PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
February 21, 2008 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - NDA Director Greg Ibach announced today that Matt Sutton-Vermeulen from The Center for Food Integrity has been added to the line-up of speakers for the 20th Annual Governor's Ag Conference. Sutton-Vermeulen will discuss building consumer trust in the food system.

"As farmers, as ag policy leaders, and as agribusiness owners, we have a responsibility to tell the story of agriculture," Ibach said. "The Center for Food Integrity will help us understand how we go about doing that in a way that addresses consumer concerns." Ibach also reminded the public that the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is still accepting registrations to the event, which is scheduled for March 4-5 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney. Those interested in attending can register by calling NDA toll-free at 800-831-0550 until February 27th.

Pre-conference activities will begin at 6:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, March 4, with the "Celebrate Nebraska Agriculture" reception, featuring foods produced by Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The conference will convene at 9:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, March 5.

Speakers that were previously announced by Governor Heineman include John Huston, executive vice president emeritus with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, discussing domestic marketing opportunities and consumer trends; Tim Vala, owner and operator of Vala's Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, will highlight the growing opportunities available in agriculture; and Mike Krueger, founder and President of The Money Farm, will discuss domestic and international markets and what the future holds for Nebraska agriculture. Anita Estes, a former Nebraska and National FFA officer, will talk about efforts to keep youth involved in agriculture.

Several members of Governor Heineman's Cabinet will also be featured, including: Ann Bleed, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, who will talk about sustaining the use of our water in Nebraska; Richard Baier, director of the Department of Economic Development, who will focus on new opportunities developing around the renewable fuels industry; and Mike Linder, director of the Department of Environmental Quality, who will talk about the importance of maintaining pristine environments within the agriculture industry.

The conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about the issues facing Nebraska agriculture. A $50 registration fee covers participation at both the conference and the Tuesday evening reception. A detailed schedule is available online at http://www.agr.ne.gov.

ATTENTION MEDIA:
If you plan to attend the 20th Annual Governor's Ag Conference, and have not already registered, please call Christin Kamm at (402) 471-6856 to register.