Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the first Farm Bill Forum and the topics on which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be seeking input from America's farmers, ranchers and rural residents regarding the development of the 2007 Farm bill.
"The next farm bill will affect America's entire agricultural community," said Johanns. "That's why I want to ask America's farmers and ranchers how our farm policy is working and how we can make it better. I believe very strongly that they deserve a voice in this process."
Johanns made the announcement in remarks to the State Convention of the Illinois FFA in Springfield, Ill. The 2002 Farm Bill, which authorizes many of the programs operated by USDA, expires with the 2007 crop year.
Johanns noted that in his remarks that he was approaching the Farm Bill Forums with an open mind. "I do not begin this process with preconceived notions about the direction future farm policy should take," said Johanns. "We will use the feedback we receive to help us determine the best course for a new Farm Bill."
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