Washington, D.C. –The House Committee on Agriculture will hear testimony from Idaho farmers and ranchers Saturday in Nampa, to prepare the next Farm Bill. The hearing will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 1st at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa.
“Agriculture is essential to our state’s economy,” said Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick, who serves on the committee. “Despite tough economic times, Idaho farmers have been among the most successful in the country. I look forward to them sharing their views with other members of the committee."
The following Idaho producers, processors, ranchers and researchers will testify:
Mr. Fred Brossy of Shoshone, organic wheat, bean, potato and hay producer.
Mr. Scott Brown of Soda Springs, wheat and barley producer.
Mr. Doug Gross of Wilder, potato producer.
Mr. Kelly Henggeler of Fruitland, apple, plum and peach producer and packer.
Mr. Galen Lee of New Plymouth, sugarbeet, mint, asparagus, hay, grain, corn and cattle producer.
Mr. Brian Kernohan of Coeur d' Alene, forestry.
Mr. Ron Bitner of Caldwell, winegrape producer and vintner.
Mr. Charlie Lyons of Mountain Home, cattle producer.
Mr. Adrian Boer of Jerome, dairy producer.
Ms. Cindy Siddoway of Terreton, lamb producer.
Anyone wishing to submit written testimony can do so here: http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/schedule.html
The hearing is one of several the committee is hosting around the country. Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and other members of Congress will hear testimony. Their tour seeks to solicit information as the committee prepares to draft the next comprehensive Farm Bill—the laws, regulations and programs which are the framework of the system of U.S. agriculture.
“I am pleased that we will hear from farmers and ranchers in Idaho as we prepare to write the next Farm Bill,” Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) said. “Learning how the current Farm Bill is working on the ground for producers will help us make needed improvements and consider new ideas and new ways to provide an effective safety net for agriculture and rural America.”
Minnick is a member of the committee. He grew up on an eastern Washington wheat farm and has made agriculture issues an area of focus during his service to the First Congressional District of Idaho.
More Information:
WHO:
Chairman Collin Peterson, Congressman Walt Minnick and other Members of the House Agriculture Committee
WHAT:
Field Hearing to Review U.S. Agriculture Policy in Advance of the 2012 Farm Bill
WHEN:
Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 1:00pm MDT
WHERE:
Northwest Nazarene University
Old Science Lecture Hall
623 Holly Street
Nampa, ID 83686