Release No. 0023.10
Contact:
Brenda Chapin (202) 720-5447
USDA NAMES 22 WINNERS OF 2010 AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK FORUM STUDENT DIVERSITY PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 22 university students who will attend USDA's 2010 Agricultural Outlook Forum. The finalists include students from Land-Grant, Hispanic Serving Institutions and American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources institutions who are the recipients of corporate and USDA sponsorship aimed at promoting the education of the next generation of agriculturalists.
"USDA's Outlook Forum offers these students an opportunity to hear government and industry leaders discuss the current economic outlook and describe their vision, policies, and direction for agriculture's future," said Vilsack. "We hope this experience will help these young women and men become leaders in the 21st century agriculture economy and address the important issues facing America's farmer and ranchers."
The 2010 Outlook Forum titled, "Sustainable Agriculture: The Key to Health & Prosperity," is USDA's largest annual event and will be held Feb. 18 and 19 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.
The 22 university juniors and seniors majoring in agricultural-related studies were selected based on their essays, "Agriculture as a Career," and recommendations from their deans.
The finalists are: Ivana Milovanovic, Angelo State University; Zach Harber, Arkansas State University; Miguel Macias, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona; Jose Louis Camacho, California State University - Monterey Bay; Amarpreet Kandola, California State University - Stanislaus; Lucas Fuess, Cornell University; Latasha Smith, Florida A&M University; Ian Wogan, Florida International University; Seifullah Schoffield, Prairie View A&M University; Brittini Kressin, Sam Houston State University; Rodneka Shelbia Southern University; Vanessa Sanchez, St. Thomas University; Ketedrea Branham, Tennessee State University; Lauren Payne, Texas A&M University; Celeste Sununtnasuk, University of Florida; Kristine Caiafa, University of Maryland College Park; Margo Wright, University of Maryland - Eastern Shore; Brittany Ramsburg, University of Maryland - Eastern Shore; Dan Helvig University of Minnesota; Taylor Adams, Utah State University; Aishah Saeed, Virginia State University; and Patrick Parsons, West Virginia University.
This year, sponsoring corporations and USDA agencies include: CHS, Inc.; the Farm Credit Association; and USDA's Economic Research Service. USDA's Office of the Chief Economist and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture launched the program in 2007 to help provide students with a unique insight into their agricultural studies.
In addition to USDA leaders, this year's forum will feature U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and guest speakers from the private sector.
Registration for the 2-day event is $350 until Jan. 15, and $375 after that. Plenary speeches will be webcast after 6 p.m. EST on Feb. 18. A list of speakers and registration information is available at: www.usda.gov/oce/forum.
Writers, reporters, and editors may also call Press Room Coordinator Priscilla Smith at (202) 694-5022 or Forum Coordinator Brenda Chapin at (202) 720-5447 for more information.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
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