NFACT/CALIFORNIA 2002 FARM BILL FOCUS QUESTIONS

• Looking at animal and plant health issue needs for California:
  • What existing animal and plant health policies and programs should be kept or what adjustments need to be made to existing policies and programs to make them workable for you?
  • What specific animal and plant health policies and programs are needed that do not currently exist?
  • Are there specific animal and plant health policies and programs, which are no longer relevant?
• How should the government assess the risk brought about by increased trade with countries that have potentially devastating pests and diseases?
• What infrastructure is needed to comply with the Sanitary/Phyto Sanitary requirements? 
• What policies and programs are needed to address the issue of human health problems arising from imported pests and diseases?

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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• Looking at resource conservation needs for California:
  • What existing conservation policies and programs should be kept or what adjustments need to be made to existing policies and programs to make them workable for you?
  • What specific conservation policies and programs are needed that do not currently exist?
  • Are there specific conservation policies and programs, which are no longer relevant?
• What incentives would you need to make monetary commitments to conservation?
• How should the Farm Bill address issues such as: agricultural land preservation, rural /urban interface issues, and urban conservation? 
• What type of assistance do you need to address conservation needs in light of environmental statutory requirements such as Total Maximum Daily Load’s (TMDL’s), Endangered Species Act (ESA), wetlands, Etc?
• What educational curricula are needed to address conservation issues, policies and programs at the high school and university level?

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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• Looking at international and domestic market needs for California: 
  • What existing international and domestic market policies and programs should be kept or what adjustments need to be made to existing policies and programs to make them workable for you?
  • What specific international and domestic market policies and programs are needed that do not currently exist?
  • Are there specific international and domestic market policies and programs, which are no longer relevant?
• How should the effectiveness of marketing program be measured?
• What programs should the Farm Bill authorize to maximize opportunities to market U.S. agricultural products globally via electronic technologies?
• How can USDA and USTR better cooperate to ensure compliance with previous and future trade agreements?
• What could be done to advance a wider range of domestic market outlets for California farmers, such as restaurants, school districts, government contracts, farmers' markets, and others? 
• What incentives could be placed in the 2002 Farm Bill to ensure that fresh produce and other California products are available to consumers in economically challenged areas nationwide?
• How could a bonus added incentive for food stamps redeemed for the purchase of domestically grown products be implemented?

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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• Looking at agricultural research needs for California: 
  • What specific research policies and programs are needed that do not currently exist or what existing research policies and programs should be kept?
  • What adjustments need to be made to existing research policies and programs to make them workable for you?
  • Are there specific research policies and programs, which are no longer relevant?
• How could pest management alternatives be better addressed (i.e. methyl bromide alternatives)?
• Are there special needs for research in animal agriculture that are not being addressed?
• Other than financial resources, what are the small farmer research needs not currently being addressed?
• How should USDA research be coordinated with appropriate federal agencies so it could be more effectively utilized by agriculture? 
• What is the right blend between private initiative and public resources in research?
• What additional extension programs and activities do you need for the crops you produce (UC, CSU, Community Colleges)?

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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• Looking at risk management needs for California: 
  • What specific risk management policies and programs are needed that do not currently exist or what existing risk management policies and programs should be kept?
  • What adjustments need to be made to existing risk management policies and programs to make them workable for you?
  • Are there specific risk management policies and programs, which are no longer relevant?
• What type of safety net fits the needs of your operation?
• What crop insurance provisions would be important to your operation?
• How should the Farm Bill address special transportation insurance for farm worker transportation? 

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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Overarching Farm Bill Questions:

1. What is the top priority for changes in farm policy?
   
2. What specific farm policies do you need that do not currently exist?
   
3. What adjustments need to be made to existing farm programs to make them workable for you?
   
4. What educational programs should be undertaken to reach underserved farmers and ranchers?
   
5. How can the Farm Bill be modified to address the needs of limited resource and small farmers and ranchers growing a diversity of commodities? 
   
6. What could be done to educate the non-agricultural population about the overall value of agriculture, land stewardship ethics, food and fiber production, and how agriculture contributes to their environment and quality of life?
   
7. Should the Farm Bill make a distinction between the small family farmer and the larger farm operator?
   
8. Should the Farm Bill be expanded to address the multi-goals of sustainability such as society, environment, and economy?
   
9. What policies and program changes are needed ensure a safe food supply?
   
10. What programs are needed to address bio-terrorism?

Written comments may be submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at

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