Residents’ Comments Urged on Farm Issues

Officials of the U. S. Department of Agriculture are urging Ventura County residents to submit written comments on agricultural issues that will be addressed when Congress begins debate on the 1995 farm bill early next year.

Particularly vital to county growers are the federal conservation programs that prevent erosion and low-interest loans to beekeepers that ultimately benefit citrus growers, said Frank Van Brocklin, county executive director for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

The period for comments ends Oct. 1.

The current 1990 farm bill, which is soon to expire, allows for federal subsidies to farmers for erosion-prevention measures, such as pipelines in irrigation ditches, that help keep drinking water supplies free of soil sediments and chemicals, Van Brocklin said.

For beekeepers, the bill provides low-interest loans that enable them to hold onto their honey until they can receive higher prices, he said.

Beekeepers’ welfare is important to Ventura County citrus growers because bees help pollinate their crops, Van Brocklin said.

“It’s doubly important for California growers (to give input) because the legislation usually reflects a Midwest slant,” Van Brocklin said, referring to the political clout of the farm states in the nation’s breadbasket.

He urged the public to submit written comments to the Ventura County ASCS Committee at 254 E. Highway 246, Suite D, Buellton, CA 93427.

Among other things, respondents could address whether they think that current programs should continue, be revised or be curtailed, particularly in light of the possibility of budget cuts, Van Brocklin said.