Panel Discussion

Moderator: Adell Brown Jr.,

Southern University and A&M College

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

PANELISTS: Lou Ann Kling, Errol Mattox, Susan Jenkins, and Fred Woods

Key Components of a National Policy

for Small Farms

Lou Ann Kling

USDA-Farm Service Agency

Washington, DC

Notes from Discussion

I. Introduction

    A. Great conference; actively seeking farmers' input in working together

    B. Greetings from Farm Service Agency

    C. Director of Outreach Staff

        1. New staff

        2. Developing programs to reach out to farmers

        3. Marketing programs

II. Explore and Define Issues and Problems of Small and Family- Sized Farmers

    A. Credit area

        1. Lack of cash flow

        2. Funds

        3. Markets

        4. Beginning and existing farmers

        5. Conservation

        6. Loss of land -- urban sprawl

III. National Policy

    A. Define family farm

    B. Returning farmers to land

    C. Rural communities benefit

IV. Open Doors to Government Program

    A. Public, private information source

    B. Cut paperwork needs

    C. Learn different cultures;     

    D. Friendly offices

V. New/Established Programs

    A. Use community-based groups

    B. Colleges, universities, technical schools

    C. Partnership with state governments

    D. Farm group media

    E. Community Based Organizations

VI. Service Centers

    A. Set agenda with all USDA Agencies

        1. We can take customers from 4-H programs to training, loans, production and conservation

    B. Information/Assistance on producer- owned co-ops

    C. Partnership with state governments

    D. Alternative crops

    E. Equipment needs and uses

    F. Office work -- computer centers

VII. County Committee Elections

    A. Who are the County Committee members?

    B Election rules

    C. Election dates

    D. Importance of County Committee

    E. Recruit people to nominate

Summary

We need to work together as well as continue to seek farmers' input to make certain these concepts will work for them. We need universities, Extension Services, NRCS, farmers, bankers - - everyone -- - to become motivated and utilize their:

Together we can do it - so let's get started!

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