New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine will hold a series of public meetings over the next five weeks to discuss the federal Farm Bill scheduled for reauthorization in 2012.

The meetings will begin this Friday. All five of the meetings are scheduled to take place at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from 10 a.m. to noon in the Bistro of the Arts and Home Building, a news release from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets said.

The following meetings have been scheduled:

Friday, April 29, 2011 - Conservation Title    

Thursday, May 5, 2011 - Rural Development, Forestry & Energy Titles        

Friday, May 13, 2011 - Horticulture & Organic Agriculture Title

Friday, May 20, 2011 - Nutrition Title

Friday, May 27, 2011 - Commodities Title (including Milk Pricing)    

“At the start of each session, invited stakeholders will have an opportunity to present their ideas for that particular title in the Farm Bill.  Those ideas will be used to garner discussion with a panel of subject-matter experts.  Members of the public are also invited to participate and will have the opportunity to submit written questions during the session,” the news release said.

The Ag and Markets Department says space is limited at the meetings and is asking people to RSVP by the Wednesday prior to the meeting by calling 518-457-8876.

“Once the sessions are completed, the information gathered will be compiled into a working document that the Commissioner will use to communicate New York’s positions on federal agriculture policy. He will also be working with neighboring states to develop northeastern positions on agriculture,” the news release said. “The Federal Farm Bill is negotiated every six years and sets the parameters for America’s agriculture, nutrition, forestry and conservation policies. It provides nutrition assistance to millions, strengthens America’s energy independence, and builds our rural communities. A successful Farm Bill helps keep America’s agriculture sector the world’s leader in efficiency and productivity. New York’s 36,000 farm families depend upon the Farm Bill to help keep New York a leading state in the dairy, apple, vegetable and wine industries.”