FCUSA Attends American Agri-Women Convention

Fur Commission USA was represented this week at the 32nd convention of American Agri-Women (AAW) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Washington mink farmer Kate Roesler, who serves as secretary of FCUSA's Government Affairs / Animal Welfare Committee, met with other women involved in farming, ranching and agribusiness from throughout the U.S., and, for the first time, women in agriculture from several provinces in Canada.

The Canadian women talked with AAW members in a "mini-summit" panel discussion of issues affecting agriculture in both countries, including trade, immigration as it applies to farm labor, and the Canadian health care system.

While at the convention, delegates participated in workshops and discussions on major issues such as the Clean Water Act, Farm Bill, renewable energy, maintaining farm businesses, and the importance of the 2007 ag census.

In recognizing that it is necessary to continually re-focus the direction American Agri-Women is taking, as stated in the convention theme, "Redefining Agriculture: Advancing in New Directions," this year's delegates also approved their new plan of action. They will concentrate on three purposes: consumer understanding of agricultural people and issues, networking with each other, and leadership development.

American Agri-Women is the nation's largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, with 53 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliate organizations throughout the country. In addition, there are many collegiate chapters of AAW located at university campuses. It is an all-volunteer organization, working to advocate for agriculture since 1974. 

For further information contact: For more information, contact Marcie Williams, president, president@americanagriwomen.org; www.americanagriwomen.org.

© 1998-2007 Fur Commission USA

Home