Leading Ag Investment Meeting Offers Comp Passes To Investors

A little incentive has been given to investors with an “eye on agriculture.” According to FC Business Intelligence demand is high for the latest market insight on global ag opportunities.

This unique forum, taking place in Singapore (June 29-30), will bring together institutional and private investors with top Ag fund managers, to debate strategies for participating in agriculture and surrounding investments.

If you’re an institutional or private investor looking to allocate funds in agriculture and would like to be considered for a complimentary pass, please get in touch directly with George Kiley, Investment Director, FC Business Intelligence on gkiley@aginvestconference.com or + 44 (0)207 3757 545.

As well as timely discussions on private equity investment in the full agriculture supply chain, the challenges and benefits of investing internationally and capitalizing on farmland investment, time has been set aside specifically for one-on-one networking. Continue reading

World Agriculture Investment Conference Asia Linking Investors

It’s time to consider a trip to Singapore for the World Agriculture Investment Conference Asia if you’re interested in agricultural investments.

Leading investors and fund managers from across SE Asia and Australia are coming to Singapore in June to discuss the investment opportunities and risks in agricultural markets. With the latest market insight on offer and 11 institutional investors already on board, anticipation is high.

On June 29-30, this unique forum will bring together institutional and private investors with top Ag fund managers, to debate strategies for participating in agriculture and surrounding investments.

Among timely discussions including, private equity investment in the full agriculture supply chain and the challenges and benefits of investing internationally, time has been set aside specifically for one-on-one networking for contacts and details to be shared and business to be done.

Confirmed participants already include: Emergent Asset Management, Macquarie, Duxton Asset Management, InvestAg Savills and many more. Continue reading

World Agriculture Investment Conference Asia Announced

If you can’t make it to the World Agriculture Investment Conference USA in May then you might consider the newly announced World Agriculture Investment Conference Asia which will be held in Singapore.

In June this year, leading investment groups from across SE Asia and Australia are coming to Singapore to discuss the opportunities and risks in agricultural markets. With the latest market insight and global case studies, anticipation is high.

On June 29-30, a unique forum will bring together institutional and private investors with top Ag fund managers, to debate strategies for participating in agriculture and surrounding investments.

Confirmed participants already include: Macquarie, 21Ventures, Duxton Asset Management, InvestAg Savills, Emergent Asset Management and many more.

This is a unique chance to network with investors and Ag managers, and to effortlessly catch-up on where allocations are being made and how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

To see the latest information and to book you place at a discounted rate please visit: www.aginvestconference.com/asia

For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 545.

Agricultural Impact of Disaster in Japan

ZimmCast 297The disaster in Japan due to the earthquake and tsunami is terrible, especially in terms of the loss of human life. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people who have lost their life or loved ones. Cindy and I had the opportunity to visit Japan when the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists held its annual Congress there in 2007. We not only stayed in the affected area but developed relationships with a number of the agricultural journalists who were participating in the event. One of the coordinators was Masaru Yamada, pictured below. I contacted Masaru yesterday to see if we could talk about how the disaster has affected agriculture and we had a nice discussion via Skype that I’m sharing with you in this week’s program. I’m happy to report that Masaru says he and his family are doing fine.

Masaru YamadaAccording to Masaru the amount of farm land impacted is less than one percent of the total farmland in Japan. Most of this area was being used for rice and fruit and vegetable production. He says that in some ways the worst of the situation has passed such as affected transportation. However, he fears that in other ways the worst is yet to come for Japanese agriculture. The worst may be how the rest of the world reacts to fears about radiation contamination of food stuffs and he’s hoping that accurate information will be published by journalists the world over. Right now there is a lack of information about how agricultural products and farm land are affected because of the immediate need to devote resources to the disaster itself. He says that there are estimates that more people are missing and feared dead than have already been confirmed. I find that just hard to comprehend. And then there’s the problem with the nuclear power plants themselves.

