- January 14, 2002
Carper Kicks Off ‘Growing Solutions for Delaware Farmers Tour’, Three-County Tour Explores DE Farms and Agriculture Programs
WILMINGTON, DE – Senator Tom Carper will join Delaware farmers and other agriculture experts to discuss the future of farming in the state and the state of the federal farm bill during a three county tour starting tomorrow, Tuesday, January 14, 2002. “Our state’s history is rooted in its farms and farmland,” Carper said. “These town halls are a chance to hear first hand from the people who make our agricultural successes happen – the farmers. It’s a chance to come together to try and grow new solutions to some old agricultural issues.” The forums are free and open to the public. Speakers including a representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a staff member from the Senate Agriculture Committee will join Senator Carper to discuss federal legislation and listen to the concerns and comments of Delaware farmers. A number of other experts will be on hand to answer questions, including Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Mike Scuse, former State Secretary of Agriculture Jack Tarburton, who now heads up agriculture business development for the state, and representatives from the University of Delaware and Delaware State University. “Before big debates in the Senate on issues like tackling terrorism and prescription drug help for seniors, Delawareans came to town hall meetings and shared their invaluable experience and opinions with me,” Carper said. “I invite everyone to offer their advice and to find out how the next federal farm bill will impact us.” When Congress returns from its winter recess, it will resume work on the federal farm bill. Significant issues in the bill include commodity payments for corn and soybeans, as well as farmland preservation programs. Carper wants to hear first-hand from the farm community to bring their concerns back to the debate in Washington, DC. He held similar town-hall tours before federal debates on prescription drugs assistance for seniors; federal energy legislation; national education reform; tackling terrorism and the federal budget. NEW CASTLE COUNTY Tuesday, January 14 from 7:00-9:00 pm Appoquinimink Community Library, 118 Silver Lake Road Middletown, DE KENT COUNTY Tuesday, January 22 from 7:00-9:00 pm Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village 866 N. DuPont Highway Dover, DE SUSSEX COUNTY Thursday, January 17 from 7:00-9:00 pm University of Delaware Research and Education Center Cooperative Ext. Meeting Room Route 9 5 miles west of Georgetown, DE