News Release - USDA Secretary Mike Johanns Participates in Farm Bill Listening Forms in Alabama

Auburn, Ala – August 26, 2005

Participants in the Farm Bill Listening Forum: (l-r) Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, President, Tuskegee University; USDA Secretary Mike Johanns; Charles Holmes, Perry County Supervisor; Steve Cauthen, Executive Director, Soil and Water Conservation Committee; Gary Kobylski, Alabama NRCS State Conservationist; and Dr. Walter Hill, Dean, School of Agriculture, Tuskegee University.

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns traveled to Alabama to participate in a Farm Bill Listening Forums where members of the public were invited to express their views about farm and rural policy in preparation for development of the next farm bill in 2007.  Over 500 people assembled at historic Tuskegee University to participate in the forum.

Congressman Artur Davis attended and said, “Farming should never be a marginal experience.  Congress is trying to keep pace with a way to make farming a profitable venture.  We all have common bonds.  Our struggles are the same.  The policy of the farm bill is an effort to keep the future what it should be for the farming community.”

In explaining the purpose of the listening forums, Secretary Johanns said, “I want to hear directly from producers and agribusinesses—well in advance of Congressional debate and dialogue. I do not begin this process with preconceived notions about the direction future farm policy should take. We will use the feedback we receive to help us determine the best course for a new farm bill.”

The current 2002 farm bill:

• doubled funding for conservation programs,
• re-focused conservation on working lands,
• demanded accountability, and
• rewarded stewardship.

The Tuskegee listening session, which was one of a series held around the country, focused on a variety of topics, including conservation.  From 12:00 Noon until 3:00 p.m., Secretary Johanns listened to numerous concerned citizens who each had two minutes to express their view of what should be addressed in the 2007 Farm Bill. 

At the conclusion of the session, Secretary Johanns said, “There is truly something about Southern hospitality.  I thank you for your warm reception and for sharing your concerns.”