This is a situation that’s going to take some time to resolve. In the meantime Masaru says that one way agricultural journalists can provide assistance is to make sure they are reporting good, factual information. I agree with that. We’ve already seen a high level of hysteria in some non-farm reporting about radiation. The upsurge in sales of radiation treatment medication is a good example of the impact this type of reporting can have. Just do a Google News search for it! It’s an example of how sensationalist news reporting can create a manufactured crisis. That’s not to in any way suggest that the situation in Japan with the power plants is not serious by the way. Let’s just use some common sense folks!

As I noted yesterday, IFAJ is coordinating an assistance effort for agricultural journalists in Japan. Here in the U.S. the place to contact if you’d like to help is the American Agricultural Editors Association. If Masaru’s fears become reality one of the biggest problems Japanese ag journalists may face is a lack of work. Of course in the mean time they also have health and safety concerns if they’re going to cover a situation that has a danger due to the situation with the potential radiation contamination.

Learn more about how the disaster in Japan has affected the country and its agricultural industry in this week’s program: ZimmCast 297 - Affects of Japan Disaster

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page

IFAJ Coordinating Assistance For Japanese Ag Journalists

The fearless leader of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists is Mike Wilson, Farm Futures. In the most recent IFAJ newsletter Mike let us know that the organization is working to help out those in need in Japan. As he mentions, those of us involved in IFAJ have developed long lasting relationships with our Japanese counterparts. Cindy and I participated in the 2007 IFAJ Congress that took place in Sendai and will never forget our experience and time there.

We are all aware of the devastation that has taken place in Japan. IFAJ held its 2007 Congress in Sendai, where much of the earthquake and tsunami damage has taken place. Many of our members have built life-long relationships with our colleagues in Japan. Now we want to help. The President of Japan Agricultural Journalists Association (JAJA) has issued a statement that you can read here on our website.

We have been in touch with Japan IFAJ executive representative Masaru Yamada for the past several days as we work to develop a coordinated relief effort through IFAJ. Our organization will be collecting donations that will be used specifically to help our fellow agricultural communicators and their families. IFAJ is facilitating the collection of donations from members through electronic transfers of funds initially to the bank account of IFAJ, for onward transfer of a single combined sum to JAJA in due course.

If you want to make a donation to the Japanese IFAJ relief effort, contact your IFAJ executive in your country.

World Ag Investment Conference Adds Passport Capital Speaker

Here’s a last announcement about the May 9-10, World Agriculture Investment Conference. Leading investment groups from across the globe will be at the conference to discuss the opportunities and risks in agricultural markets.

The meeting’s foremost speaker panel – addressing a delegation of institutional and private investors – has recently been strengthened by leading investment manager Ejnar Knudsen of Passport Capital.

Mr. Knudsen has a wealth of experience in the field of agriculture investment and is currently responsible for Passport Capital’s investment management and research process for food, agriculture and commodity investments.

Among the timely discussion in Chicago, Mr. Knudsen will share his thoughts on agricultural markets and where to hedge your bets, offering truly unique insight into a complex and often misunderstood market.

What’s more, in build-up to this meeting you can now get free access a keynote presentation from our recent London event – BlackRock’s Richard Davis looks at equities versus commodities and key investment themes in the Agriculture space – please click here for the presentation.

The World Agriculture Investment Conference USA is a unique forum designed specifically to network with key investors, hedge funds and Ag managers, and to effortlessly discover how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

Discounted tickets for Chicago are available until February 25th

For more information please visit: http://www.aginvestconference.com/usa/

For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley, Investment Director – World Agriculture Investment Series by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 54

You can find the agenda here.

Nufarm Forms Strategic Alliance in Mexico

NufarmNufarm Americas is forming a strategic alliance in Mexico with Sumitomo Chemical Company’s affiliate Valent de Mexico (VdM) to distribute crop protection products.

According to Nufarm officials, the company will provide selected products from its line of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to VdM, which will offer those products through its well-established existing distribution channel.

“Nufarm and SCC are working together in many regions of the world to explore alliances that can capitalize on each of our strengths and we are pleased to find this opportunity in Mexico,” says Robert Renes, Nufarm vice president for Latin America North. “The combination of our broad product line and VdM’s distribution channel relationships will benefit both companies and our customers.”

