SECRETARY KAWAMURA URGES PARTICIPATION AT USDA FARM BILL FORUM

Session scheduled for August 12 in Fresno

SACRAMENTO– CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura is urging California farmers and ranchers to participate in the upcoming Farm Bill Forum to be hosted by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns, scheduled for Friday, August 12, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Fresno County Fairgrounds in Fresno.

“This is an excellent chance for California agriculture to speak directly to Secretary Johanns,” said Secretary Kawamura. “The farm bill affects the entire industry and, therefore, its renewal in 2007 should be seen as an opportunity to help shape farm policy in the important years ahead. I urge all those with a stake in this to consider either attending the forum or submit comments to the USDA.”

At the forum, the public will be invited to respond to six questions:

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 may submit comments to the USDA via the USDA Farm Bill Forums website at http://www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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