NCGA President Highlights Future of Agriculture at USDA Ag Outlook Forum (2-17-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Gerald Tumbleson joined top officials, industry analysts, business leaders, farmers and ranchers, and agricultural experts at the 82nd Agriculture Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C., Thursday where the focus was on making rural America prosperous.

Tumbleson presented NCGA’s findings on the future of agriculture, “Taking Ownership in Grain Belt Agriculture.” This report, he said, highlights examples of producer-funded investments that are paying huge dividends, recommendations that will make it easier for producer-funded entities to grow and form the economic backbone of rural America and discussions the theme of entrepreneurship and value-added businesses.

“This conference served as a very good resource for people to engage in discussions on what needs to be done to make and continue economic growth in rural America,” said Tumbleson. “With the more than 1,600 attendees, it really shows that the country is beginning to recognize the importance and value in making rural America prosperous and that begins with agriculture changing to reflect the realities of the future marketplace.”

Tumbleson also noted that this conference and others like it will help get the word out about the potential of rural America when it comes to supplying renewable fuels. “It is vital to get the word to the public that rural America is not just a source for affordable, safe and reliable food but a safe and environmentally beneficial source of domestic energy supplies.”

Tumbleson told attendees that ethanol is a great example of value-added business citing that producer investments in value-added agriculture such as the ethanol plant is the only way in which the future of rural America is more secure.

In addition to Tumbleson, other featured speakers included Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Portman, CEO of Deere and Company Robert Lane, CEO of Food Products Association Cal Dooley, and Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.

Webcast and transcripts of each presentation and speech are available at www.usda.gov.