Renes adds that VdM and Nufarm offerings are complementary; in Mexico, VdM has focused on specialty crops and branded products, while Nufarm is one of the world’s largest suppliers of herbicides for broad-acre crops as well as a wide array of fungicides and insecticides.

VdM will have exclusive rights to sell certain Nufarm products to its distributors under private branded labels. Nufarm will continue its model of selling product to industrial customers. The final agreement is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter.

InvestAg Savills Report Released Prior to World Agriculture Investment Conference USA

The World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011 in Chicago is drawing closer and the organizers have been working with Henry Wilkes at InvestAg Savills to bring you the “International Farmland Market Bulletin 2011”

InvestAg Savill’s “International Farmland Market Bulletin 2011” provides an interesting overview of international values and farmland as an asset class – it’s available to download here.

Henry Wilkes, CEO, Invest AG Savills will join the Ag Invest meeting’s foremost speaker panel in Chicago in May 9-10. In the timely discussion, Henry will provide a global perspective on agriculture investment strategies and regional land markets.

Following months of research, this forum has been designed specifically to help investors to walk away with the practical information and contacts needed to make an appropriate choice based on varying risk tolerances and return objectives.

This is a truly unique chance to network with key investors, hedge funds and Ag managers, and to effortlessly discover how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

For more information please visit: http://www.aginvestconference.com/usa/

For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley, Investment Director – World Agriculture Investment Series by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 54

You can find the agenda here.

Taking International Poultry Tour With Novus

Shawn AtkinsInternational is in the name of the show and our sponsor for coverage of the largest poultry show in the world. Novus International shows that by having a number of their representatives on hand for different areas of the world. I spoke with several of them during the International Poultry Expo starting with Shawn Atkins, Sales Director, Poultry & Dairy, in the United States. Shawn talks about how their products can help with feed optimization which is crucial to raising poultry successfully. He says attendees have been asking about specific products in the specialty area.

Shawn says the industry is in a precarious position in the U.S. because demand has declined while input costs have gone up. It’s like a double whammy on producers and Novus is working on products to help on the input side. You can listen to my interview with Shawn here: Interview With Shawn Atkins

Albert Van DijkTurning to another part of the world I spoke with Albert Van Dijk, Market Manager, Poultry & Swine, EME. Albert handles the European and Middle East territory. He says poultry is a challenging market in the EU right now since growth has stabilized. However, in areas like the Ukraine, Turkey and Russia poultry is growing.

He says that since the best way to reduce feed costs is to reduce the feed conversion ration in the animal and this is where Novus fits in. They can save up to five percent or more on feed costs. Additionally, Albert says that since antibiotics were banned in the EU in animal feed, Novus products have played an important role in the feeding program. You can listen to my interview with Albert here: Interview With Albert Van Dijk

Jorge GonzalezOur next stop on our world tour with Novus is the northern Latin America region. Taking care of business there is Jorge Gonzalez, Sales Manager, LAN. His region includes Mexico. Jorge says the business is big and growing. It has also been expanding beyond poultry into swine and ruminants.

The poultry industry in his territory depends heavily on grains from the U.S. and so the higher costs of late have been challenging. This is why enzyme products like those sold by Novus play a key role in helping them be competitive on the world market. He says a trade show like this one are very important to producers in his area since it’s their opportunity to get first hand knowledge of technology that they can bring home to their operation. You can listen to my interview with Jorge here: Interview With Jorge Gonzalez

Craige AllanFinally, let’s look at the Asian/Pacific market with Craige Allan (pictured right), Regional Marketing Manager, South East Asia. He says all areas are experiencing growth in production/consumption since the population is growing so much. Craige enjoys finding out the needs of his customers and then helping them to formulate a solution. He says this strategy works well for Novus.

