WASHINGTON, April 21, 2006-The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) today announced that it will hold its annual safety and health training conference for employees April 24-27 in New Orleans, La.

"I'm proud that our annual employee safety and training conference will be held in New Orleans," said Acting Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Chuck Lambert. "USDA has worked with federal, state and local partners to deliver all the assistance possible to help the Gulf coast following the hurricanes. Holding this conference in New Orleans is one more step in helping the revitalization of the city."

The theme for this year's conference and training is "Prepare Today for Tomorrow." The conference will be held April 24-27 at the JW Marriott Hotel, 614 Canal St., New Orleans, La. 70130. More than 200 participants, all employees from MRP's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Marketing Service and Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, will have the opportunity to select from workshops to personally tailor the conference to meet their individual needs. The meeting will offer training courses for safety and health responders, uncontrolled hazardous situations and specific training for managers and supervisors.

USDA's MRP personnel were among the many USDA personnel at the forefront in responding to Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. MRP employees provided immediate assistance to stranded residents, farmers, livestock and coordinated animal and pet rescue. For example, 10,000 companion animals received veterinary care and were vaccinated, fed and bathed. In addition, almost 5,000 head of livestock were moved, watered and fed. Holding the annual safety and health training conference in New Orleans is part of USDA's commitment to support rebuilding efforts and the return of tourism to the city and Hurricane affected states.