What's going on

If any members of the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group want to participate in a trial run on the Google Talk feature (online chat embedded in the blog), shoot me an email and I will invite you. I anticipate this might be a new forum to conduct an interview with a member of The Packer's team and other industry leaders. (I thought one interesting subject out of the gate may be Pamela R of The Packer, as she is taking on media spokesperson duties for sister site Produce Guru). This may take time to figure out.

My email is tkarst@thepacker.com if you want me to send you an invite to check out the Google Talk feature. You do need to have a Google account to participate.

In other news, the nomination hearing of Agriculture Secretary designate Edward Schafer, former governor of North Dakota, was held today by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Sen. Tom Harkin, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said this in his opening remarks (provided by his office).

“Among your key responsibilities is faithfully carrying out the laws that Congress writes and the President signs. Currently, we face a big challenge in completing a new farm bill for you to implement. The Senate and the House of Representatives have each passed versions of a new farm bill. Both bills have significant improvements and reforms to benefit agriculture, rural communities and our nation as a whole. In our Senate bill we continue and improve a solid farm income protection system, and we make critical new investments to conserve our resources, promote rural energy initiatives, alleviate hunger and malnutrition, and boost the economy and quality of life in rural communities.

“Unfortunately, we do not yet have the support of the President for funding the critical, forward-looking investments crafted by the Agriculture Committees and approved by the House and the Senate. We have a good deal of hard work and negotiation with the White House ahead of us on the new farm bill. Yet I am hopeful that we can approach this challenge reasonably and cooperate to reach agreements. Governor Schafer, we look forward to working with you, and we are counting on your help in working out differences in order to enact a sound new farm for our nation.

TK: Harkin and other senators are sure to test the resolve of Schafer out the gate, as the tension of the Administration's veto threat of the farm bill is balanced by Schafer's natural instincts to be agreeable. Schafer is expected to be confirmed easily. Still, look for Chuck Conner to continue to be the point person and tough talker for the Administration on the farm bill.