USDA Requests for Public Input on Agricultural Coexistence

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon publish a notice in the Federal Register asking the public to comment on how agricultural coexistence in the United States can be strengthened.

"The Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture recommended that USDA support agricultural coexistence by strengthening education and outreach on this vital issue," said Secretary Vilsack. "In response, with this notice, we are asking all those with a vested interest in coexistence to help us learn more about what coexistence means to them, how they are already contributing to it, and what more is needed to achieve coexistence. With this input, we can continue the dialogue begun by the AC21 group and find practical solutions that will help all sectors of American agriculture be successful."

The notice seeks public comment to identify ways to foster communication and collaboration among those involved in all sectors of agriculture production. The 60-day comment period begins upon publication of the notice in the Federal Register.

For more information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2013/09/ac21.shtml.