In his territory is a range of sizes and types of producers from large integrators like here in the U.S. as well as a lot of smaller operators. He thinks the market area will eventually become an exporter to other countries, particularly in the EU. Some of the customers he’s spoken with here are from Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladash. That shows the international nature of this show! You can listen to my interview with Craig here: Interview With Craige Allan

2011 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo Photo Album

AgWired IPE/IFE coverage sponsored by: Novus

Novus Supports AWARD

Salome MutayobaAs a truly global company Novus International supports outreach and education programs in many countries. One of those is African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). As a part of this fellowship program Novus hosts a researcher at their headquarters. Currently that is Salome Mutayoba, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania.

Established in 2008, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is a project of the Gender & Diversity Program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). It was launched following a successful three-year pilot program in East Africa with support from the Rockefeller Foundation from 2005-2008.

AWARD is a professional development program that strengthens the research and leadership skills of African women in agricultural science, empowering them to contribute more effectively to poverty alleviation and food security in sub-Saharan Africa.

Our goal is to help them increase their contributions in the fight against hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Salome teaches poultry nutrition and management and conducts poultry research. She says she is using her time at Novus to analyze feed stocks since in her country poultry farmers have problems obtaining good feed. They also don’t have resources to do good analysis of potential feed options.

You can listen to my interview with Salome here: Interview With Salome Mutayoba

2011 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo Photo Album

AgWired IPE/IFE coverage sponsored by: Novus

Helping Soybean Growers Understand Their Top Customer

USSEC Press ConferenceThis morning Dave Russell, Brownfield Network (right), moderated a United Soybean Board teleconference at the International Poultry Expo. Participating was Dwain Ford (center), USB Director and a soybean farmer from Kinmundy, IL and Mousa Wakileh, General Manager, National Poultry Co., Jordan. On a side note, I met Mousa on a U.S. Grains Council trip to his country a little over a year ago. It’s always nice to see people from other parts of the world and that’s one of the cool things about a show like this.

The subject of the teleconference was raising U.S. soybean farmer awareness of top customers and the poultry industry is the largest one. You might wonder why soybean farmers wouldn’t be aware of this and why the USB has had an on-going initiative to foster better understanding of this fact. In the teleconference you’ll hear Dwain say that there have been soybean farmers who oppose the growth and development of livestock operations and that shows the possibility that they don’t understand how important it is to their livelihood to be more supportive of their biggest customer.

Soybean checkoff-funded research indicates a significant disconnect between U.S. soybean farmers and their most important end customers. In fact, many U.S. soybean farmers identify their local elevator as their end customer.

Poultry and livestock, both here in the United States and throughout the world, use the vast majority of U.S. soybeans. For example, U.S. poultry and livestock consume nearly 98 percent of the U.S. supply of soybean meal. And poultry farmers use more U.S. soybean meal than any other end user.

You can download or listen to the full press conference here: USB Teleconference - IPE/IFE

2011 International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo Photo Album

AgWired IPE/IFE coverage sponsored by: Novus

World Agriculture Investment Conference USA welcomes IFC and IDB

The World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011 announces new speakers.

On May 9-10, leading investment groups from across the globe are coming to Chicago to discuss the opportunities and risks in agricultural markets at the World Agriculture Investment Conference USA.

The meeting’s foremost speaker panel – addressing a delegation of institutional and private investors – has recently been strengthened by Warren Weissman of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Rajesh Behal of the Agribusiness Department, IFC.

Following months of research, this forum has been designed specifically to help investors to walk away with the practical information and contacts needed to make an appropriate choice based on varying risk tolerances and return objectives.

Among the timely discussion, Mr. Weissman will take a look at agriculture opportunities throughout Latin America, focusing on regulatory environments and current crop production.

And Mr. Behal will talk on private equity investment in the full agriculture supply chain, exploring opportunities in fertilizer, technology and infrastructure.

This is a truly unique chance to network with key investors, hedge funds and Ag managers, and to effortlessly discover how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

For more information please visit: http://www.aginvestconference.com/usa/

For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley, Investment Director – World Agriculture Investment Series by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 54

You can find the agenda here.

Agricultural Writers SA Re-elects Leadership

The South African agricultural journalists association, Agricultural Writers SA, has re-elected its executive committee.

