USDA and the U.S. trade representative's office will hold 11 public listening sessions in June and July for public comment on ag trade priorities in the upcoming World Trade Organization negotiations.

"Because trade is so vital to American agriculture, the (Clinton) administration is seeking a broad range of advice and ideas to help form U.S. agricultural trade policy in preparation for the next round," said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.

"Through these listening sessions, USTR and USDA will learn first hand which issues are most important to farmers, ranchers and the entire agriculture industry, and what trade policies would be most effective in helping to increase U.S. agricultural exports," said USTR Charlene Barshefsky.

Listening sessions are scheduled for June 4 in Winter Haven, FL; June 7 in St. Paul, MN; June 16 in Memphis, TN; June 24 in Indianapolis, IN; June 29 in Sacramento, CA; June 30 in Pullman, WA; July 8 in Austin, TX; July 19 in Burlington, VT, and July 23 in Newark, DE.  Sessions also are planned for Des Moines, IA, and Bozeman, MT, with dates yet to be announced.