GLOBAL ATTENTION FUELS POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THE WORLD AGRICULTURAL FORUM’S FIRST CONGRESS IN AFRICA

2009 World Congress Replaces 2008 African Congress, with Addition of Higher Education Initiative to Take Place in Kampala, Uganda February 24-27, 2009 

ST. LOUIS (April 14, 2008)— For the first time in history, the World Agricultural Forum’s (WAF) 2009 World Congress will take place outside of the United States and will be hosted by the Republic of Uganda. Due to overwhelming interest for what was supposed to be a regional meeting has become the WAF’s 2009 World Congress, “Africa Meets the World: Creating Prosperity By Investing in Agriculture.” The 2009 World Congress, scheduled for February 24-26, 2009 in Kampala, Uganda will conclude with the introduction of the WAF Task Force on Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education in Africa – Entrepreneurship and Community Development on February 27, 2009.

 

“The world’s attention to Africa continues to grow, particularly with humanitarian concerns,” said the Right Honorable James Bolger, ONZ, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Ambassador to the United States, and current chairman of the World Agricultural Forum Advisory Board.  “However, with the hundreds of institutions, organizations and foundations offering aid, several Africans have told us that they can barely keep up with all those who approach them. Looking beyond Africa’s agricultural potential, the need for collaboration among these various groups will propel initiatives for higher education, encouraging entrepreneurs.  The entrepreneurs will create small businesses, providing more employment opportunities and eventually cultivating an environment for economic growth.” 

 The WAF Task Force on Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education in Africa is a joint effort with the 2007 Global Consortium of Higher Education and Research for Agriculture (GCHERA), the U.S. National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) and Sustainability, Education and the Management of Change in the Tropics (SEMSIT), Additionally, individual academic institutions from Europe, the United States and Asia will be included in this initiative.  “The growth of the World Agricultural Forum’s Congress in Africa is tremendous and great outcomes are anticipated,” said the Honorable Hilary Onek, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries for the Republic of Uganda. “The WAF Task Force on Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education in Africa is beneficial component of the 2009 World Congress as it provides an avenue to implement the solutions discussed for making Africa a target for investments for agriculture. World Agricultural Forum 2009 World Congress Prior to the introduction of the WAF Task Force on Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education in Africa, the 2009 World Congress will convene key players in global agribusiness.  The Congress will foster open discussions and bring attention to increasing Africa’s ability to attract investments and secure economic sustainability through the continent’s raw agricultural resources.  Topics, such as the worldwide debate on food vs. fuel will be addressed, as will the production of bio-energy at the village level for use by the village community.   Similarly to previous World Congresses, the 2009 World Congress will bring together an influential group of speakers to include heads of state, policy leaders, economists, corporate CEO’s and NGO experts from around the world to discuss the topics and necessary actions that will make a difference in African agriculture today. More information on the 2009 African Congress is available at www.worldagforum.org. About the World Agricultural Forum (WAF) 

The World Agricultural Forum (WAF) is a neutral, global organization providing all countries and sectors an equal voice for the discussion of agriculture policies and strategies. It promotes and leads meaningful debates seeking solutions regarding world agricultural issues. The WAF vision, “to empower agriculture so as to feed every man, woman and child on earth,” is translated through its mission to serve as a catalyst for developing action plans that meet the growing need for food, water, fiber and fuel, in a sustainable manner. 

 

On a global stage, the WAF produces one of the largest biennial gatherings of leaders concerned about the needs of the world’s growing population and the respective shortages of food, fuel, fiber and water in both developed and developing nations. For the first time in history, the WAF’s 2009 World Congress will take place outside of St. Louis, MO, USA and will be hosted by Uganda, Africa. The agenda for each Congress is primarily focused on the theme of “creating wealth through investing in agriculture.”   

 For more information about the World Agricultural Forum, visit www.worldagforum.org or contact Michelle Kuehler at mkuehler@blacktwigllc.com.

It was disheartening to hear that Governor Perry of Texas was requesting a one year ethanol mandate waiver.  I believe granting this request would set an unfortunate precedent that other states would likely follow.  

Senator Grassley’s response was spot-on.  He said, “The ethanol industry has taken an unfair amount of criticism for the rise in food prices.  In fact, an April 10 report by Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, right in Governor Perry’s own state, concludes that corn prices have had little to do with rising food costs.”   

Grassley went on to say, “Instead of scape-goating the growing renewable fuels industry, Governor Perry should have looked closer at the results of this study.  If he’s serious about lowering the cost of groceries for Texans or helping the beef ranchers in his state, his time might be better served by having a heart-to-heart conversation with the huge oil and gas companies in Texas encouraging them to produce more oil and refine more gasoline. If high energy costs are the problem, less energy is surely not the solution.”   

Let’s hope other leaders in this country have the same courage to stand up to others who will try to maneuver their way out of this important mandate.  The RFS mandate will help move our country forward and reduce our independence on others. We must keep in mind that even though it hurts a little now, it will certainly hurt worse in the future if we don’t take action now.

Here is the Original Research Report: http://www.afpc.tamu.edu/pubs/2/515/RR-08-01.pdf