Magda du Toit was re-elected chairperson of the executive committee of Agricultural Writers SA during a recent annual general meeting. Also re-elected were Adéle Engelbrecht as deputy chairperson, Charl van Rooyen as secretary and Hanlie du Plessis as treasurer. A news report in Agripen emphasized that the association is committed to communicating positive achievements of achievers of agriculture to enhance the image of agriculture and all its role-players.

Find out more about their latest activities in the Agripen.

The association is a voluntary, non-profitmaking professional association promoting the image and standards of agricultural journalism in South Africa. It was established in Pretoria in 1977.

Thanks to the IFAJ newsletter for the heads up.

Big US-Chinese Soybean Deal Signed

usbAs the president of China was flying in for a quick visit to the Windy City on Thursday, representatives from China’s 10 largest soybean crushers were signing agreements to purchase 110 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during a ceremony held in Chicago. The purchase is worth $1.8 billion and more bushels are expected to be committed tomorrow. A similar purchase agreement ceremony in 2008 was largest reported single-day export sale of U.S. soybeans in history, but this buying event – which may be larger – was split into two days.

“This is a huge event for soybean farmers, this isn’t something that happens everyday,” said Jim Call, United Soybean Board International Marketing chair and a soybean farmer from Minnesota. “We’ve had an office in China for over 25 years now. It just goes to show that our checkoff commitment for that long a period of time has really paid off.”

Soybean users in China, which purchased 825 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during the most recent marketing year, are the largest international customers of U.S. soy. The country currently imports one out of every four rows of soybeans grown by U.S. soybean farmers. “Every other row of soybeans we raise in the United States is exported and as we increase yields, any additional bushels will have to be exported, too,” Jim said.

Representatives from the Chinese companies said that they are pleased with the quality of U.S. soybeans, which they are purchasing in the form of both whole beans and soybean oil.

USB held a teleconference following the signing, which was in a room with a lot of background noise but there are some usable sound bites in here from Jim Call and the interpreter for Deng Haotian, representative from Sinograin. Here is the edited version for your listening or downloading pleasure: USB China Teleconference

World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011 heads to Chicago

Agricultural investors have a major conference to look forward to in just a few months in Chicago. Let me introduce you to FC Business Intelligence and the World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011.

In spring this year, leading investment groups from across North America and Europe are coming to Chicago to discuss the opportunities and risks in agricultural markets. With the latest market insight and global case studies, anticipation is high.

On May 9-10, a unique forum will bring together institutional and private investors with top Ag fund managers, to debate strategies for participating in agriculture and surrounding investments.

Following months of research, this forum has been designed specifically to help investors to network and walk away with the practical information needed to make an appropriate choice based on varying risk tolerances and return objectives.

Confirmed participants already include: CAIA, ViVa, AgriCapita, Inter-American Development Bank, IFC, Rafferty Capital Markets, Farmers Edge, Chess Ag Full Harvest Partners, Citi and many more.

This is a unique chance to network with key investors, hedge funds and Ag managers, and to effortlessly catch-up on where allocations are being made and how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

Debate will focus on:

  • How to take advantage of private equity investment in the full agriculture supply chain
  • Proven techniques for sourcing top operators
  • Understand how agriculture fits within investor portfolios
  • Identify the best agriculture opportunities from across the Americas and beyond

For more information please visit: http://www.aginvestconference.com/usa/

With more and more demand for food and farmland, surging prices and growing interest from investors, there’s one thing for sure…

Agricultural markets are exciting.

For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley, Investment Director – World Agriculture Investment Series by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 54

You can find the agenda here.

German Agriculture Society DLG

AG CONNECT ExpoAG CONNECT Expo is modeling itself after the highly successful AgriTechnica which is held biennially in Germany. That show is run by DLG, the German Agriculture Society with 22,000 members. The managing director is Dr. Jochen Kockler, seen here being interviewed after a press conference. I joined Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weisman in an interview about DLG. Randall asked good questions so I saw no need to jump in.

