[MPWG] Public Comments on Farm Bill 2007 [Dec 30, 2005 deadline]

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

The USDA is seeking public comments on the Farm Bill for 2007.  In the
past, MPWG members have mentioned the potential applicability of the Farm
Bill to sustainable production of medicinal plants.  Here's your
opportunity to let explore the possibilities.  Submit your comments via the
website.
-Patricia

Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority
Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group
US Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750
Arlington, VA  22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276
Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural
resources.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>
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Farm Bill 2007
(http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1UH?navid=FARM_BILL_COMM&p)

Public Meetings to be held:
In the coming months, senior officials of the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) will hold a series of public forums at various U.S.
locations to obtain public input for the development of the 2007 Farm Bill.
The dates, locations, and times of the forums will be announced in USDA
press releases (http://www.usda.gov).

The 2002 Farm Bill (officially entitled the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002) authorizes many USDA programs, including farm price
and income support programs. New legislation will need to be enacted prior
to the bill's expiration in 2007.

Seeking public comment NOW:
USDA intends to develop recommendations for the new farm bill and believes
that public input is essential to this process. To comment, please respond
to the questions below by December 30, 2005.

Question 1: The challenges facing new farmers and ranchers as they enter
agriculture.
Question 2: The competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in global and domestic
markets.
Question 3: The appropriateness and effectiveness of the distribution of
farm program benefits.
Question 4: The achievement of conservation and environmental goals.
Question 5: The enhancement of rural economic growth.
Question 6: The opportunities to expand agricultural products, markets, and
research.

Comments can be submitted directly via the website.
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NOTE: All comments, including names and addresses, provided by respondents
are a matter of public record. Comments may be viewed at the Department of
Agriculture. To make arrangements to view comments, please contact the
Office of the Executive Secretariat, Room 116A, Jamie L. Whitten Federal
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3355.
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