NCGA Trade School to Focus on Trade’s Impact on Agriculture (12-29-2005)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will host two Trade School events in 2006 that will give growers an opportunity to learn the importance of trade to the agriculture sector and trade’s impact on farm policy.

The first Trade School is scheduled for Jan. 26-27 in Chicago at the Rosemount Hyatt, and the second one is scheduled for March 30-31 in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Des Moines Marriott. Topics include: why trade matters to corn growers; how the United States develops its trade policy; the economic impact of trade on corn prices; what impact the farm bill has on the World Trade Organization (WTO); and what the status is on the current WTO Doha talks.

Several speakers are lined up for the Chicago event. Kyd Brenner and Craig Thorn of DTB Associates will stress the importance of trade to the industry, the vocabulary of trade and the inner workings of trade negotiations. Dave Lehman, managing director of business development at the Chicago Board of Trade, will give a presentation, “New Tools to Manage International Commodity Price Risks.” Len Condon, director of international business relations for Altria Corporate Services, will discuss “How Global Food Companies Depend on Trade Agreements to Market Your Products to the World.” Sam Willett, NCGA senior director of public policy, will address the upcoming 2007 farm bill discussions and the WTO’s impact on those discussions.

“In the ever-changing world of agriculture, growers need to realize how important trade is to the industry as a whole,” said Bob Bowman, NCGA chairman of the Joint Trade Policy A-Team. “As a corn grower, new market opportunities are essential to my livelihood. Learning the inner workings of trade is an opportunity that should not be missed by any farmer.”

Bowman also noted prices received by growers are determined by trade. “Growers should attend Trade School no matter what your market is, whether it’s crop, livestock or ethanol. Understanding trade is important to everyone,” he said.

Registration fees for the event are $75. Hotel rates are $127 for the Chicago event and $109 for Des Moines. The Des Moines conference will have the same agenda, but different guest speakers.

Please contact NCGA Director of Public Policy June Silverberg at 202-628-7001 if you wish to attend.