81 



STATEMENT OF 



SECRETARY MIKE ESPY 



D.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



BEFORE THE 



UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 



COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 



February 3, 1993 



Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, thank you for the 

 opportunity to participate in your first hearing of the new 

 Congressional session. Your agenda for today is to assess the 

 economic situation facing U.S. agriculture and rural America. 

 This information will help us develop policies and programs to 

 address the needs of life in rural America and the Nation as a 

 whole. 



This Committee and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) face 

 a broadening array of challenges. These include promoting rural 

 development, meeting our Nation's diverse food needs, and 

 protecting our natural resources while continuing to address 

 important issues concerning commodity markets, international 

 trade, and farm income. 



Today's hearing will provide information helpful in dealing 

 with these challenges. I would like to emphasize at the outset 

 that your guidance, expertise and cooperation, Mr. Chairman, and 

 that of the members of this Committee are absolutely 

 indispensable, and I will do my best to work closely and 

 constructively with this Committee, Only together can we succeed 

 in improving USDA's capabilities to build a sounder rural 

 economy. 



