Grassley seeks farmer input on trade

Iowa farmers are encouraged to sound off during a series of three public meetings today and tomorrow about concerns they want transmitted to Seattle, where World Trade Organization talks begin next week. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley expects to hear farmer’s concerns on subjects including genetically- modified crops, grain segregation, seed supply and consumer confidence.Grassley says he’s the “only working family farmer in the Senate.” He wants to deliver a message to representatives of the 133 other nations taking part in the W-T-O talks, who may be talking with the U-S trade negotiators.Grassley holds a public hearing today from 3:30 to 5 p-m at the Scott County Farm Bureau Headquarters in Eldridge, tomorrow from 9 to 10:30 a-m at the New Hartford Community Center, and tomorrow at 12:30 to 2 p-m at the Heart of Iowa Co-op in Nevada.