Update on Commissioner's Farm Bill Work Groups

ALBANY, NY (05/17/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine today provided an update on his series of Farm Bill work groups and changes to two previously announced sessions – the commodities and nutrition titles. Since late April, the Commissioner has been hosting a number of discussions with stakeholders to help identify and prioritize New York's areas of concern and interest with the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill.

The remaining sessions include the Commodities and Nutrition titles. The original dates for these two sessions have been switched and the format for the Nutrition title has been expanded as follows. Both sessions will be held in the Bistro of the Arts and Home Building at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Friday, May 20, 2011 - Commodities Title (including Milk Pricing)

This session will meet from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. During that time, invited stakeholders will have an opportunity to present, which will then be openly discussed with a panel of subject-matter experts. Members of the public may also participate and may submit written questions during the session.

Friday, May 27, 2011 - Nutrition Title

There will be two sessions to cover the wide range of nutrition provisions included in the Farm Bill. Panel member and invited stakeholder discussions will address, but are not limited to, the following topics. Members of the public may also participate and may submit written questions during the sessions.

• Morning Session – 10am to 12 Noon - food stamps and food distribution program issues, community food security grants

• Afternoon Session – 1 to 3pm - fruit and vegetable promotion, farmers' markets and community programs, school meal issues

Like the previously held sessions, these are open to the public. Because space is limited, the Department is requesting those interested in attending to RSVP by calling 518-457-8876.

The completed sessions, which included the Conservation; Rural Development, Forestry & Energy; and the Horticulture & Organic Agriculture Titles, have proven to be productive starting points for future discussions over the next year regarding the Farm Bill. The information gathered at them will be compiled into a working document that the Commissioner will use to communicate New York's positions on federal agriculture policy.

The Federal Farm Bill is negotiated every six years and sets the parameters for America's agriculture, nutrition, forestry and conservation policies. It provides nutrition assistance to millions, strengthens America's energy independence, and builds our rural communities. A successful Farm Bill helps keep America's agriculture sector the world's leader in efficiency and productivity. New York's 36,000 farm families depend upon the Farm Bill to help keep New York a leading state in the dairy, apple, vegetable and wine industries.