Agribusiness conference Nov. 4

By Jodie Mocciaro
University Communications student news-intern

Experts from around the country will gather to discuss the issues and outlook of California agriculture for 2005 at Fresno State 's 23rd Annual Agribusiness Management Conference, Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center near downtown Fresno .

Among the key speakers for the daylong event are Charles Poochigian, California State Senator of the 14th district, who will discuss workers' compensation reform, and Rayne Thompson, director of National Affairs and International Trade and Plant Heath of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Fresno State 's Center for Agriculture Business is hosting the event in partnership with Bank of America Corporation. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

The conference includes morning speakers who will cover the general outlook of California agriculture, followed by a global perspective. A morning panel will focus on a wide range of labor and environmental issues affecting California agriculture.

The conference will lead off with John B. Penson Jr., professor and researcher of finance and macro economics of agriculture, Texas A&M University , who will discuss the economic health of agriculture from a macro economic perspective.

Mechel Paggi, director of the Center for Agriculture Business at Fresno State , will discuss the outlook of California agriculture and the forces of change.

Thompson and Mark Lange, president and CEO of the National Cotton Council, will discuss globalization in relation to California agriculture.

In the panel discussion, speakers will address labor and environmental issues affecting California agriculture. Bert Mason, professor of agricultural economics at Fresno State , will be the discussion moderator.

Roger Isom, vice president and director of technical services of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations, will address the topic of air quality. Mike Wade, executive director of the agricultural water management council, will discuss water issues surrounding California agriculture. Poochigian will address the issue of workers' compensation reform.   David Kohl, professor of agricultural finance, small business management and entrepreneurship from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , will address the "Megaforces" of agriculture during the luncheon.

For registration or conference information, call 8-4405 or visit the CAB Website at www.cati.csufresno.edu.