Policy Outlook and the 2008 Political Pressure-Cooker Key Topics The Administration s Ag Policy Outlook The Doha Round Status A Farm Policy Retrospective and Outlook The 2008 Budget Battles -- Implications for Agriculture U.S. and World Economic Outlook The U.S. - China Nexus of the Future The Outlook for Global Petroleum Prices and Geopolitical Implications The Global Food versus Fuel Debate Outlook for the Conservation Reserve Program Outlook for the 2008 Elections And More... Washington DC s only conference devoted entirely to agriculture policy... Conference Speakers Secretary Ed Schafer U.S. Department of Agriculture Ambassador Susan C. Schwab U.S. Trade Representative Dr. Craig Jagger Chief Economist House Agriculture Committee Dr. Jon B. Alterman Director and Senior Fellow Middle East Program Center for Strategic and International Studies Mr. Paul J. Saxton Director, Office of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Textile Trade Affairs U.S. Department of State Mr. Ken Cook President Environmental Working Group Dr. Kendall W. Keith President, National Grain and Feed Association Ms. Julie Sibbing Senior Program Manager for Wetlands and Agriculture Policy National Wildlife Federation Dr. Keith Ingram Coordinator Southeast Climate Consortium University of Florida Dr. Bruce A. Scherr Chairman and CEO Informa Economics, Inc. Mr. Randy Russell Lesher and Russell, Inc. Ms. Catharine Richert Congressional Quarterly Mr. Dan Morgan Staff Writer, Washington Post Washington Office April 8-9, 2008 Informa Economics, Inc. 6862 Elm Street, Suite 350 Crystal Gateway Marriott McLean, Virginia 22101 USA Telephone 703 734 8787 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway Fax 703 893 1065 Arlington, Virginia 22202 www.informaecon.com Informa Economics Experts Including Dr. Jim Sullivan, Jim Allwood, Jim Wiesemeyer, and Dr. W.C. Motes Special Guest Speaker Jennifer Duffy Senior Editor of The Cook Political Report
U.S. agriculture policy is facing unique challenges that will require difficult decisions in the months ahead. Our conference will offer a range of expert opinions on the outlook for farm policy and the many factors that will play a role in the debate. Featured speakers include: Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer: Secretary Schafer brings a record as an innovative two-term governor of North Dakota to USDA along with extensive private sector experience as both an entrepreneur and a business executive. Schafer served as North Dakota s governor from 1992 to 2000 and made diversifying and expanding North Dakota s economy, reducing the cost of government and advancing agriculture his top priorities in office. He worked to normalize trading relations with China and develop that nation as an export market for North Dakota farm products. He also led efforts to upgrade North Dakota s communications infrastructure and make high-speed voice and data networks available to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses. GLOBAL PETROLEUM OUTLOOK AND GEOPOLITICAL IMPLICATIONS Dr. Jon Alterman: Jon Alterman is director and senior fellow of the CSIS Middle East Program. Prior to joining CSIS, he served as a member of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State and as a special assistant to the assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs. He served as an expert adviser to the Iraq Study Group (also known as the Baker-Hamilton Commission) and is a professorial lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. OUTLOOK FOR 2008 ELECTIONS Special Guest Speaker, Jennifer Duffy: Jennifer Duffy is a Senior Editor for The Cook Political Report, where she is responsible for U.S. Senate and Governors races. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report provides analyses of Presidential, U.S. Senate, House and gubernatorial races. The New York Times has called The Cook Political Report, a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative. The Informa Economics Policy Conference has earned a reputation for offering agribusiness executives timely and critical perspectives on the key emerging agriculture policy issues. It offers the opportunity to hear experts, debate and analyze policies, consider what others are saying and network across the industry. These are truly exciting and dynamic times for agriculture, with strong domestic and international markets pushing prices and income to historic highs. But this is creating unique challenges for lawmakers as they grapple with... Budget pressures to control spending and avoid new taxes, yet continue to provide a farm safety net while also supporting nutrition, specialty crops, and conservation at higher levels. Concern about Tight Supplies. Farm policy already encourages production fence-row to fencerow, but tight supplies worldwide are leading to fundamental questions about the role of the CRP, and even whether export markets should still be a priority. WTO Challenges and the Doha Round. US farm programs are still under pressure from Brazil, Canada, and other trading partners. And, the Doha Round continues to advance, with the recent release of proposed modalities suggesting that an agreement might be close at hand. A slowing US and World Economy, a wide open race for the Presidency and 2008 Congressional elections, volatile Energy Markets, and much more Gain the latest perspective on these and other critical issues by attending the Informa Economics Policy Conference in our nation s capital, April 8 and 9!
