Com/Soy Conference Set For. Tliree Locations NEWARK, par— When the, 1 pvtidpiftnis will include market 20th Annual Delmarva CHmlokl * “US tpecMist» from tHeUnivcrsi-, Soybean Technology Conference tks of Delaware and Maryland,'"* oTRVMniuT mv m-o, 55?S2taSS zzss 2l k * jSStStaS •rsarMa srss-SSS throughout D.toum in an effort to bring die conference cloier to participants will concentrate on ,* , mwWHi. . H the fanner. the current debate on genetically- This year’s sessions, whichnm modified foods. *° ” ISC **** fiom9ajn.thiDugh3p.nl. with an “We have invited guests from J fh - t hour break at lunch, will center on *e university community; agri- , j disoioy. a- Q f interactive discussions.’ business, specifically sellers and a? The primary theme is staying in buyers of biotech-derived prod- * arming business with a lesser focus on nets; the farm community and production agriculture. As a spe- consumer groups,” said Johnson, dal feature, three farm families “These guests will share informa have been invited to share their rion and concerns about the sci experiences farming on Delmarva ence of biotechnology, the safety for several generations. of biotech foods, consumer issues. Gordon Johnson, University of ethical tissues, the industry point Delaware Cooperative Extension of view, consolidation of the bio agricultural agent for Kent Coun- tech industry, education about ty, said four roundtable discus- biotechnology, world trade issues, sions are planned for the morning exports and acceptance of biotech and will be repeated in the after- crops in the United States and noon. around the world." “We want an interactive meet- Roundtable IV will be “Manag ing this year so farmers can parti- ing Risk through Government cipate in die discussions as much Support Programs,” which pro as they wish,” Johnson said. vides an overview on how produc- The locations arc: ers can use government programs • Northern Delmarva, Thurs- in their farm businesses as a tool day, Feb. 10, Asbury United to manage financial risk. In addi- Melhodist Church, Smyrna, Del. don, there will be a discussion of • Central Delmarva, Friday, help available for environmental Feb. 11, Caroline County 4-H practices. Guest speakers from the Park, Denton, Md. Farm Service Agency, the Natural ■ Southern Delmarva, Saturday, Resource Conservation Services/ Feb. 12, Pocomoke High School, Conservation Districts, Crop In- Pocomokc City, Md, surance and other government Roundtable I will be “The agencies with programs will be on Changing Business of Farming: hand to talk about taking advant- Strategies for Remaining Profit- age of these opportunities. In able.” eluded Will be discussions of defi “We have invited fanners, agri- ciency payments, crop loans, the businessmen, bankers and man- Conservation Reserve Program, agement specialists to sit on this the Conservation Reserve En roimdtable,” said Johnson. “Invit- hancement Program, the Environ ed farmers will talk about strate- mental Quality Incentive Pro gies to remain profitable, followed gram, federal crop insurance, state by a general discussion on a range cost share and other federal, state of short- and long-term challenges “d local programs that might be for farm businesses.” Topic will °f value to the farmer, include changes in agriculture, un- As in past yean, the Delmarva derstanding the farm business; Com and Soybean Technology successful management strategies Conference is sponsored by Co lor farms and the importance of operative Extension at land-grant records, strategies for maximizing universities in Delaware, Mary returns in farm businesses; money I 3™! an