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36th World Farmers' Congress |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2004 GREAT FALLS, MT-Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Brooks Dailey will join farmers from around the world when they gather for the International Federation of Agriculture Producers (IFAP) World Farmers' Congress May 29 through June 4, 2004, in Washington, D.C. The conference theme "Farmers Speaking for Themselves," will provide the framework for the IFAP Congress to challenge world leaders on global issues, such as the World Trade Organization negotiations, water issues, food security and industrial concentration. The congress also is an opportunity for farmers to exchange common concerns and to propose ideas for solutions. "Attending the congress provides first hand knowledge of what other countries think about global agriculture issues, and offers those of us in the U.S. an excellent opportunity to broaden our understanding," said Brooks Dailey, MFU president. The U.S. National Farmers Union (NFU) will host the congress, and is the only U.S. farm organization that participates. The last time the IFAP was held in the United States was in 1976. NFU also will host a Collegiate Conference that will run concurrently with the IFAP Congress. MFU Vice President Diana Adamson is one of the conference organizers and a participant, and Jake Fagan, a University of Montana junior from Brady, is Montana's collegiate representative. Fagan has served in senior leadership positions with both the Montana Farmers Union and the National Farmers Union. He is the son of Dave and Debbie Fagan of Brady. "We are delighted that Jake will have the opportunity to experience first hand as international agriculture policy is discussed," said Dailey, "and Diana Adamson continues to play a pivotal role in furthering state and national Farmers Union educational programs." -30- Farm leaders from across the globe will be available for interviews during the event. Accredited media are invited to attend the Congress without registration fees. Distance interviews can also be arranged by contacting Laura Johnston, Director of Communications at the National Farmers Union: ljohnston@nfudc.org or by calling 202-314-3104. IFAP is the world farmers' organization representing more than 500 million farm families grouped in 100 national organizations in 70 countries. It is a global network in which farmers from industrialized and developing countries exchange concerns and set common priorities. IFAP has advocated farmers' interests at the international level since 1946 and has General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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