Governor’s Forum on Agriculture Examines Today’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Food System, Anniversary Discount Offered Until February 14

Note to Reporters: Complimentary media registrations are available by visiting www.colorado.gov/ag/forum.

State and national leaders in the field of agriculture, including Gov. John Hickenlooper (invited), Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar, and Colorado State University President Tony Frank will speak at the annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec St.

The forum, themed “Today’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Food System,” will begin at 8 a.m. with opening remarks by Gov. Hickenlooper and Commissioner Salazar.

President Frank will discuss CSU’s continuing efforts to make advancements in agricultural production while at the same time providing the necessary protections to food quality. Colorado State researchers are helping to answer questions surrounding food availability, food affordability and food safety.

Economist and futurist Dr. Lowell Catlett will present the keynote address on the coming agricultural generation. CSU economist Martin Shields will detail some regional economic characteristics that impact Colorado agriculture. Colorado demographer Elizabeth Garner will discuss the state’s population trends.

The forum will also feature a series of breakout sessions highlighting international trade, local food systems, working landscapes and animal health in production livestock.

A pre-forum reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion.

Deadline for early registration is Feb. 14. The cost is $100 or $45 for students. After Feb. 14, registration is $120 or $50 for students. To register, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/forum or call (303) 239-4100.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture, a special discount is available. Anyone driving more than 20 miles to the forum can save $20 on the cost of registration. This special discount does not apply to the student rate and is only available until Feb. 14.

The Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture is hosted by Gov. Hickenlooper, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University with support of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Associates and more than 50 organizations, businesses and agencies interested in the future of Colorado agriculture.

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