FFVA HOSTS FUMIGANT TOUR

Many in the agriculture industry may not yet include downloading podcasts or checking the company blogs as part of their daily routine, but that day may be closer than some think. Internet-based “social media” networks offer unique opportunities for agricultural organizations to connect with an increasingly non-farm public, both as customers and to convey key messages about the industry. These technologies will be the focus of the Agriculture Institute of Florida’s (AIF) 2007 Annual Meeting Oct. 10 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach. Josh Hallett of hyku, LLC, an internationally-recognized expert on new media communication technologies, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. The Ag Institute also will unveil plans for a multiyear communications campaign, emphasizing agriculture’s economic value to the state and highlighting the industry’s environmental stewardship. It also will present the first AIF AG-Vocate award, recognizing an outstanding spokesperson for the state’s agriculture industry. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes lunch. Cost is $45 per person or $400 for a table of 10. For registration information, contact Betsy McGill at (863) 675-2144 or via email at info@aginstitute.org. This year’s AIF meeting is being held in conjunction with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Conference.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER PROVIDES WAKE-UP CALL