USDA is committed to supporting producers throughout long- and short-term recovery,

I will always advocate we should support agriculture, … I just think it’s good federal policy and we can continue to do that notwithstanding what happens at the WTO.

There is no justifiable reason for borders to be closed to U.S. beef,

The thoroughness of this report demonstrates just how serious we are about addressing this incident and providing assurance to our trading partners that our system is among the best in the world. I believe our...

It was a very disciplined life,

announced without the benefit of a public hearing as to necessity and reasonableness …

This investigation would have taken far less than two months if we had the National Animal Identification System in place,

The 2007 farm bill will affect America’s entire agricultural community, so I believe our entire agricultural community should have a say in the process. I welcome input from across the nation about what is working...

Given the severity of the hurricane, the agricultural losses could have been much greater,

I indicated to minister Nakagawa that we received their questions and we are in the process of completing the responses. I also indicated that we anticipate submitting those responses to Japan next week.

Homework can be fun, don’t you think?

Gil Gonzalez and Jim Little will bring their in-depth knowledge and experience in community development and agriculture to the important role of coordinating USDA Hurricane response and recovery efforts in the region, … I have...

These programs have helped thousands of producers recover from the devastating effects of severe weather in counties that have received a Presidential disaster declaration,

Let me be clear, the Congress will be writing the next farm bill in 2007, and I am deeply concerned the administration is using the current negotiations to reshape farm policy without the full input...

I toured the area this morning with (House Speaker) Dennis Hastert, … Corn is about what you’d expect. You peel one husk, and there are maybe four or five kernels. You peel another, and there...

We don’t want this generation of young people to be the first generation that lives fewer years than their parents,

There are so many commodities in the affected areas, like rice, cotton, sugar cane, cattle and chickens, … Many grains that are stored can’t handle the heat and humidity.

I’m pleased that USDA can offer assistance to farmers and ranchers who have sustained losses from Hurricane Katrina, … This agriculture disaster designation will enable eligible producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from USDA...

It would be a grave mistake to declare this round at end,

[USDA will re-enroll acres that have contracts expiring through 2010, including 16 million acres set to expire in 2007. Re-enrollment contracts will be offered for acres that] provide the highest level of environmental benefit, …...

We’re going to show you some fun homework,

The OIG report concludes there is no evidence that specified risk materials entered the food supply, ever.

This report will provide the first USDA assessment of the effects of Hurricane Katrina on our farmers and ranchers, … While it will take some time to determine the full impact of both the hurricane...

The Bush Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are now very supportive of renewable energy.

What a sad, sad day.

While this is a not food safety issue, this is a unacceptable failure on our part to meet the requirements of our agreements with trading partner Japan. As I said, we take this matter very...

This funding will purchase emergency response vehicles, radio gear, warning sirens, improve public safety facilities and upgrade communications systems, … While these requests were submitted and approved before hurricane Katrina struck, these funds will contribute...

Our poultry industry is very consolidated, unlike that of other countries where chickens are raised in yards and inside homes. Our chickens, turkeys and eggs are raised in very controlled environments.

if they see something that doesn’t look right.

This is a fun approach to addressing the very serious problem of childhood obesity,

We are doing everything we can to help our Gulf Coast producers recover from the affects of Hurricane Katrina, … The assistance announced today is an important component of USDA’s efforts and our commitment to...

We are very concerned with the level of childhood obesity, … We don’t want this generation of young people to live fewer years than their parents.

I describe the current farm bill as perhaps the most high-risk approach we could take for our nation’s farmers and ranchers in the future, … Some have expressed concern about giving up what is considered...

Agriculture is very sensitive to (energy) issues, … It’s fertilizer-based and the irrigation equipment … the tractors, the combines and all of that … run on diesel. So it’s a very difficult situation out there.

We want to send a signal as to what the farm bill will be so that producers can make decisions.

I spent the morning in (U.S. Speaker of the House) Denny Hastert’s district in northern Illinois. There’s no question there is impact from the drought. Some ears have four or five kernels, others have nothing,...

Approximately 16 million acres subject to CRP contracts expire in 2007. Fulfilling President Bush’s directive to allow eligible farmers and ranchers to re-enroll or extend their CRP contracts helps ensure that the quality of soil,...

There is a lot of damage, … This is my third visit to the area in the last few days and I can assure you that the Department of Agriculture is doing its part in...

It’s really cool. Great to pick up dust,

The CRP is a priority for President Bush,

We are reassuring our international customers that we expect minimal disruptions,

We fully expect to be a key player in the next farm bill, … could possibly result in a specific proposal.

There has been $150 million to $200 million put into the hurricane recovery effort already,

[Also announced was the establishment of a new USDA council to create a market-driven credit program that will establish credit transfers for clean water, greenhouse gasses and wetlands. Johanns envisions people selling such credits] as...

Vessels are moving on the river. Vessels are being loaded today, literally as we speak,

I have just been very reluctant to even set a date as to when we would bring that to a close, … It’s safe to say the enhanced surveillance is going to extend beyond the...

I look forward to advancing your rural agenda for the 21st century,

We’re not writing the farm bill here.

I am encouraged by the resumption of grain movement along the Mississippi River just one week after grain transportation was virtually halted by Hurricane Katrina, … Clearly, there is much work to be done but...

For the past two years, Allan has demonstrated outstanding leadership at USDA Rural Development, … The people we serve in rural America and USDA will all benefit from his experience and knowledge in this new...