Farm Bill Listening Session Held in Hawaii

(from left) Thomas Dorr, Linda Lingle, Merlyn Carlson, and Ed Casefrom

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Merlyn Carlson recently joined USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr to host a Farm Bill listening session in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.  Hundreds attended the event to provide valuable input to be used in laying the groundwork for the next Farm Bill.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case and Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle shared their support of Hawaii's agricultural needs noting that Federal and State governments can work together to address the farmers and ranchers' concerns.

Issues raised included country-of-origin labeling, greater levels of agricultural inspection, transportation costs of agricultural goods, competition with international producers, invasive species, and agricultural technology.
Your contact is Jolene Lau, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 808-541-2600, ext. 118.