Missed Trade School? Second NCGA Trade School Slated for March 30 (2-14-06)

The importance of trade to the agriculture sector and to the nation’s economy is highlighted at the second Trade School sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

“Trade’s impact on present and future farm policy and the U.S. economy will be the key issues discussed at the second trade school,” said Bob Bowman, NCGA chairman of the Joint Trade Policy A-Team. “The administration has boldly expressed that trade will be a key priority in 2006, and corn growers all across the country need to attend this school to learn about the importance of all the aspects of trade to their industry.”

The Trade School is scheduled for March 30-31 in Johnston, Iowa, at the headquarters of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of DuPont. 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 key speakers are lined up for the Iowa 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. Sam Willett, NCGA senior director of public policy, will address the upcoming 2007 farm bill discussions and the WTO’s impact on those discussions and Dr. Bruce Babcock will also discuss farm bill and the WTO. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Finance Committee, has also been invited to address attendees.

Registration fees for the event are $75. Attendees will stay at the Des Moines Marriott. Hotel rates are $109.

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