 |
|
Release No. 1635.00 Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474 TOBACCO COMMISSION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT WASHINGTON, October 26, 2000--The Tobacco Commission today announced that it is seeking public input on changes occurring in the tobacco farming economy and recommendations on measures that may be necessary to improve economic opportunity and development in communities that are dependent on tobacco production, while protecting consumers, particularly children, from hazards associated with smoking. In September, the President named William Martin "Rod" Kuegel, Jr., the President of the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association, as a co-chair of the Commission along with Matthew Myers, the President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. According to Commission Executive Director Doug Richardson, the Commission is looking for input in eight areas outlined in the Federal Register notice of October 23, 2000, available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/tobcom/FR_10_23_2000.htm Two forums sponsored by the Commission to seek public input to these and other tobacco related concerns are scheduled for next month. The first forum will be held on Nov. 9, 2000, in Raleigh, N.C. at the Kerr Scott Building - N.C. State Fairgrounds. The second will be held on Nov. 10, 2000, in Louisville, Ky. at the Executive West Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane. Both forums will begin at 9:00 A.M. and end around 3:00 P.M. The public may submit recommendations to the Commission at their website, www.fsa.usda.gov/tobcom or in writing to Tobacco Commission, Stop 0574, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-0574. All comments received will be available on the website for public review. The Commission’s preliminary report will be published on their website no later than December 31, 2000, to which the public may submit additional comments. # NOTE: Farm Service Agency (FSA) news
releases and media advisories are available on the World Wide Web at FSA’s
Home Page: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/news/releases/index.htm |