Conn. farmers to meet with Courtney, DeLauro

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) — Local farmers are scheduled to meet with two members of Congress to discuss federal farm programs and the needs facing Connecticut's agricultural industry.

U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney and Rosa DeLauro, both Democrats, are holding a "farm forum" on Monday at Middlesex Community College in Middletown. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The bulk of the federal Farm Bill's program authorizations expire on Sept. 30. That's the same time when this year's appropriations expire. The members of Congress said that's why it's important to hear about the needs of local farmers now.

Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Steven Reviczky is scheduled to attend the forum. Representatives from the Connecticut Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, and the Yale School of Forestry have also been invited.