With the Farm Bill debate entering its critical and final stages, the focus must soon shift to implementing the policy for the 2008 crops, and considering the wide range of factors that will continue to leave their mark on the farm economy for years to come. It is especially important that all stakeholders be informed of the numerous challenges that still face the sector, and the potential implications for markets and policy. Additional speakers and topics will include: A retrospective on the Farm Bill debate and outlook for future reforms will be presented by Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group. The EWG has been at the forefront of efforts to reform farm policy, and Ken will discuss the reforms achieved so far and areas where they feel progress is still needed. We ve invited the Honorable Susan Schwab, USTR, to provide an update on progress in the Doha Round as well as to discuss the broader implications for US trade policy. The politics and public impressions of farm policy will be discussed by leading agriculture journalists Catherine Richert of Congressional Quarterly and Dan Morgan of the Washington Post. Dan Morgan s Harvesting Cash series been picked up by many urban newspapers, and led to many editorials critical of current farm programs. Randy Russell of the leading ag-lobbying firm Lesher, Russell and Barron, will add perspective on how public perceptions and agribusiness needs are influencing the debate in Congress. Paul J. Saxton, Director of the State Department s Office of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Textile Trade Affairs, will discuss emerging issues in agricultural trade with Asia; Kendall Keith of the National Grain and Feed Association and Julie Sibbing of the National Wildlife Federation will provide alternative viewpoints on the role of the Conservation Reserve Program; Dr. Keith Ingram of the Southeast Climate Consortium will discuss the changing world climate outlook and its implications for agriculture, and Dr. Craig Jagger, the chief economist for the House Agriculture Committee, will discuss federal budget pressures and the implications for agriculture policy. In addition to our lineup of farm policy experts, our program will kick-off with a pre-conference warm up session where experts from Informa Economics will provide their latest Crop and Livestock Commodity Outlook for the 2008 season and discuss the Energy Outlook for the United States. Please join us for our 16 th Annual Washington Policy Conference April 8th and 9th at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Lunch will be provided on the 8th. Once again, we have been fortunate in attracting speakers who are in a position to know and willing to share insights on emerging developments. About Us Informa Economics, Inc., a division of Agra Informa Group, is a world leader in broad-based agricultural and commodity market research, analysis and consulting. Founded in 1977, the company serves hundreds of firms and institutions worldwide and spans the globe with a far-reaching network of services and clientele. A new and unique aspect of Informa Economics global reach is its relationship with our sister firms, including Agra Europe, FNP Brazil and FO Licht. The company s professional depth and experience allow us to provide a wide range of services related to our clients concerns. Through publications such as The Policy Report, The Food and Fiber Letter and The Food and Drink Weekly, Informa Economics collects information important to the food and agriculture industry and provides our clients with accurate, reliable and timely analysis. Underpinning these services, our principal strengths lie in an expansive information base and a professional and experienced analytic staff. Relating this analytic capability to agriculture and policy issues of interest to our clients is a primary strength of Informa Economics.
REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 9:00AM Tuesday, April 8, 2008 10:00 am Pre Conference Warm-Up Energy Outlook, Jim Allwood, Senior Vice President, Informa Economics, Inc.* Commodity Market Outlook, Dr. Jim Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Informa Economics, Inc.* 11:30 am BUFFET LUNCH 1:00 pm Welcome & Introductions, Dr. William C. Motes, Exec. Vice President, Informa Economics, Inc. 1:10 pm Keynote Address: The Administration s Ag Policy Outlook The Honorable Ed Schafer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture* 1:50 pm US & World Economic Outlook, Dr. Bruce Scherr, Chairman & CEO, Informa Economics, Inc.* 2:30 pm A Farm Policy Retrospective and Outlook Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group* 3:10 pm COFFEE BREAK 3:40 pm The Doha Round Wrap-Up, The Honorable Susan C. Schwab, U.S. Trade Representative 4:20 pm 5:00 pm The 2008 Budget Battles Implications for Agriculture, Dr. Craig Jagger, Chief Economist, House Committee on Agriculture Panel Discussion: 2008 Farm Bill Outlook Countdown or Meltdown? Moderator: Jim Wiesemeyer, Vice President*, Informa Economics; Panelists: Dan Morgan, Washington Post*; Catharine Richert, CQ; Randy Russell, Lesher & Russell, Inc. 6:15 pm COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSORED BY JOHN DEERE 7:30 am CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Wednesday, April 9, 2008 8:15 am 9:00 am Agricultural Trade with Asia, Mr. Paul J. Saxton, Director, Office of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Textile Trade Affairs, U.S. Department of State The Outlook for Global Petroleum Prices & Geopolitical Implications Dr. Jon B. Alterman, Director and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies* 9:45 am BREAK 10:00 am 10:45 am 11:40 am World Climate Outlook and Agricultural Implications, Dr. Keith Ingram, Coordinator, Southeast Climate Consortium, University of Florida Outlook for the Conservation Reserve Program The Agribusiness View Kendall W. Keith, President, NGFA* The Conservationist View Julie Sibbing, Senior Program Manager for Wetlands and Agriculture Policy, National Wildlife Federation* Handicapping the 2008 Elections and What it Means, Jennifer Duffy, Senior Editor, The Cook Political Report * 12:30 pm Wrap Up and Adjournment, William C. Motes, Exec. Vice President, Informa Economics, Inc. *Confirmed (Please note that the program and speakers may be subject to change)
Registration Form If you have questions or wish to reserve your place at the conference, you may return the form below to: Jason Roller Informa Economics, Inc.. 6862 Elm Street, Suite 350 McLean, Virginia 22101 USA Tel. 703.734.8787 Fax 703.893.1065 Your registration fee, payable to Informa Economics, Inc., should be submitted and paid in full no later than April 1, 2008. Please submit a separate, completed registration form for each attendee. You may also register securely ONLINE at www.informaecon.com. REGISTER TODAY! Please return by FAX 703.893.1065 -or- Mail to Jason Roller Conference Coordinator INFORMA ECONOMICS, INC. 6862 Elm Street Suite 350 McLean, VA 22101 -or- REGISTER ONLINE www.informaecon.com Name Title Company Address City State Zip Country Telephone Fax Email address Number of Clients (Retainer/Consulting) x US$595 for first attendee; $495 for each additional person from the same company = Number of Non-clients x US$695 for first attendee; $595 for each additional person from the same company = TOTAL $ TOTAL $ PLEASE INDICATE YOUR PREFERENCES: Enclosed is my check made payable to Informa Economics, Inc. I prefer to charge my credit card. Please choose: VISA MasterCard American Express Card Number Expiration Date Print Name Cardholder s Signature SPECIAL NOTE: Business casual attire is suggested for all conference participants. HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Make lodging reservations at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202; Telephone 703.920.3230. Web site for Crystal Gateway Marriott is http://marriott.com/property/ propertypage/wasgw. (Preferred room rates available under the name Informa Economics, but space is limited, and reservation is required by March 18, 2008.) LOCAL TRANSPORTATION: Hotel shuttle available from the airport as well as Metro Station that stops under the hotel. --Conference refunds are available upon request before April 1, 2008--