Rep. Pingree, Rep. McGovern join state agriculture officials and farm policy experts on conservation and food system issues

What is the likely timetable for the next farm bill? What are the issues driving the 2012 Farm Bill? What directional changes in programs and funding might result? What are some of the farm bill priorities identified by Northeast Congressional members, state agencies and organizations? Two upcoming webinars presented by American Farmland Trust, Wholesome Wave, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group and New England Farmers Union will address these and other farm, food and conservation issues. You'll learn what's at stake for USDA programs that protect farmland, address environmental challenges, improve food access, and revitalize local and regional food systems in the Northeast. Register for these free farm bill webinars: • Conservation: Friday, December 16, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST) • Local and Regional Food Systems: Monday, December 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST) Featured speakers include Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME); Rep. James McGovern (D-MA), Senator Patrick Leahy's (D-VT) staff; New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture Lorraine Merrill; Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture Scott Soares; and policy directors for American Farmland Trust, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and New England Farmers Union. A complete agenda is available at http://www.farmbillfacts.org. For more information, contact Jennifer Morrill, 202-378-1255 or jmorrill@farmland.org 12.16.2011