News Releases for July 2005
July 25, 2005
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven To Welcome Ag Sec. Johanns For Farm Bill Listening Session, Tour Of Flooded Counties
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven will introduce U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns at a listening session on the Farm Bill scheduled for 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26th at the State Fair, Stage 2, in Minot, North Dakota. This will be Johanns’ second regional hearing on the farm support programs that will be reauthorized over the next few years.
At Hoeven’s invitation, Johanns will also tour flooded areas of Pembina, Cavalier and Rolette counties by air and have an opportunity to meet with representatives of farmers and ranchers affected by recent flooding.
“We’re pleased Secretary Johanns will return to North Dakota again,” Hoeven said. “As one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, North Dakota can provide valuable public input for the secretary as planning for new farm legislation begins. His visit is timely, as well. He will be able to meet with some of the farmers and ranchers who have incurred losses due to recent flooding in the area.”
When participating in the forums, the public is invited to respond to one or more of the following six questions. The format of the forum will also allow an open comment period for general farm bill comments.
- 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?
- How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country's ability to effectively compete in global markets?
- How should farm policy be designed to effectively and fairly distribute assistance to producers?
- How can farm policy best achieve conservation and environmental goals?
- How can Federal rural and farm programs provide effective assistance in rural areas?
- How should agricultural product development, marketing and research-related issues be addressed in the next farm bill?
North Dakota is unique among agricultural states in that it produces a diversity of crops, according to Hoeven. North Dakota leads the nation in 12 major commodities.
“Agriculture is vitally important to this state and nation, and a strong farm program is essential to our producers,” Hoeven said.
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