Forwarded by Jane Clark Food, Farms and the Environment Impacting the 2007 Farm Bill Thursday, February 8, 2007 1 pm to 4 pm St. James Lutheran Church 5665 Merle Hay Road Johnston, Iowa Will authorization of the Farm Bill maintain the conventional policies of the past? Or can we set a course for more innovative farm, food and environmental policies? How can citizens support sustainable agriculture here at home while also respecting the needs of our global community? This forum will address these questions and offer necessary reforms in the next Farm Bill. Learn about food, farm and environmental policies within the context of social and economic justice for all. Iowa is a crucial player in the next Farm Bill: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is chair of the Senate Agricultural Committee. Congressmen from Iowa are also expected to be on the House Agriculture Committee once final appointments are made. So join with us in our efforts to advocate for fair and equitable farm policies as Congress writes new legislation in 2007. This forum is free and open to the public. Please let us know if you plan to attend as informational materials will be distributed and refreshments served. For more information and to RSVP, contact: Robert Gronski at 515-270-2634 or e-mail [log in to unmask] Russell Melby at 515-274-2224 or toll free in Iowa, 1-888-297-2767, or by e-mail [log in to unmask] Directions to St. James Lutheran Church: St. James Lutheran is located in Johnston, Iowa, just north of I-35/80 on Merle Hay Road. Exit at Merle Hay Road (Exit 131) and head north about a half mile. St. James Lutheran is located at 5665 Merle Hay Road (east side). Ample parking in back of the church. Sponsoring organizations and presenters include: Br. David Andrews, CSC, executive director, and Robert Gronski, policy coordinator, National Catholic Rural Life Conference Rev. Russell Melby, regional director, Church World Service Rev. Kathy Gerking, Bishop's assistant, Southeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA Rural Ministry Team Daniel Owens, rural policy program organizer, Center for Rural Affairs The National Catholic Rural Life Conference, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the major voice of the Catholic Church on rural life concerns. Visit www.ncrlc.com to learn more about their Farm Bill campaign. Church World Service is a cooperative ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations working for trade justice and reform of the Farm Bill. Visit www.churchworldservice.org The mission of the Rural Ministry Team of the Southeastern Iowa Synod is to assist rural and small town ELCA congregations in the Southeastern Iowa Synod to become more effective followers of Jesus. Visit www.seiasynod.org The Center for Rural Affairs, based in eastern Nebraska, is working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities. Visit www.cfra.org to learn more about their issues and program work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp