News Releases for March 2008
March 26, 2008
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Roundtable With U.S. Agriculture Sec. Ed Schafer Scheduled For Friday
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven has invited more than 20 farm group leaders to meet with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer in North Dakota. The Roundtable discussion will be held on March 28 from 9:30 to 11 A.M. in the Heritage Room at the Doublewood Inn, 1400 E. Interchange Ave., Bismarck. A media availability will be held immediately after the meeting in the Judicial Room at the Doublewood.
Hoeven invited Schafer to North Dakota last week to meet with farm and ranch organization leaders to discuss agriculture policy issues, including the new Farm Bill, conservation, renewable energy and disaster aid. The public is welcome to attend.
"It is important that leaders from one the nation's most important agricultural states have an opportunity to speak to the nation's chief agriculture officer," Hoeven said. "We appreciate that the secretary is working toward a compromise with Congress on the Farm Bill, but we need to arrive at a bill soon, so that producers can make informed decisions about the spring planting season."
Hoeven has stressed the importance of a strong counter-cyclical safety net, and higher loan rates and target prices for northern crops, like wheat and oil seeds. He has also emphasized the importance of including a disaster title or improved crop insurance, and strong provisions for energy, conservation and the sugar industry.
"Farmers and ranchers need to have the means to effectively manage risk when weather-related disasters occur, just as other industries do," Hoeven said. "A strong farm bill is good for North Dakota, and it is also good for the nation."
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