Good morning. I am pleased to be here alongside my good friend, Representative David Rouzer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.

The food industry has recently announced the development of a voluntary smart label, specifically designed to provide consumers with this information.

I agree with you, and I appreciate your comments, Mr. Secretary.

I think we do need a national standard, and I am willing to work with you and your agency to help make that argument as we move forward.

I would urge all Members of Congress to support the passage of the Child Nutrition Act reauthorization in time for it take effect for the new school year this fall.

Clearly, consumer demand is driving market development.

Entrepreneurial efforts of individual producers certainly drive success in direct marketing ventures.

Direct marketing is enjoying a resurgence driven both by economic considerations, as well as the desire among consumers for better relationships with those involved in food production.

Facilitation of these business relationships can aid in a larger challenge the Committee has been focusing on related to the perceived disconnect between consumers and food producers.

Submitted Form by Hon. Rodney Davis, a Representative in Congress from Illinois

I think it is accurate to point out that these types of questions were certainly never intended by Congress to be included in a mandatory Census of Agriculture.