Address By Mariann Fischer Boel, EU Ag Commissioner

Chuck Zimmerman

The Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development for the European Economic Union is Mariann Fischer Boel. She was the keynote speaker on the program today here at the World Agricultural Forum. You can listen to her speech here while she’s finishing up with questions and answers. In her talk she tries to clear up misconceptions about farmers, farming and the …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

Grower Perspective on the World Agricultural Forum

Chuck Zimmerman

One of the directors of the World Agricultural Forum is Dick McWard. He’s taking notes during this morning’s speech by Mariann Fischer Boel, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Dick is a producer from Illinois who is also retired from Bunge North America where he worked in industry affairs. I asked him for his perspective on an event like …

Ag Groups, Audio

Flowers From Columbia

Chuck Zimmerman

The flower man from Columbia is Ernesto Velez, Columbian Association of Flower Exporters. He gave us a presentation at our evening reception at the World Agricultural Forum here this evening. He said that there was a 90+% chance that the dozen carnations I bought Cindy on Sunday came from Columbia. If you’d like to learn about where a major source …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

Bunge North America CEO Wants Us To Think Global

Chuck Zimmerman

The President and CEO of Bunge North America is Carl Hausmann. He was part of a panel today at the World Agricultural Forum that addressed the needs of food, fuel, fiber and water. I interviewed Carl after the session and asked what he thought one of the main concerns was that people expressed here. He says that when it comes …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

WAF President Sees Ag As Economic Engine For Growth

Chuck Zimmerman

The president of the World Agricultural Forum is Raymond Cesca, pictured here to the left of Leonard Guarraia. I interviewed Ray in between sessions earlier today about what he hopes to see accomplished. He says the theme of investing in agriculture is meant to be about more than just food and fuel but about successful business models and food production. …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

Press Conference With Dr. Rajashekara Reddy

Chuck Zimmerman

Another key figure on the program today at the World Agricultural Forum was the Hon. Dr. Rajashekara Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh, India. He participated in the opening session then held a press conference this afternoon. I recorded his press conference for you. In it he was first asked about the price of seed in India and what he thought …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

Deere CEO Addresses World Agricultural Forum

Chuck Zimmerman

One of the first speakers on the program here at the World Agricultural Forum was Robert Lane, Chairman and CEO of Deere & Company. I’ve got his full comments here for you to listen to if you’d like. It’s about 22 minutes. In it he speaks to the topic of investing in agriculture to create prosperity, the theme of the …

Ag Groups, Audio, International, John Deere, Tractor

World Agricultural Forum Founder Describes Mission

Chuck Zimmerman

The founder and CEO of the World Agricultural Forum is Leonard Guarraia. After he welcomed everyone to this year’s Forum I was able to talk with him briefly about the mission of the Forum and what he hopes gets accomplished here. He says they want to bring together leaders from around the world for discussion, get the press to listen …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

World Agricultural Forum Chairman James Bolger

Chuck Zimmerman

Leading off today’s program here at the World Agricultural Forum is the Chairman, the Rt. Honorable James Bolger, ONZ. He moderated the opening discussion which included presentations with Robert White, Chairman and CEO, Deere & Co. and His Excellency, Hon. Dr. Rajashekara Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh, India. I spoke to Mr. Bolger after their session to get a sense …

Ag Groups, Audio, International

Paul McKellips Report From Iraq

Chuck Zimmerman

It is great to hear from Paul McKellips again. He’s back for his 3rd stint behind the scenes in Iraq and finding the good news our mainstream media doesn’t want us to know. Good news just wouldn’t do in their politically motivated style of reporting. So as long as Paul keeps doing it, I’ll keep posting it. You can listen …

Audio, Dairy, International