Governor’s Forum on Agriculture Examines Today’s Vision for Tomorrow’s Food System; Anniversary Discount Offered Until Feb. 14

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

Governor John Hickenlooper joins state and national leaders in the field of agriculture to examine the changing face of agriculture during 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 examine Colorado’s role in feeding a growing world population. Presenters include Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar, Colorado State University President Tony Frank and Lowell Catlett.

Economist and futurist Lowell Catlett will present the keynote address on the coming agricultural generation. Catlett is a professor, dean and chief administrative officer at New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. In addition, Colorado demographer Elizabeth Garner will discuss the state’s population trends, and CSU economist Martin Shields will detail regional economic characteristics that impact Colorado agriculture.

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

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 forum, 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.

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.

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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