Dr. Kockler says 66% of their members are farmers and they are completely independent of subsidies, depending on revenue from projects they work on. Their mission is “progress for farming.” He says the AgriTechnica has 2,500 exhibitors. That’s big! In comparison he says AgriTechnica is about 10 times bigger than AG CONNECT in terms of physical size but about the same in terms of educational sessions and content.

You can listen Randall’s interview with Dr. Kockler here: Interview With Dr. Jochen Kockler

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Korean Free Trade Optimism

Korea’s ambassador to the United States is optimistic that Congress will pass the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement when it is submitted by the president.

Han Duk-soo spoke at a town hall forum sponsored by American Farm Bureau during the Ag Connect Expo on Saturday and then held a press conference, accompanied by AFBF’s Congressional Relations Director Chris Garza. “The momentum is very high now, I would say there’s no objections from US industry,” Han said during the press conference. “President Obama is very strong on passing this agreement, so I think it will be submitted to congress by the administration soon and if it is submitted, I think Congress should act within 60 days.” His hope is that it will be finished by the end of June.

Han sees no downside to the agreement for U.S. agriculture. “The beneficial impacts on the part of US exporters of agricultural products into Korea is huge,” he said. “It’s 100 percent beneficial to the US agricultural sector.”

Listen to or download Han’s press conference comments here (questions are not all audible): Han Duk-soo

2011 AFBF Annual Meeting Photo Album

Poking Fun At Canadian Wheat Board

After seeing a retweet this morning from FarmerNation I found this video posted that is a very tongue in cheek criticism of the Canadian Wheat Board. It’s on YouTube and the FarmerNation site and comments can be left and have been. I have no position on this but have to say that this video is hilarious regardless of which side you fall on. At least I hope the CWB can laugh (and comment). My favorite line from the CWB character is “You’re speaking eskimo.” Thanks FarmerNation and TheSaskFarmer for a good laugh.

AGROPRESS Celebrates 6 Years

Some of my friends I’ve come to know through the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists just held a big party in Serbia. Happy anniversary AGROPRESS and congratulations to Goran Djakovic!

The Serbian Association of Agricultural Journalists AGROPRESS has celebrated its 6th ANNIVERSARY. On that occasion, more than 200 journalists, representatives of diplomatic corps, partner organizations, educational institutions, managers of companies and friends of AGROPRESS gathered.

Addressing the audience President of the Board of Directors Goran Djakovic reminded of Association’s activities during these six years in which more than 90 events was organized in the country and abroad. He stressed that AGROPRESS organized the very first Fair of Women Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness and five professional conferences in which more than 1200 domestic and international experts participated.

Presenting perspectives and future activities of the Association, Mr. Djakovic announced the establishment of the Fund for Promotion of Serbian Agriculture in and out of country, and as an important part of this project 60 foreign journalists will be hosted next year in May. “AGROPRESS will continue its work on the project Women Entrepreneurs in Agribusiness, as well as on a new project – high quality magazine destined to professional agricultural producers”, added Mr. Djakovic.

I would be happy to attend their BALKAN TOUR 2011 – Serbia which is the one referred to in May if anyone would like to discuss a sponsorship.

AGROPRESS Holds Second National Conference in Serbia

I need a sponsor to go find out what’s new in the world of agribusiness in Serbia. Any volunteers? One of my IFAJ buddies, Goran Djakovic, has invited the ag press to come visit next May. This is a photo from an event that just took place in Serbia.

The second national conference “Agribusiness Serbia – Development Priorities 2011” took place October 26, 2010. This event was organized by the Association of Agricultural Journalists AGROPRESS, in cooperation with the USAID Agribusiness project, and with support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

The gathering counted around 250 participants – the most distinguished representatives of agricultural associations, companies, international organizations and the media. Over 50 journalists from Serbia and abroad, as well as numerous journalists members of AGROPRESS, informed about the event.

President of the Board of Directors of AGROPRESS Goran Djakovic welcomed participants and announced “Balkan Tour 2011 – Serbia”, a 5 day long workshop-tour through the Serbian agribusiness sector for international agricultural journalists. It will take place May 18-23, 2011. More on the Tour: http://www.agropress.org.rs/workshop-serbia-2011.html.