UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- U.s. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns -- At A Press Conference After An Ag Progress Days Farm Bill Forum Aug. 16 That Attracted Hundreds -- Pointed Out That Research Done By Penn State And Other Land Grant Universities Is Critical To The Future Of Agriculture.

"I think Penn State's commitment to agriculture is commendable, and the development opportunities that are spawned from that are so important," he said. "Research done at the land grant universities is the economic engine that drives the industry for the future."

Johanns also noted that he believes the outlook for agriculture in Pennsylvania remains bright. "Pennsylvania, in my view, will always be competitive in agriculture because of its abundant land, water resources and proximity to eastern markets," he said. "The state is well situated close to the huge population centers, which represent ready markets for Pennsylvania farmers and their products."

Dairy receipts account for more than a third of Keystone State agricultural commodity sales, according to Johanns, the son of a dairy farmer. He reassured farmers at the forum that he and President Bush are committed to extending the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program in the farm bill. The program protects dairy farmers from losses when milk prices drop to low levels. "We plan on extending and continuing the MILC program through the 2007 farm bill," he said. "We know setting minimum prices for milk works for Pennsylvania agriculture and is important for producers in the state."

In addition, Pennsylvania is a national leader when it comes to conservation programs, Johanns noted. "With 140,000 acres under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), the state has more land in the program than any state in the nation," he said. "Pennsylvania is also a national leader in protecting farmland for future generations."

A well-crafted, vibrant farm bill should welcome future farmers into the agricultural industry, not stand in their way, Johanns concluded. "If we are doing ag policy right, we are creating economic opportunity," he said. "These forums present a tremendous opportunity for the citizens we serve to have a voice in the development of a new farm bill."

Johanns' appearance at Ag Progress Days was his seventh in a nationwide series that began in early July. It was the first session held in the Northeast. A former governor of Nebraska and the country's 28th secretary of agriculture, Johanns believes the single most important consideration is how Farm Bill policies impact future generations. "The farm bill impacts America's entire ag community -- no one is left out," he said.

"Young people, I have found as I have traveled this country, are eager to become a part of the proud tradition of American agriculture. Are we making a place for them? Are our policies clearing a pathway for their future, for their success?

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Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877