'Energy Issues in the Farm Bill'  

Forum to discuss world agricultural economy and public policy

[April 10, 2007]  OAK BROOK -- Farm Foundation invites your participation in the 2007 Farm Bill Forum on April 17. The topic will be "Energy Issues in the Farm Bill," with opening remarks by Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association, Bart Ruth of 25x'25 and Al Mannato of the American Petroleum Institute. The floor will then be opened for discussion, moderated by Charlie Stenholm.

This forum will be in the Franklin Room of the Four Points by Sheraton, 1201 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. Please note the change of location.

Why the 2007 Farm Bill Forum: Food and agricultural policy is at a crucial crossroad. Federal budgets have moved from surplus to deficit. The increasing integration of the world agricultural economy presents challenges in trade, food safety, animal health and food security. More citizens and interest groups are actively working to influence agricultural and food policy issues. Farm Foundation is organizing a series of public forums to engage all stakeholders in informed dialogue on food, agricultural and rural policies.

How the forum operates: The forum is a vehicle for all stakeholders to discuss food, agricultural and rural policies. Meeting participants examine current policies, explore and analyze alternative policy proposals, and give voice to new proposals. Speakers provide brief topic summaries, with the majority of time devoted to discussion.

Who should participate: People with an interest in agricultural and food policy, including members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, industry representatives, nongovernmental organization representatives and members of the media.

Farm Foundation works as a catalyst, bringing together producers, industry, interest groups, government and academics to address economic and public policy issues facing agriculture, the food system and the people of rural America. Farm Foundation has a 74-year history of objectivity. It does not lobby or advocate positions.

Please RSVP by 4 p.m. Friday to Mary Thompson, Farm Foundation director of communications, [e-mail].

Logistics:

• April 17, 9-11 a.m. Coffee available at 8:30 a.m.

• Franklin Room, Four Points by Sheraton, 1201 K St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Future Farm Bill Forum dates and topics:

• May 15 -- Organic food issues in the farm bill

• June 12 -- Credit issues in the farm bill

[Text from file received from Farm Foundation]