On Friday, Sept. 10, the offices of U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Rep. Betsy Markey, along with the USDA, are hosting a forum on agriculture, conservation and rural development.
The forum will allow participants to provide feedback on agriculture, conservation and rural development issues and will include a conversation about the 2012 farm bill. The administrator of the USDA’s Farm Services Agency in Washington, D.C., and Colorado’s State USDA Executives will be on hand to discuss the programs currently available and their requirements. Staff from the offices of Senators Bennet, Udall, Representatives Markey and Salazar will be available for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities agriculture producers and rural communities are facing.
Key questions for discussion include how to cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers, how to provide Colorado producers with the risk management tools and safety net they need in a fiscally responsible manner, and how to address natural resource concerns, such as water quantity and quality, erodible soils and wildlife habitat while keeping land in production and opportunities for rural economic development.
If you are interested in attending, RSVP to agriculture@bennet.senate.gov.
WHO:
Jonathan Coppess, Administrator, USDA Farm Service Agency
Trudy Kareus, State Executive Director, Colorado, Farm Service Agency
Allen Green, State Conservationist, Natural Resource Conservation Service
Joe Kost, Southeast Area Director, USDA Rural Development
Katharine Ferguson, Legislative Assistant, Senator Michael F. Bennet
Brad Mollet, Legislative Director, Congresswoman Betsy Markey
Representative from Senator Mark Udall’s Office
Representative from Congressman John Salazar’s Office
WHAT: Forum on Agriculture, Conservation and Rural Development
WHERE: Otero Junior College, Humanities Center, Ed Stafford Theatre
1802 Colorado Ave., La Junta
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 10, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
