Projects

2012 Presidential Forum on Agriculture

Farm Foundation, NFP and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), hosted “A Presidential Forum on Agriculture”  Sept. 12, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Nebraska Senator and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns represented the Romney campaign and former Iowa Lt. Governor and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge represented the Obama campaign.  Hosting the 90-minute forum was Mike Pearson, host of Iowa Public Television’s Market to Market.

The Forum was aired by Iowa Public Television, as well Nebraska Public Television.

“As a non-advocacy organization, Farm Foundation has an important role in providing this opportunity for voters to learn more about the platforms of the respective candidates,” said Farm Foundation President Neil Conklin.  “This Forum was an important opportunity to focus on the candidates’ attention to the enormous challenges facing the global food system, agriculture and rural communities.”

“This forum highlighted the impact agriculture has on nearly every aspect of our economy,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, who is also the current NASDA President.

Farm Foundation hosted a similar forum on the candidates’ platforms on food, agriculture and rural issues prior to the 2008 Presidential election.

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