WASHINGTON - The Minnesota Farmers Union is praising the passage of the farm bill in the House. The bill includes increased subsidies for farmers and food stamps for the poor amid rising grocery prices. Minnesota Farmers Union president Doug Peterson said he's confident the Senate will pass the measure and President Bush will sign it.

The farm bill also provides some relief for loggers in Minnesota. The bill would allow the Forest Service to renegotiate timber harvesting contracts that it reached with loggers when softwood lumber prices were higher.

Six of Minnesota's eight House members voted for the bill. Republicans Michele Bachmann and Jim Ramstad voted no while Republican John Kline joined the state's five Democrats in voting yes.

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