New agriculture book available

Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced that the "2001-2002 Agriculture Fact Book" is now available. "This new publication provides useful information on a variety of topics including homeland security, conservation, biotechnology, organic foods and energy sources."

The "Agriculture Fact Book" includes general information and statistical data about American food consumption, the agricultural sector and rural America. The book also describes USDA's wide-ranging programs and services, such as farm programs; exports; rural development, food safety; nutrition; management of land, water, and forests; protecting U.S. borders from pests and diseases; and scientific agricultural research.

As part of USDA's effort to provide information through the Internet, the "Agriculture Fact Book 2001-2002" can be accessed through the web at http://www.usda.gov/factbook. The site includes links and other media that provide further information about agriculture, food, conservation, nutrition, food safety and related issues.

Hard copies of the publication are available for sale by the Government Printing Office (GPO) and can be ordered online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/. Phone orders can be made by calling toll free 1-866-512-1800. The book is $26 per copy from GPO, ISBN 001-000-04709-4.