Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
6/28/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Mike Duffy, Ag Economics, (515) 294-6160, mduffy@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
ISU Ag Economist Presents at Farm Bill Education Conference
AMES, Iowa - Producers and agribusiness professionals are still sorting out the details of the new farm bill - Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 or FSRIA - even though it was signed into law several weeks ago.
University agricultural economists and public policy officials gathered recently in Kansas City, Mo., for the Farm Bill Education Conference to discuss provisions of the farm bill and begin the process of educating others. The event was sponsored by the Oak Park, Ill. based Farm Foundation.
Mike Duffy, extension ag economist, Iowa State University, was one of the presenters. "There are a number of new features in this farm bill," Duffy said. "Everyone will have to evaluate the provisions based on their own circumstances. We don't have the final rules and regulations yet, but we do know enough that farmers should be preparing their best strategies."
Duffy discussed the new Conservation Security Program. This program offers payments for working land and represents the first true 'green payments' in a farm bill. Even though the rules and regulations for this program won't be available for several months, it appears farmers using conservation practices may qualify for payments.
Below is a list of articles written by Kansas State University Extension staff about the conference presentations. They can be found at: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/sty/2002/June02FarmBill.htm.
1. Farm Bill 'Safety Net' Holds Three Key Components
2. Less-Noticed 'Crops' Also Included in 2002 Farm Bill
3. Farmers Have Many Choices Under New Farm Bill
4. Farm Bill Addresses Rural Development Issues
5. New Conservation Programs Are Bigger, More Proactive
6. U.S. Peanut Growers Need New 'Mind Set'
7. Risk Management Takes Its Place in New Farm Legislation
8. Short-Term Dairy Program May Bring Tax-Backed Smiles
9. Resources Available to Help With Farm Bill Decisions
10. Several Trade Programs Built Into New Farm Bill
11. Farm Bill Safety Net Payment Limits Outlined
More information about the conference is available at: http://www.farmfoundation.org. Program information, tools and forms relating to FSRIA can be found on the USDA's Web site at: http://www.usda.gov/farmbill.
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