Kagen, House Agriculture Committee Hold First Hearing on 2010 Farm Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

April 21, 2010

KAGEN, HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HOLD FIRST HEARING ON 2012 FARM BILL

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steve Kagen, MD participated in the House Agriculture Committee hearing held to discuss U.S. agriculture policy in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“Today’s hearing was a critical first step for the next Farm Bill,” remarked Dr. Kagen. “Involving Secretary Vilsack from the beginning ensures that the Administration is clear on our priorities as we work to send a bill to the President for signature.”

The Farm Bill is major legislation that authorizes many government farm support, conservation, energy, trade, marketing, food assistance, and rural development programs over several years. The current farm bill, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 was signed into law in 2008, and many of the provisions in that bill will expire in September 2012.

“As discussions continue on this important piece of legislation,” Kagen continued.  “I will ensure that the voice of Wisconsin is heard and work hard to promote the best interests of Wisconsin‘s agricultural entities in the final bill.”

Dr. Kagen is the only Member of Congress from Wisconsin on the House Agriculture Committee.

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