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 HOSTS FARM BILL FORUM

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 27, 2005) Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's (FFVA) 62nd Annual Convention hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns today at the first 2007 Farm Bill Listening Session in the state of Florida. The session, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate near Orlando, was one of many held across the country to offer producers the chance to provide input to USDA as it crafts the 2007 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, better known as the 2007 Farm Bill.

"It was very important to have 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.

Areas of concern that participants addressed include marketing, conservation and pest and disease programs, in addition to nutrition policies.

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.

###
Editors note: Digital photos available. Please call Barbara Wunder at (321) 214-5200 or email barbara.wunder@ffva.com. Many photos will also be posted at www.ffva.com.