"I'm proud to accept this award from the Farm Bureau on behalf of farmers in Iowa and across the country," Grassley said. "As a farm-state senator I often find myself educating my colleagues and other officials in Washington about the critical importance of a strong agriculture policy both on the domestic and international fronts. Growing domestic markets for value-added products such as ethanol is essential to the health and viability of the family farm. In addition, I'm committed to seeking opportunities and fair treatment for American farmers in the international marketplace. The family farm contributes enormously to the strength and stability of our rural communities. And in cities from coast to coast, consumers enjoy an abundant, safe and inexpensive food supply due to the efficiency and performance of America's family farmers."
Honors will be given to Grassley by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) with presentation of the 1997 Golden Plow Award. The AFBF is the largest organization of farmers in the nation. Grassley will accept the award -- a polished bronze replica of the John Deere 150th Anniversary Commemorative Plow -- at 9:45 a.m., on Wednesday, December 3, during the annual meeting of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation at the Convention Center in Des Moines.
In selecting Grassley, the AFBF said he was "an outspoken voice for farmers throughout the country." In particular the AFBF noted Grassley's successful effort in 1997 to get the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to hold off on implementing a policy change regarding the way in which the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) applies to farmers with deferred income from contract commodity and livestock sales and, ultimately, to win approval for legislation to permanently reverse the IRS decision on this matter.
The AFBF hailed additional victories Grassley scored this year from his position as a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee. The organization expressed appreciation for his work this year to provide estate tax relief, to ensure the ethanol tax incentive was not eliminated and to build support for extending the ethanol tax exemption through the year 2007. The AFBF cited Grassley's contribution to increasing the health insurance tax deduction and providing capital gains tax relief. In addition, the AFBF complimented Grassley for his work "to ensure global markets treat American exports fairly" as chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade.
The AFBF each year presents its Golden Plow Award to members of Congress whose philosophy or voting records demonstrate their commitment to the private enterprise system, sound agricultural policies, fiscal conservatism, and reduced federal regulation of business and individuals. Grassley has 100 percent voting records with the AFBF in both the 104th and 105th Congresses.
Grassley serves as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and helps his son operate their family farm in New Hartford. Grassley also received the AFBF Golden Plow Award in 1990. This year, Rep. Gary Condit of California was recognized by the AFBF, along with Grassley.