state. I want to see us continue to be attractive for that kind of investment locally in particular. There are a number of ways through our tax code that we can accomplish that. If we're going to be successful in promoting the production of ethanol, biodiesel and energy derived from biomass, we have to be on the cutting edge of research and development for things like cellulosic ethanol. It's not just the investment that we look for today, but it's continuing research and investment that we want to be able to attract tomorrow.
We also need to continue to be leaders in row crop and livestock agriculture. For too long the leadership in Iowa has turned its back on agriculture. They forget that we have some of the most valuable God-given resources anywhere, and we need to be able to use those appropriately and responsibly to add value to be successful.
Q: Who should control the siting and regulation of livestock facilities? Why?
A: I support statewide standards that are based on best practices and science, and research and development that has proven to be successful. Those standards need to be predictable and consistent. I don't think one person should be given the authority to have the discretion on siting.
Q: What can we do to insure that the state's waters are preserved and enhanced?
A: I believe in having consistent statewide standards for all our environmental concerns that are not based on emotion and are not changing just about every single month. This needs to be true not only for agriculture but for industries, cities and municipalities. It needs to be done the way the Legislature promoted this year putting $90 million toward continuing clean up. We need leadership from the top and consistent standards that everyone recognizes.
Q: There are increasing number of niches that farmers are tapping into to remain profitable. How would you promote this diversity in Iowa agriculture?
A: I would work with all the commodity groups on this. There is an understanding that high quality niche markets particularly as we've seen in soybeans as well as beef, pork and dairy products have been very profitable for farmers over the years. It could provide a lot more value and give even more profitability particularly for young farmers who don't have land to start with the kind of bulk commodity level that has been the mainstay in Iowa.
Q: What can we do to assist beginning farmers?
A: The two most important issues that beginning farmers need right off the bat are land and capital. It's important for us to recognize that we have made it very difficult for families to transfer property within generations. Capital gains and inheritance tax in particular present challenges that make it difficult for families to make decisions about long term planning, particularly for young farmers in their family. Those are the things we need to work on the most.
Q: What distinguishes you from your challenger?
A: The biggest difference between myself and my opponent is leadership experience. There is a vast leadership experience gap between us. I've written farm bills and have been involved in tax legislation to help agriculture. I wrote the tax credit in the House of Representatives which is providing the ethanol industry the juice that has not only developed all the new ethanol plants in Iowa, but biodiesel, biomass and wind. When it comes to health care policy and small businesses, I have experience in having done this at the local level in my small rural community. I have experience here that has actually gotten results. |
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