Annual Ag Forum slated for Feb. 3 at Fairgrounds

The sixth annual Ag Development Forum will be held Feb. 3 in the Holshouser Building at the State Fairgrounds. The event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is free.

Matt Martin, senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's Charlotte branch, will be the keynote speaker. His remarks will focus on monetary policy and its effect on agriculture in early 2011.

The forum will also feature an industry roundtable dis-cussing ag input costs.

"This will be a great opportunity to come learn more about economic factors affecting farmers," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "This is going to be a critical year to stay informed because of ongoing economic concerns in North Carolina, the United States and even globally. I encourage farmers, commodity groups and agribusiness leaders to join us Feb. 3."

Troxler will also present his annual State of Agriculture address, outlining issues and concerns for the year ahead.

The forum is being held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show.

Participants are asked to register at www.ncagr.gov/agforum/.