“Maintaining frequent, substantive discussion with area farmers, agri-business, rural educators and small town governments is vital to this process,” stated Johnson.  “Agriculture dramatically affects not only farm families but entire rural communities.  I make a standard practice of communicating directly with rural groups to learn how I, as a House Ag Committee Member, can better implement farm policy to the benefit of Illinois and American agriculture.”  

Rep. Johnson’s two Ag Advisory Committee meetings have taken place, in the northern and southern portions of the expansive 15th District.  The southern counties met in Lawrenceville at Parkside Elementary on Friday February 21st.  The northern group gathered in Cissna Park at the high school “Ag Shop” on Monday February 24th.

“This year, we tried something a little different with our Ag Advisory meetings,” said Johnson.  “We invited local FFA chapters to participate in our discussion.  The high school students will soon be the leaders in rural America and this is a wonderful opportunity for them to see federal farm policy in the making.  I am hopeful that our efforts were useful to their teachers and enjoyable for the students.”

As the implementation process of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 continues, Illinois’ lone Member on the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Johnson, remains an important voice in Washington for his constituency.  The Congressman urges Illinois producers to contact his office at any time to discuss issues pertaining to Illinois agriculture.