Des Moines, Iowa, USA
October 1, 2009
Farmers from six continents will take part in the 2009 Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable that will be held in Des Moines Oct. 13-15, 2009. Their discussions will focus on the tools they need to increase crop yields on their farms over the next 5-10 years. The Roundtable is hosted by Truth About Trade and Technology, an organization that supports farmer-led educational initiatives.
The farmers will also participate in an awards ceremony of the 2009 Kleckner Trade & Technology Advancement Award. That will be presented at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 14 to an individual actively engaged in agricultural production. The award recognizes a farmer for “exemplary leadership, vision and resolve in advancing the rights of all farmers to choose the technology and tools that will improve the quality, quantity and availability of agricultural products around the world.”
Roundtable participants will also participate in the Borlaug Dialogue and Grand Reception honoring the 2009 World Food Prize Laureate. While the Borlaug Dialogue takes a more academic view of food and agricultural issues, the Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable is a practical discussion of how farmers can apply today’s technology and science to increase the food security in their own countries.
The 20 international farmers attending the Roundtable represent a variety of farm sizes and commodities. “There is one tool that farm operations worldwide can benefit from,” says Dean Kleckner, the Iowa farmer who is chairman of TATT. “It is the technology that can be included in one seed. Technology that helps plants resist diseases, droughts, and rely less on nitrogen.”
The Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable is sponsored by Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Council for Biotechnology Information.
Participating Farmers in 2009 Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable Argentina – Mr. Marcelo Merce: helps operate two family-run ag enterprises; grows corn, soy, and wheat on 2,224 acres of land; often two crops per year.
- Australia – Ms. Louise Staley: no-till wheat, barley, canola, and merino sheep on 3000 acres.
- Brazil – Mr. Eduardo Sekita: influential grower in the state of Minas Gerais.
- Chile – Mr. Eugenio Ariztia: poultry, wheat, also maize - some maize in Argentina and Peru.
- China – Mr. Cheng Cunwang: ag production and management at DonDon Farm near Beijing.
- Honduras – Mr. Luis Enrique Rodriguez Zamora: Central American producer.
- India – Mr. Rajesh Kumar: produces vegetables in southern India and has moved to value-added products; developed franchise system utilized by farmers and small vendors.
- Iraq – Mr. Salah Khidher Awla and Mr. Akhtiyar F. Aziz: landowners in Northern Iraq; looking to help expand agricultural and technical opportunities there with seeds, dairy, etc.
- Ireland – Mr. Jim McCarthy: farming operations in Ireland, Argentina and Missouri.
- Kenya – Mr. Gilbert Bor: innovative 25 acre mixed farm; maize, dairy, vegetables.
- Mexico – Mr. Franciso Jose Gurria Trevino: represents small corn growers thru Confederación Nacional de Productores Agrícolas de Maíz de México; also raises goats and is a veterinarian.
- Pakistan – Mr. Tariq Zaman Khan: progressive and influential grower in his area; has been planting corn for 20 years and has been agricultural delegate and educator to India.
- Portugal – Mr. Jose M. Rasquilha: diversified farm of olive, cork, eucalyptus, vineyard, plums, peaches, maize, wheat, oat, and sunflower.
- Portugal – Mr. Joao Filipe Moreira Monteiro: 280 acres maize.
- South Africa – Mr. Michael Allen: known as technology leader in his area; uses precision ag, record-keeping, and plants yield and population trials.
- UK – Mr. Lindsay Hargreaves: manages Elveden Estate; awarded Nuffield Scholarship to study ‘new science and frontier technologies to transform the UK agriculture and agri-food sectors.’
- USA, Oklahoma – Ms. Hope Pjesky: wheat and beef producer.
- USA, Indiana – Ms. Carol Keiser: TATT board member, cattle producer.
- USA, New Jersey – Mr. John Rigolizzo, Jr.: TATT board member, vegetable producer.
2009 Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable Event
Tuesday, October 13
11:00 am - 1 pm
Tour Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Johnston, IA
1:30 - 3:30 pm
Gordon Wassenar Farm Tour, Prairie City
4:00 - 6:30 pm Global Roundtable Opening Session:
As a farmer, what tools do you need to increase crop yields on your farm the next 5 – 10 years?
Jasper Winery – 2400 George Flagg Parkway – Des Moines, IA
Facilitator: Robert Thompson, Gardner Chair in Ag Policy
University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign
6:30 - 8:30 pm Iowa Barbecue – Jasper Winery
Wednesday, October 14
9:00 - 11:30 am Roundtable Second Session
Windows on 7th Room in the Downtown Des Moines Marriott
Facilitator: Robert Thompson
11:30 am Kleckner Trade & Technology Advancement Award Presentation
Waterloo Room in the Downtown Des Moines Marriott
Noon - 1 pm Lunch and Media Availability
Windows on 7th Room in the Downtown Des Moines Marriott
For the remainder of Wednesday and all day Thursday, Oct. 15, the farmers will participate in the Borlaug Dialogue sessions and the World Food Prize Gala Celebration and State Dinner.
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