February 27, 2012

REP. RYAN FOCUSES ON ISSUES IMPACTING SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT DURING AG LEADERS SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON

State Representative Kevin Ryan attended the 11th Annual Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit in January with agriculture and rural leaders from across North America where he was re-elected to another two year term as a member of the board.

During a visit to the White House, Rep. Ryan met with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and key agriculture officials. USDA participants included Farm Services Agency Under secretary Michael Scuse, Deputy Under secretary for Rural Development; Doug O’Brien, Under secretary for Food Safety, Elisabeth Hagen, Under Secretary for Research, Cathie Woteki and Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, David White.

While at the White House, they also discussed the future of international agricultural trade with U.S. Trade Representative for Agriculture, Dr. Issi Siddiqui and pending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agriculture regulations with Larry Elworth, EPA Agricultural Counselor.

Briefings on the 2012 farm bill from congressional staff from the agriculture and energy committees occurred during a visit to the Congress. The 2012 farm bill is about keeping pace with the changing needs of agriculture and the choices lawmakers will make will help shape agricultural, food, and rural development policy.

“Discussing the latest issues in agriculture and relaying them to my district and to Connecticut is something I’m honored to accomplish,” said Rep. Ryan. “I look forward to continuing this service as a board member for an additional two years.”

The Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit attendees also met with policy experts and discussed current issues affecting agriculture at both the state and national level. State legislative leadership from 47 states and 7 Canadian provinces participated in sessions that not only identified the issues facing rural communities but also solutions that have been successfully implemented.

The Legislative Ag Chairs Summit is the number one meeting for legislators whose major focus is agriculture and rural communities. It is the only conference of its kind for state and provincial policy-makers focusing on critical topics in agriculture and rural development that are facing state officials.

Rep. Ryan is in his 10th term serving the 139th House District.