02/17/06 The Department of Consumers?

When one thinks about the title of the agency "U.S. Department of Agriculture", there might be several connotations that pop in the head. For example, market reports for production ag commodities, long range weather and economic models, even farm payment programs, are all first images that may come to mind about U.S.D.A. So it may surprise some to learn that a majority of U.S.D.A.'s annual budget does not go towards commodity payment programs. In fact, in the breakdown of U.S.D.A.'s proposed fiscal year 2007 budget & JOHANNS: Well over one half, fifty six per cent, support domestic food assistance programs including food stamps, school lunch, and Women, Infants, and Children's programs. And according to Ag Secretary Mike Johanns, his Department will ask Congress to add more money to such programs next fiscal year, while reducing the funding for farm payment programs. An example of that request is a half billion dollar increase for food assistance programs, especially in the nation's school lunch program, which offers free or reduced price meals to eligible school children. JOHANNS: School lunch participation is estimated to reach a record number 30.9 million children each day in 2007. The budget includes a $700 million dollar increase to accommodate the projected increased level of school lunch participation. Now couple increased spending for food assistance programs with an increase in proposed spending on food safety efforts. In the past, the definition of "food safety" might pertain to meat inspection. These days, it also applies to safety of the nation's food supply from terrorist attack, or accidental or intentional introduction of diseases into the nation's food system. That also includes a proposed request for increased funding to counter the potential threat of Avian Bird Flu coming into the U.S. JOHANNS: U.S.D.A. is a full partner in the government wide effort to prepare the country for a potential pandemic. What Johanns is specifically asking for in regards to bird flu efforts, includes the following. JOHANNS: Domestic surveillance of poultry and migratory birds, diagnostics, emergency preparedness and response, and research. So based on proposed food assistance and safety funding increases, and decreases in farm program payments, one could easily assume U.S.D.A. is heading towards a more consumer oriented direction in its purpose.