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The Honorable Charles Stenholm 

 May 3, 1993 

 Page Foiir 



We have, by Congressional mandate, two committees that are organized within USDA 

 to evaluate £uid prioritize for the future in the Users Advisory Board and the Joint 

 Covincil. The UAB is a cross-section of people and could be a very efifective tool to vise 

 at the federal level. Unfortunately, with the cut in the budget, UAB and JC only meet 

 two times annually, which leaves these federal committees somewhat ineflfective. 

 Congress needs to make a decision to either have federal committees with such a 

 cross-section to be effective or to just do away with them. Oiu" national CARET has 

 had a Uaison to these Boards, and we have input into the process. As an example. 

 Rich Rominger, who was recently named as Deputy Agriculture Secretary, is a farmer 

 and was CARETs liaison to the Joint Council. 



On the day I was present before your committee, I heard a statement about the disconnection 

 between the user and the Extension/research institution. As a user and a producer, I don't 

 see such a disconnection. In fact, I see a closer tie to the people who really want to work 

 with the sjrstem. The system can always be refined, but I find that many people don't use 

 the system and then blame it when times are tough. 



CARET is a cross-section of volunteers who are seeking ways to assist decision makers in the 

 Congressional, administrative, academic, commodity groups, and research/Extension areas. 

 We need to improve our communication skills and strive to be representative of our states. 

 Meeting and working with such a diverse group of people fix)m across the coimtry that makes 

 up CARET has broadened my horizon and gives me a perspective that goes beyond the farm 

 gate. It is with this though that I hope I have given you some of my views that are truly 

 grassroots. Once again, thank you for this opportunity. 



Sincerely, 



Robert Guernsey 

 Past Chair 



enclosxires 



