FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

October 26, 2006

Montana Farmers Union’s 91^st Convention Goes Green

GREAT FALLS, MT (Oct. 26, 2006) – The Montana Farmers Union’s 91^st Annual Meeting and Convention in Great Falls, at the Heritage Inn, on October 27-28, will be using green energy in keeping with its theme of “Food and Fuel – Security for All.”

By offsetting the use of conventional energy with wind generation credits, Montana Farmers Union avoids emissions of 8,352 pounds of CO₂, or the equivalent of planting 110 mature trees to absorb emissions.  The dollars used to purchase these credits helps fund new renewable projects.  MFU is proud to support the development of renewable energy projects.  The credits are supplied by Renewable Choice Energy of Boulder, CO.

Food and fuel are an integral part of American life.  The convention focus on food and fuel provides a forum for a renewed look at consumer and producer assumptions, and expectations – what farmers, ranchers and consumers can do to contribute and what we do that affects our daily lives.  

Two days of speakers, workshops and interaction will focus on oilseeds for the future and renewable energy, along with recent economic news about Montana grown and raised food.  Other workshops discuss rail competition issues in the state as well as a national farm bill status update.  Specific speakers and times include:

Friday, Oct. 27 –

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer [Luncheon keynote, noon]

25x25 Renewable Energy Forum

Read Smith co-chairs this renewable energy alliance of national agriculture and forestry leaders promoting agriculture’s potential contribution to our nation’s energy independence through renewable energy solutions [4:00 pm]

Saturday, Oct. 28 –

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis [Luncheon keynote, noon]

University of Montana President George Dennison [Banquet keynote, 6:30 pm]

Saturday afternoon workshops beginning at 1:30 pm include:

            Oilseeds for Fuel, Feed and the Future

            Grow Montana – The Next Steps

            Rail Transportation – Current Issues

            Farm Bill Update

As a grassroots organization, Montana Farmers Union members meet yearly to discuss and decide policy goals and direction for the coming year.  In addition to a great speaking line-up, the agenda also includes state and national policy discussions as well as board and officer elections. 

Please plan to stop at the convention reception desk for your media packet.  If you need assistance arranging interviews, please call the MFU office at 406-452-6406, or 406-499-0512 (cell) Thursday – Saturday at the Heritage.  I hope to see you at our 91st annual meeting and convention. 

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