Ag Secretary Johanns to Host First USDA Farm Bill Forum - WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will kick-off a nationwide farm bill listening tour when he hosts the first Farm Bill Forum on July 7 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. CDT at RFD-TV Northstar Studios, 3201 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, Tenn.

The public is invited to attend the forum to offer comments on farm bill policy. Those unable to attend the forum are invited to watch live coverage on RFD-TV (where available via cable or satellite) and offer comments via telephone by calling 1-866-547-9696.

"I look forward to hearing first hand how farm policy is working and what we can do to create a stronger rural America," said Secretary Johanns. "My goal in conducting this nationwide tour is to listen closely to the opinions of our stakeholders and consider their experiences and insight as we prepare for a new farm bill."

The first Farm Bill Forum will be moderated by farm broadcaster and Radio Hall of Fame member Orion Samuelson. Entertainer Mark Wills will sing the National Anthem.

The public is invited to respond to one or more of the following six questions. The format of the forum will allow approximately a half hour per question, in addition to an open comment period for general farm bill comments unrelated to the 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 is also welcome to submit their comments via the USDA Farm Bill Forums website at http://www.usda.gov/farmbill. Throughout 2005, Johanns and other senior USDA officials will participate in the Farm Bill Forums that will be held across the country. The dates, locations and times of the forums will be announced as they are scheduled and posted on the USDA website.

Source: USDA - 6th July 2005