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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 11, 2010 |
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ATLANTA.... On February 12 and 13, 2010 the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (Federation) will hold it's 27th annual Small Farmers Conference, Marketing and Trade Show. Hosting more than 300 farmers, landowners and supporters from across the south, the conference objective is to provide information on USDA programs, marketing, technical assistance, legal risk management issues, insurance, conservation and a variety of other agriculture issues that impact the survival of small farmers. Critical also for farmers will be an update on the Pigford Lawsuit negotiations. The keynote speaker will be Pearlie Reed, Assistant Secretary for Administration (USDA). As keynote speaker Pearlie Reed will speak about the USDA’s Office of Civil Rights and its program delivery to ensure fair treatment to farmers. Other speakers will include the Federation's former Georgia Director Shirley Sherrod who now heads the USDA's Georgia Rural Development Office. She will provide updates on Rural Development in Georgia along with information on programs available to farmers and rural communities across the state. Attorney Rose Sanders of Chestnut, Sanders & Sanders will provide an update on the Pigford Lawsuit and Representative Sanford Bishop will speak about rural legislation in Congress. There will also be panels on USDA programs along with question and answer opportunities. The Federation's Small Farmers Conference, Marketing and Trade Show is one of the rare opportunities for small farmers to ask specific questions about USDA programs from a diverse segment of USDA staff. We look forward to seeing you there. Conference Schedule Saturday February 13, 2010 |
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| Note: The Federation/LAF, now in its 43rd year, assists Black family farmers across the South with farm management, debt restructuring, alternative crop suggestions, marketing expertise and a whole range of services to ensure family farm survivability. |
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