Announcement of USDA Farm Bill Forums
June 17, 2005
June 17, 2005 -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced on Thursday the first Farm Bill Forum and the topics on which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be seeking input from America?s farmers, ranchers and rural residents regarding the development of the 2007 Farm Bill.
?The next farm bill will affect American?s entire agricultural community,? said Johanns. ?That?s why I want to ask America?s farmers and ranchers how our farm policy is working and how we can make it better. I believe very strongly that they deserve a voice in this process.?
Throughout 2005, Johanns and other senior USDA officials will participate in the Farm Bill Forums to be held across the country. The dates, locations and times of the forums will be announced as they are scheduled and listed on the USDA Web site at http://www.usda.gov.
The primary topics addressed at the forums will reflect various concerns affecting rural America such as commodity, conservation and rural economic development issues. In addition, some forums will be dedicated to important programs authorized by the farm bill such as food assistance, research and education programs. Additional information on the forums and questions in which the USDA is seeking public comments on is provided in the June 17 Federal Register.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33
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