UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- U.s. Secretary Of Agriculture Mike Johanns Will Host A Farm Bill Forum Aug. 16 At Penn State's Ag Progress Days Near State College In Centre County. Farmers Are Invited To Ask Questions And Make Comments About Federal Agricultural Policies.

To be held from 9 a.m. until noon in the Ag Progress Days Special Events Building, the forum is expected to attract hundreds of agricultural producers.

"We are honored to have Secretary Johanns hold this Farm Bill Forum at Ag Progress Days," says Robert Steele, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, who will moderate the session. "If you are going to have a dialog with agricultural producers in Pennsylvania, there is no better place to do it. Educating and aiding farmers to help ensure the vitality of our rural communities is a large part of our land grant-mission, and we are pleased to partner with USDA to offer this opportunity for all the citizens of Pennsylvania."

Johanns has invited the public to respond to one or more of the following six questions. The format of the forum will also allow an open comment period.

1. 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?
2. How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country's ability to effectively compete in global markets?
3. How should farm policy be designed to effectively and fairly distribute assistance to producers?
4. How can farm policy best achieve conservation and environmental goals?
5. How can federal rural and farm programs provide effective assistance in rural areas?
6. How should agricultural product development, marketing and research-related issues be addressed in the next farm bill?

Steele cites the farm bill dairy program, the conservation reserve and the corn and soybean programs as having particular interest to Pennsylvania farmers. In addition, the farm bill also includes funding for nutrient management and other environmental programs.

Johanns' appearance at Ag Progress Days will be his seventh in a nationwide series that began in early July. It will be the first session to be held in the Northeast. "These forums present a tremendous opportunity for the citizens we serve to have a voice in the development of a new farm bill," says Johanns, the country's 28th secretary of agriculture. "The farm bill impacts America's entire ag community -- no one is left out."

A former governor of Nebraska, Johanns believes the single most important consideration is how Farm Bill policies impact future generations. "Young people, I have found as I have traveled this country, are eager to become a part of the proud tradition of American agriculture," he says. "Are we making a place for them? Are our policies clearing a pathway for their future, for their success? That pathway must also include a commitment to strong communities. I envision a vibrant rural America, but our policies have to help to make that vision a reality."

Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, who was instrumental in the secretary of agriculture's visit to Pennsylvania, points out that the 2007 farm bill will dramatically impact Pennsylvania farmers, agribusiness and rural residents. "It is important that Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to have their views heard considering the significant impact the farm bill will have on Pennsylvania farmers all across the commonwealth," he says. "I appreciate Secretary Johanns giving Pennsylvania farmers a platform to discuss topics that are of interest to them."

Held annually over three days, Ag Progress Days highlights the best management practices, agricultural research, technology and the latest in equipment. Attended annually by as many as 50,000 people, the event is spread out over the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 16; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 17; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18. Admission and parking are free.

For information on other events, visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information about Johanns' visit, the Farm Bill Forum or Ag Progress Days, contact Chuck Gill at 814-863-2713.

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719