Ag Committee moves forward with Farm Bill process; announces DC hearing schedule

WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Frank Lucas announced another series of hearings on the 2012 Farm Bill to begin next week in Washington, D.C. The six Subcommittees will hold the hearings throughout April and May to hear from national agricultural stakeholders advocating for policy priorities. It is the next step in the Farm Bill development.

Last June, Chairman Lucas began the effort when the Agriculture Committee held 11 audit hearings on agriculture programs to look for ways to improve programs for farmers, increase efficiency, and reduce spending. Chairman Lucas then took Committee Members to the countryside to hear directly from producers in the field. The hearings slated for Washington will round out the information gathering in advance of writing legislation.

"It's important to consider a variety of perspectives when writing comprehensive legislation. We are continuing our efforts to gather as much information as possible so we can write sound and effective farm policy that works for all of agriculture. We have reviewed spending trends and have heard from our producers on the ground. Now it's time for national agricultural leaders and stakeholders to present their views on farm policy," said Chairman Frank Lucas.

The full schedule is below:

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Subcommittee on Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Rural Development Programs
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Conservation Programs
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Dairy Programs
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Subcommittee on Nutrition and Horticulture
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Nutrition & Specialty Crop Programs
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Credit
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Credit Programs
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Commodity Programs & Crop Insurance

Thursday, May 17, 2012
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Commodity Programs & Crop Insurance

Friday, May 18, 2012
Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry
Re: Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Energy & Forestry Programs

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