2/18/99

Contacts:
Stanley Johnson, ISU Extension, (515) 294-6192
Gene Takle, Agronomy/ Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, (515) 294-9871
Judith Pim, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, (515) 294-6257
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

100 ISU STUDENTS CAN ATTEND CLIMATE CHANGE FORUM FOR FREE

AMES, Iowa -- The first 100 Iowa State students who register to attend a national meeting on climate change will get in free.

"Climate Change and the Implications for Agriculture and Energy" is the theme for the 1999 National Forum for Agriculture, March 1-2, in the Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center.

Students who register by Feb. 26 will not have to pay the $50 registration fee. Up to 100 will get in free.

"In the coming decade, the most significant policy issue for agriculture and energy may well be the actions and regulations directed at controlling global climate change," said Stanley Johnson, ISU's vice provost for extension. "The National Forum for Agriculture will examine the science and policy issues involved with climate change."

Topics to be addressed include:

• current evidence of climate change
• how agriculture and the energy industry contribute to climate change
• U.S. and international plans for dealing with the problem
• implications for plant and animal health
• the future of policy for agriculture and energy

Speakers will include representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy; the European Parliament; the White House Climate Task Force; U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; the Iowa Utilities Board; MidAmerican Energy Co.; Alliant Energy; Optimum Quality Grains; and several universities.

The Robert Pim Agricultural Vision Award will be presented on the first day of the conference. The award recognizes leaders in agriculture or agricultural business who have provided inspiration and innovation.

ISU is organizing the meeting. Sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation, the Iowa Energy Center, ISU's colleges of agriculture, engineering and veterinary medicine, ISU Extension and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

Since 1990 the National Forum for Agriculture has featured discussions of national issues affecting U.S. agriculture. Each year the forum focuses on a particular aspect of agricultural policy, technology or economics.

To register, call (515) 294-5961, or check the Web site: http://www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/conference/

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