NCGA to Host Trade Schools (11-28-05)
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will give corn growers the opportunity to learn all things trade at two Trade School events in 2006.

On Jan. 26-27 in Chicago, NCGA will hold the first Trade School at the Rosemount Hyatt. Attendees will learn: why trade matters to farmers; how the United States develops its trade policy; what impact the farm bill has on the World Trade Organization (WTO); and what the status is on the current WTO Doha talks.

Two speakers have been invited to speak. 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.”

“This is a great opportunity for growers to learn the ins and outs of trade,” said June Silverberg, NCGA director of public policy. “The meetings will be especially important because of the timing after the Dec. 13 WTO Doha talks in Hong Kong.”

Registration fees for the event are $75.

For growers who cannot attend the Chicago event, a second Trade School is scheduled in Des Moines, Iowa, March 30-31. The same agenda will be featured, but different guest speakers will present.