| WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) announced today that he will attend a Farm Bill listening session at the Arkansas State Fair Grounds in Little Rock on October 14, 2005 where members of the agriculture community will have the opportunity to meet with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner. The event is open to the public and will enable farmers and ranchers to provide USDA with feedback for the next Farm Bill.
"Over 20% of Arkansans work in agriculture-related jobs," said Congressman Berry. "There is no question that the Farm Bill will have a tremendous impact on our economy and our livelihood. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and our state to get involved in this debate from day one."
The current 2002 Farm Bill, which is set to expire in 2007, provides critical assistance for adverse weather conditions, crop diseases and depressed commodity markets as well as funding for programs that expand nutrition, conservation, renewable energy, and trade promotion. Although Congress has until 2007 to reauthorize this legislation, officials at USDA intend to spend the next few months traveling the country to hold public listening sessions for farmers and ranchers who wish to comment on the new farm legislation.
"This is Arkansas' opportunity to shape the debate of our next major Farm Bill," said Congressman Berry. "The best way to get a successful Farm Bill is to start working from the ground-up rather than waiting for the Administration and the leadership in Congress to tell us what is best for our community."
Members of the agriculture community who cannot attend the listening session in Little Rock are encouraged to provide their written feedback on the USDA website at: www.usda.gov. An online form is available for farmers to offer their opinions on the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in domestic and global markets, the effectiveness of farm program benefits, the enhancement of rural economic growth, and the opportunity to expand agricultural markets, products, and research. Individuals may also mail comments to U.S. Secretary Michael Johanns at the U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250.
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Details on the event include:
What: Farm Bill Listening Session
When: Friday, October 14
11:30am - 12:00pm Press Conference
12:00pm - 3:00pm Farm Bill Forum
3:00pm - 3:30pm Media Availability
Location: Arkansas Building (next to the Equestrian Center)
Arkansas State Fair Grounds
Gate 12 off MLK Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas |
