(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns accepted her invitation to hold a Farm Bill Forum in Eastern Washington. In September McMorris sent a letter to Secretary Johanns, requesting a forum to be held in Eastern Washington. The forum is scheduled to be held Thursday, November 3rd from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Showalter Hall at Eastern Washington University.

“I am thrilled that Secretary Johanns decided to make Cheney one of the few cities in which he is personally hosting a Farm Forum,” said McMorris. “Agriculture is vital to the economic stability of Eastern Washington and it is one of my top priorities to help our farmers and ranchers with the challenges they are facing. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for our Eastern Washington farmers to speak directly to the Secretary and offer public input regarding a new farm bill. I understand that our agricultural community is facing tough economic times, and now more then ever, we need to be providing them with access to top administration officials.”

McMorris was recently joined by House Agriculture Chairman Bob Goodlatte for an agriculture forum in Ritzville. Over a hundred people from the agriculture community attended the event and expressed serious concerns about high fuel and fertilizer costs. This Farm Forum is another opportunity for farmers to express their opinions and be part of the planning process.

Since January, McMorris has worked to make progress on issues important to our agriculture economy. The House passed the permanent repeal of the death tax, she hosted a Water and Power Subcommittee hearing on the impact of the ESA on the Snake/Columbia rivers system in Clarkston, and is chairing a 20-member House Task Force on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). She sponsored legislation to extend tax incentives for bio-diesel and legislation to help beginning farmers and ranchers. She also secured $3.6 million in funds for Agriculture Research Service at Washington State University.