10/27/05 Johanns listening session a week away

Washington Ag October 27, 2005 If you want to comment directly to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture about the next Farm Bill or on agricultural issues generally then Cheney, Washington is where you will want to be next Thursday, November 3rd. Secretary Mike Johanns is holding a Farm Bill forum at Eastern Washington University from 1 to 4 p.m. at Showalter Hall Auditorium. That's at 526 Fifth Street in Cheney. Secretary Johanns has six questions on the USDA website to act as catalysts for discussion about the 2007 Farm Bill. James Fitzgerald, USDA Farm Service Agency State Director, sums up what the Secretary wants to hear about. Fitzgerald: "First of all he'd like to hear from the farmers and ranchers what challenges they are facing in agriculture. And I am sure at that point we are going to hear about fertilizer, fuel, natural gas derivatives. Next, the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in domestic and global markets. Like to hear about the appropriateness and the effectiveness of the distribution of farm program benefits. Like to hear about the achievement of conservation and environmental goals. Like to hear about the enhancement of rural economic growth. And finally the opportunities to expand agricultural products, markets and research." Tomorrow, some logistical information about the forum. I'm Bob Hoff.