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3rd International  Agricultural Trade  & Policy Conference December 3-4, 2003 The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Naples, Florida, USAl       Hosted by: Food & Resource Economics Department International Agricultural Trade & Policy Center   Notice: As of June 24, the conference date has been changed from November 20-21 to December 3-4, 2003.   Project #0316

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Agricultural producers and industry leaders from throughout the southeastern U.S. will have an interest in this conference. Policy makers and their constituents will be interested in this conference to gain an insight on policies producers from the southeast are interested in pursuing. Academicians with an interest in agricultural and resource policy should also attend these meetings.

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The purpose of this conference is to develop a dialogue between producers and policy makers that will allow producers to voice their concerns about trade and agricultural policy. The expected results include a more informed set of producers and industry leaders who will have a better understanding of the issues and process for developing agricultural and trade policy. Policy makers will benefit from the dialogue with industry leaders and will know more about the needs of their constituents. The topics to be discussed  include:

• Trade Agreements and Specialty Crop Issues

• Invasive Pest Management and International Trade

• Risk Management for Specialty Crops

• Competitiveness and Agricultural Labor Markets

• Country-of-Origin Labeling

• The Situation and Outlook for Southeastern Agriculture

We expect to have several high profile speakers from the academic and policy areas presenting papers at this conference. The speakers for the conference have been selected by the organizing committee. All speakers will be asked to supply copies of their remarks to be included in the proceedings to be distributed at the conference.

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We will disseminate information about the policy process for developing new legislation and international trade agreements. There will be a presentation of research that will contribute knowledge to policy makers and the agricultural industry, helping them to better understand the issues that will be debated in Congress. There will also be a dialogue between policy makers and industry leaders so that each group has a better understanding of the issues and concerns in the agricultural industry that could have an influence on future competitiveness. The conference will also serve as a networking agent for those with common interests in policy on agricultural issues. 

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The agricultural industry in the southern U.S. will benefit from this conference by providing a forum for dialogue on issues that will impact the competitiveness of southern agriculture. This conference will provide a forum where the agricultural industry will have an opportunity to influence agricultural and trade policy, helping to shape it so that southern producers become more competitive in our global economy.  

Agriculture in the southeast is at a crossroads with new farm legislation that was implemented in 2002, and with new trade agreements being negotiated that could have both positive and negative benefits to producers throughout the southeast. Growers are also being asked to cope with more regulations that impact their competitiveness. It is critical that these producers form their opinions on policy by being informed about their potential influences on competitiveness. This conference will allow them to learn more about these policies and to develop a dialogue with policy makers who will influence the outcome of these policies.

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Tentative Agenda   Agenda Index Wed., Dec. 3, 2003 Thurs., Dec. 4, 2003

Wednesday, December 3, 2003

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Thursday, December 4, 2003

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Reduced early registration fee is $100.00 if payment is postmarked by October 17, 2003. After October 17, 2003, the regular registration fee is $150.00. Registration fee for students and state extension specialists and agents is $50.00. Registration fees include: daily refreshment breaks, a luncheon, reception and dinner on Wednesday, a continental breakfast on Thursday, conference materials, and a copy of the proceedings. An optional tour of “Agriculture and the Everglades” is being offered with an added $50 registration fee.

Cancellation and Refunds: Requests for registration refunds will be honored if a written notice of cancellation is received by the IFAS Office of Conferences and Institutes on or before November 10, 2003. A $50 processing fee will be deducted from all refunds. Sorry, no refunds will be honored for cancellation after November 10, 2003.

Special Needs: Participants with special needs can be reasonably accommodated by contacting the Office of Conferences & Institutes at least 10 working days prior to the conference. We can be reached by phone at
1-352-392-5930, by fax at 1-352-392-9734, or by calling 1-800-955-8771 (TDD). The TDD number can only be accessed from within the State of Florida.

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"Agriculture and the Everglades" is an optional tour being planned for Thursday, December 4, 2003 from 12:30pm - 5:00pm. We plan to take a boat tour of the Everglades and then travel to a farming operation on the northern edge where we will have a short tour and hear from the producer about co-existing with the Everglades restoration. Boxed lunches and drinks will be provided. A $50.00 registration fee will cover the expenses. Please indicate on the Registration Form if you plan to attend. Space may be limited. Please check the conference web site periodically for updated information.

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The conference will be held at The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, one of southwest Florida’s most prestigious conference facilities. The Hotel also boasts its own 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, large free form pool, and many activities for the enjoyment of everyone in the family.

December weather in Naples is absolutely ideal, with an average temperature high of 78ºF (25ºC) and an average low of 58ºF (13ºC). Informal dress will be appropriate throughout the conference, and many of our social functions will be held outdoors overlooking the scenic Gulf of Mexico.

Just Where is Naples, Florida?

Naples is situated on the edge of the Florida Everglades, 110 miles (180 km) west of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and 150 miles (240 km) south of Tampa. The city is easily reached by air or by automobile. Most major domestic carriers and international airlines provide frequent service into Southwest Florida International Airport, just 40 minutes from the hotel, and shuttle service is available. There is frequent commuter service from Tampa, Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville to the Naples Airport, less than 10 miles (16 km) away.

