P.O. Box 948153
Maitland, FL 32794
www.ffva.com

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ray Gilmer or Barbara Wunder 321-214-5200

FFVA CONVENTION TO HOST FARM BILL FORUM

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 15, 2005) Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's (FFVA) 62nd Annual Convention will host U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns as he presides over the first 2007 Farm Bill Listening Session in the state of Florida, September 27, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate near Orlando. All producers are welcome. Convention registration is not necessary.

"We look forward to having a chance to share our concerns and goals for the 2007 Farm Bill," said FFVA Chairman Tony DiMare. "It's important that USDA hear from Florida producers."

"FFVA and other produce industry groups are working collectively to help USDA and Congress craft farm policies that take into account the unique concerns of growers of specialty crops in our state," said FFVA President Mike Stuart.

Those areas of concern include marketing, conservation and pest and disease programs, in addition to nutrition policies.

Forums have taken place or been scheduled in at least 25 states. The purpose of the sessions is for USDA to gain input from a wide spectrum of producers as to how to enhance the next Farm Bill to include all aspects of American agriculture.

To find out more about the 2007 Farm Bill, go to www.usda.gov or call USDA at (202) 720-2791.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.

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