Farm Bill Forum Summaries Released

March 31, 2006 -- On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had completed a summary of the public comments submitted verbally and in writing during the USDA?s Farm Bill Forum listening sessions. The summaries will serve as a basis for USDA policy review and analysis in preparation for the 2007 Farm Bill.

"The best way to understand the challenges and opportunities in agriculture is to listen to the people whose lives are affected by the policies we enact," said Johanns.

USDA personnel have spent the past several months categorizing and summarizing the comments received. The 41 summary papers are the product of this work. The topics range from animal identification and loan deficiency payments to disaster assistance and country of origin labeling. Each paper contains three sections: factual background; general opinions expressed; and specific, detailed suggestions that were conveyed.

The papers can be accessed at: www.usda.govby clicking on the Farm Bill Forums graphic.