NOTE: Accompanying persons can arrange for visits to local points of interest by contacting the Concierges Desk at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.

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Where Hospitality is a Family Tradition 851 Gulf Shore Boulevard North Naples, Florida 34102 PH 239-261-2222 / FAX 239-261-7380 www.naplesbeachhotel.com

The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club located at 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples, Florida 34102, is offering participants of the 3rd International Agricultural Trade & Policy Conference, a very special guest room rate of $110.00 (plus nine percent tax) with one or two people in a room. The group rate will be honored three days prior and three days following the conference, based on availability.

To qualify for the special rate, reservations must be made prior to November 13, 2003. Be sure to specify you are attending the 3rd International Agricultural Trade & Policy Conference. After November 13, 2003, guestrooms and the group rate may no longer be available. As this is a discounted group rate, it is not commissionable to travel agents.

Please contact the hotel directly by telephone at 1-800-237-7600 (within the U.S.) / 1-239-261-2222 (outside the U.S.) or complete and submit the "Hotel Reservation Form."

You may also book online through The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club website http://www.naplesbeachhotel.com/rates/rates.htm by clicking on Group Reservations and entering password: UNI1202.

Special Instructions:
A first night’s room deposit must be made with a credit card to ensure confirmation of your hotel reservation. For any reservations that "no show", this deposit will be forfeited. Room deposits will be considered non-refundable if canceled within eight (8) days of your arrival date.

Please visit the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club web site www.naplesbeachhotel.com to learn more about some of the hotel's special features including golfing, tennis, complimentary valet parking and much more!

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Airport Shuttle Transportation Information

Maxi-taxi Shuttle Transportation / Phone: 239-598-2600

• Maxi-taxi will pickup IATPC participants who have made shuttle reservations from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers within 30 minutes of their arrival and take participants to the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Course.

• The shuttle service will also be providing transportation to other stops in the Naples area. Therefore, travel time will vary from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and if maxi-taxi makes additional stops. The Maxi-taxi shuttle will stop a maximum of three times on any given run in order to keep travel duration to a minimum.

• The Maxi-taxi driver will be waiting inside the airport terminal, across from baggage claims, near the escalators. Look for a person with a Maxi-taxi and IATPC identification sign. If you have any questions upon arrival, please go to the information transportation booth outside the airport’s entrance.

• Reservations MUST be made no later than 48 hours in advance to receive transportation.

• The following rates will be honored

ONE WAY Transportation cost:
One IATPC participant = $35 one-way, per person
Two IATPC participants = $35 - one-way, per person cost = $17.50
Three IATPC participants = $40 one-way, per person cost = $13.33
Four or more IATPC participants traveling together = $13.00 one-way, per person

*Transportation cost will be based on the number of IATPC participants on the shuttle using the above scale.
*Additional charge of $5.00 will be added for arrivals after 11:00pm or pick-ups in Naples between 4:30am - 5:30am.
*15-18% gratuity for the driver is suggested. 20% will be added to all charge fares.

• To make a reservation, call Maxi-taxi at 239-598-2600. Be sure to have the following information:

Shuttle from the Southwest Florida International Airport to the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
1) Name of Conference - 3rd International Agricultural Trade & Policy Conference (IATPC)
2) Number of Passengers in your group requesting shuttle transportation
3) Name of Passengers
4) Arrival date
5) Arrival time
6) Flight information

Shuttle from the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club to the Southwest Florida International Airport
1) Name of Conference - 3rd International Agricultural Trade & Policy Conference (IATPC)
2) Number of Passengers in your group requesting shuttle transportation
3) Name of Passengers
4) Departure date for pick-up from the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Course
5) Departure time for pick-up Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Course
6) Flight information

• Maxi-taxi also offers private transfers beginning at one passenger $55.00 (one-way).

• Call Maxi-taxi to find out more about their private direct services.

• This shuttle information is also available as a printable PDF file. CLICK HERE.
  (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print the PDF file.)
  

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If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for 3rd International Agricultural Trade & Policy Conference , click here to print a form containing more information on sponsorship opportunities. (Adobe Acrobat PDF file) Contact the Conference Organizer if you have sponsorship questions.

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station

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	Agricultural Institute  of Canada 2003 Conference	Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society AARES
University of Florida / IFAS Monroe County Extension	Florida Citrus Processors Association	Florida Department of Citrus	Florida Grower Magazine

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Avis is offering special rental  rates to IATPC  attendees. Click here to  make reservations.

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The following speaker information is in Adobe PDF format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print the PDF files. 

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Program Information John VanSickle Conference Chair and Organizer Director, International Agricultural Trade            and Policy Center Food & Resource Economics Department University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) PO Box 110240 Gainesville, FL  32611-0240 PHONE:  352-392-1881, Ext 221 / FAX: 352-392-9898 EMAIL: sickle@ufl.edu

Registration Information Sharon Borneman Conference Coordinator Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI)  University of Florida Leadership and            Education Foundation, Inc.  (UFLEF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) PO Box 110750 Building 639, Mowry Road Gainesville, FL  32611-0750 PHONE: 352-392-5930 / FAX: 352-392-9734 EMAIL:  spborneman@ifas.ufl.edu

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