May 10, 2002

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush plans to sign the six-year, $51.7 billion farm bill into law on Monday despite protests from U.S. trading partners, a senior administration official said on Friday.

Two farm lobbyists said they had been invited to an early morning signing, apparently timed to win favorable coverage by farm broadcasters. The farm bill could be a factor in determining control of Congress in elections this autumn.

The new law would boost crop and dairy subsidies by 67 percent, give an 80 percent increase to land stewardship programs and restore food stamp eligibility to legal immigrants in the United States for five years.

"They're going to sign it on Monday," said a lobbyist for a large U.S. farm group. Another lobbyist recounted a similar notification and invitation.

U.S. competitors say the bill contradicts U.S. calls for freer farm trade. The Canadian Wheat Board criticized the "bloated" farm bill on Friday for insulating U.S. farmers from the free market while undercutting Canadians. Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he would lobby the White House for concessions to shelter his farmers from the bill.

05/10/02 16:11 ET

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