NCGA Reminds Growers to Register for Trade School in Chicago, Des Moines (1-18-06)

The National Corn Growers Association urges growers to register to attend the Chicago Trade School Jan. 26-27 at the Rosemount Hyatt and take the important step toward understanding the fundamental issue of trade.

“We welcome everyone who wants to get the basic course in trade and U.S. policy. Trade is a powerful tool for building our markets and access to newer markets in addition to building our national economy,” said Bob Bowman, Chairman of NCGA’s Joint Trade Policy A-Team. “Trade is an extremely important issue to agriculture and businesses across the country. Corn growers should be well versed in an issue that impacts our livelihoods at every level.”

The Trade School, conducted by Kyd Brenner and Craig Thorn of DTB Associates, will also address the importance of trade to the industry, the vocabulary of trade and the inner workings of trade negotiations.
The featured speaker, 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.” Also, 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.”

U.S. farm policy and the U.S. relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO) will be highlighted during a presentation “Farm Bill and WTO” given by Dr. Bruce Babcock.

“As we begin to move forward with the 2007 farm bill discussions and we begin more negotiations at the WTO, it is even more important that growers get a basic course in Trade 101. This school will do just that,” Bowman said. “We are fortunate to have such experienced and educated speakers to discuss the many levels and issues involved with trade at this event.”

The Chicago Trade School is the first of two events. The second event is scheduled for March 30-31 in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Des Moines Marriott. 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 for more information.