Secretary of Agriculture to Visit Alabama Thursday

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns wants to hear from Alabama farmers and others involved in agriculture. Johanns and other Department of Agriculture officials will hold a Farm Bill Forum Thursday, August 25 from noon until 3 p.m. at Tuskegee University’s Kellogg Center.

The Tuskegee University forum is the latest in a series of nationwide farm bill listening sessions. The public is invited to attend the forum to offer comments on farm bill policy.

Johanns undertook this listening tour because the 2007 Farm Bill will affect America's entire agricultural community.

“I believe our entire agricultural community should have a say in the process. I welcome input from across the nation about what is working and what we can do to improve farm policy,” said Johanns.

"The Farm Bill Forums provide an opportunity for us to hear directly from America's farmers and ranchers. I'm learning a great deal from them," he added. “I encourage as many citizens as possible to participate in these forums as we prepare for the development of a new farm bill."

Dr. Gaines Smith, interim director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says Johanns will hear about the issues most concerning Alabama and other southeastern farmers and those in agribusiness.

“It’s gratifying that the secretary is taking the time to visit us here in Alabama,” said Smith. “I think our farmers and others will present some opinions and perspectives that differ from what’s he heard in other parts of the country. Some of the needs and problems facing agriculture here in Alabama and the south are very different than other regions of the country.”

When participating in the forums, the public is invited to respond to one or more of the following six questions. The format of the forum will also allow an open comment period for general farm bill comments.

1. How should farm policy address any unintended consequences and ensure that such consequences do not discourage new farmers and the next generation of farmers from entering production agriculture?

2. How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country's ability to effectively compete in global markets?

3. How should farm policy be designed to effectively and fairly distribute assistance to producers?

4. How can farm policy best achieve conservation and environmental goals?

5. How can federal rural and farm programs provide effective assistance in rural areas?

6. How should agricultural product development, marketing and research-related issues be addressed in the next farm bill?

The public is also welcome to submit their comments via the USDA Farm Bill Forums Web site.

Posted by at August 22, 2005 12:57 PM