Media Advisory - CFA Annual General Meeting - Feb. 23-24

February 16, 2010 - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) will hold its 2010 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 23-24 in Ottawa. The theme of this year's meeting is "The Future of Food". The meeting will also kick off CFA's 75th anniversary.
 
In attendance will be farm leaders from across Canada, both CFA members and non-members, as well as farm leaders from abroad. The meeting will provide an important opportunity for farmers of all commodities and regions to discuss issues and challenges, propose workable solutions, and build new partnerships that will strengthen the agriculture industry as a whole.
 
WHAT: 
CFA Annual General Meeting 
 
HIGHLIGHTS:

• Address by the Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food*
• Speech by Greg Stewart, President and CEO, Farm Credit Canada
• Address by Mr. Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Bloc Québécois
• Panel Discussion: The Key Factors in an Effective National Lobby featuring Senator Hugh Segal, David Herle (LLb,The Gandalf Group) and Evan Solomon (CBC Television Broadcaster, Journalist & Author)
• Presentation: Where do we grow from Growing Forward ? by Dr. Grace Skogstad, Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto
• Presentation: Transition Points in Agricultural Policy by Dr. Peter Griffiths, International Consultant on Agricultural Policy and Agricultural Marketing
• Address by The Hon. Ralph Goodale, House Leader of the Official Opposition
• Food 2030 - the development and release of the UK National Food Strategy by Julie Robinson, Special Adviser to the President of the National Farmers' Union for England and Wales (via video conference)

WHEN:
The AGM will take place on Tuesday, February 23 to Wednesday February 24, 2010.
Committee meetings will be held on February 22 and are only open to CFA members.

*Please note: Hon. Gerry Ritz will deliver his speech on Monday February 22 from 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Ballroom B will be open to media 15 minutes prior to the Minister's speech. 
 
WHERE:
Crowne Plaza Hotel
101 rue Lyon Street
Ottawa, ON
 
NOTE: Please visit our website to download the latest agenda.