09/01/05 Idaho farm bill listening session

The US Department of Agriculture is holding a 2007 Farm Bill listening session in eastern Idaho next week. USDA Undersecretary Mark Rey will lead the session on Tuesday, September 6th at the Eastern Idaho Fair in Blackfoot. This will be the only listening session in Idaho and it will be from 1 to 4 pm at the West Event Center Free Stage. Speakers don't have to register but they are limited to two minutes worth of comments. In this listening session there are six farm policy topics up for discussion. How do make sure you don't discourage new farmers from entering production agriculture, how do we effectively compete in global markets, how do you fairly distribute assistance to producers, achieve conservation and environmental goals, assist rural areas and how should product development, marketing and research be addressed. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and other USDA officials have been traveling the country for a series of these listening sessions. JOHANNS "They've been a hit and to every farmer out there who wants the opportunity to talk to the secretary or talk to the USDA this is the chance to step up to the microphone." Next Tuesday, 1-4 pm at the Eastern Idaho Fair in Blackfoot. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott