The Open Forum on the Farm Bill will take place Wednesday, August 7, 2002, in the new ACES Library on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  The meeting will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour.  Participants will meet in the Heritage Room located on the building’s first floor.  The address for the ACES Library is 1101 S. Goodwin, Urbana, IL; it is one building south of Mumford Hall.  Metered parking is available along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Rep. Johnson indicated that the meeting would be an intensive question and answer format.  State Executive Director of the Illinois Farm Service Agency, Bill Graff will be a panelist, along with members from Johnson’s congressional staff, and Darrel Good, interim head of the University of Illinois Department of Agriculture and Consumer Education.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for farmers, before they begin harvest, and before the new Farm Bill takes effect, to get answers to the many questions that they may have,” said Johnson.  “This is the first time we’ve drastically changed farm policy in six years and I want to be certain that farmers in my district have ample opportunity to talk with me about the reforms.  In addition, I’ll have guests from my staff and from Farm Service Agency who are very educated about the intricacies of this legislation and will be more than willing to assist the farmers who participate.”

The August 7th event is open to all farmers from the 15th District.  Rep. Johnson noted that the ongoing process of farm bill implementation will take several months and his office is always taking inquiries on this subject.  Those unable to attend the meeting, but need assistance with the new policy are encouraged to call Rep. Johnson’s Champaign office during regular business hours at (217) 403-4690.