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Farm Bill comments from CFBF President Mosebar and Secretary Johanns

USDA Secretary Johanns outlines farm policies ...

California family farmers say they'll work for programs in a new federal Farm Bill that enhance conservation, competitiveness and consumer nutrition. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns described the Bush administration Farm Bill proposal to farmers gathered in Modesto yesterday (Thursday). California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar notes the plan includes expanded research and marketing programs that could help California fruit, vegetable and nut farmers.

... and hears of freeze impact on farms

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says his agency will look for more ways to help California farmers and farmworkers hurt by last month's freeze. Johanns met in Modesto yesterday with farm leaders who briefed him about how the freeze hit farms and rural communities. An updated California Farm Bureau survey of county agricultural commissioners puts a preliminary estimate of crop damage at more than $1.2 billion.

'Buy California' program urges freeze response

In the aftermath of the punishing freeze, an organization that promotes California-grown products says it's more important than ever for the state's consumers to look for the "California Grown" seal. Administrators of the Buy California Marketing Agreement say that buying locally grown products will help farmers and farm communities rebuild from what it calls a "devastating winter."

Study shows how cattle grazing helps environment

After being banned in the 1990s, cattle are returning to grassland in the San Francisco Bay Area. It turned out that removing the cattle allowed non-native plants to grow out of control, increasing fire danger and harming native birds and animals. A University of California farm advisor says managed grazing controls the non-native plants and improves bird and animal habitat. One Bay Area district that had banned cattle will reopen land for grazing this spring.

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