Both urban and rural interests have a stake in the “farm” bill: A report on roundtable discussions of the 1990 agricultural legislation

The increasing role of non-farm groups in the agricultural policy process creates an opportunity for extension educators in public policy. Both farmers and non-farmers need information from an impartial source and both would benefit from exchanging views. Four Roundtable discussions of the 1990 agricultural legislation in Illinois brought together citizens from farm and urban backgrounds to exchange ideas. This paper summarizes the concerns and consensus that emerged in discussions of commodity programs, international trade, the environment, and food programs. Participants' reaction to this program effort are also reported. Roundtable meetings met a desire for greater commmunication, particularly between farmers and environmentalists. Copyright Kluwer Academic Publishers 1990