Federal Agriculture officials to visit Palmer

Aug. 23, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Senior officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay Alaska an unprecedented visit Thursday afternoon, when they swing through downtown Palmer for a one-stop public forum to discuss Alaska concerns regarding the shape of the federal 2007 Farm Bill.

"This is the first time we have had senior officials from USDA in Alaska,"

said Cassandra Stalzer, a public affairs specialist for USDA. "This is the first time that senior leadership of USDA has been to Alaska, seeking input on the Farm Bill."

Chuck Connor, the USDA deputy secretary, is hosting the forum, Aug. 25, from 1-4 p.m., at the Palmer Train Depot.

USDA Undersecretary Mark Rey will co-host the event, with the aim to understand Alaska's agricultural, rural development and environmental concerns.

The previous 2002 Farm Bill reached far beyond the farm. Last year's programs provided nearly $50 million for Alaska programs, including: water and sewer projects; wild Alaska salmon marketing; nonfederal forest land sustenance programs; and farm and ranch land conservation on private property.

Distance learning, school lunch programs and job training for rural communities were also part of the 2002 bill.

The general public is invited to provide input on the following issues: unintended consequences of some farm policy, which discourages new farmers from producing; agricultural competition from global markets; fair distribution of assistance to producers; conservation and environmental goals; assistance in rural areas; agricultural product development, marketing and research.

All responses are limited to two minutes per speaker. The forum will also provide an open comment period for general farm bill comments. Those, unable to attend the meeting can still contribute comments online at www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266, or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.