16 June 2000 PR53/2000
MEDIA ADVISORY 2000 FEDERATED FARMERS GRAINS COUNCIL CONFERENCE
Farming, the Knowledge Based Industry is the theme of the 2000 Conference of the Grains Council of Federated Farmers of
New Zealand.
Grains Conference 2000 will be held at the Airport Plaza Hotel, Memorial Avenue, Christchurch, on Tuesday 20 and
Wednesday 21 June.
Tuesday 20 June will begin with a meeting of the United Wheat Growers Electoral Committee. That afternoon, the Herbage
Seedgrowers' Subsection will hold an industry forum on The Face of the Small Seeds Industry into the Twenty First
Century. Speakers including plant breeders, merchants, and consumers, will examine demand and supply in domestic and
international markets.
Exploring the research needs of the arable/food production industry will be the theme on Wednesday 21 June. The forum
will include speakers from a range of industry sectors, including government, research institutes and consumers, who
will give presentations.
Dr Veronica Jacobson, director of Global Corporate Finance Division of Arthur Anderson, will speak on the economic value
of research to the nation. Other speakers will include Dr Michael Dunbier; Gavan Herlihy MP; John Lush, President of the
Grains Council of Australia; and Bob Diprose, the executive director of the NZ Feed Manufacturers Association.
Neil Barton, Chairman of the Grains Council, said the Conference will bring together people from many sectors of the
arable industry who will contribute to a stimulating and informative forum that will benefit everyone involved.
"I'm looking forward to the Grains Conference and the positive contribution it will make to the future progress of the
New Zealand arable food industry," said Neil Barton.
All media representatives are invited to take part in the 2000 Grains Council Conference. To register or for further
information, contact Kevin Geddes or Sam Kane on 0800 327 646.
ENDS