COLLEGE STATION — An agricultural forum to discuss the latest policy issues affecting farmers, ranchers and agribusiness is set for April 26 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Austin.
Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the meeting begins at 8 a.m.
“Whereas most of the state and nation is enjoying a booming economy, agriculture is not,” said Mary Webb, chair of the agricultural forum committee and the Texas Peanut Producers Board. “Everyone can agree that agriculture is facing a number of significant issues that must be resolved if the industry is to remain viable.
“The United States Congress and the Texas Legislature are currently debating the government’s role in providing a safety net to this vital industry. This forum will bring all of the players together to address these issues,” Webb said.
The forum is being held to seek input from federal, state and agricultural leadership on how the private sector and government can work together to improve agricultural policy. It is open to anyone who is interested in the future of agriculture.
Invited speakers include U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Texas, minority leader of the House Agricultural Committee; Gus Schumacher, under secretary for Farm and Foreign Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Tom Sell, majority deputy staff director, House Agriculture Committee; Susan Combs, Texas agriculture commissioner; Rep. David Swinford, Texas House Agriculture Committee chair; Dr. Ron Knutson, director, Agricultural and Food Policy Center, The Texas A&M University System; Ed Small of Austin, attorney with Jackson and Walker; Ross Wilson of Amarillo, Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Bill Powers of Austin, Texas Farm Bureau; and Darryl Schreiver of Austin, Texas Electric Cooperatives.
The hotel is located at the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and state Highway 183. Further information is available from Dr. Ed Smith of College Station, Texas Agricultural Extension Service economist, (979) 845-1751.
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