2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference

The National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs is heading to Arlington, Virginia for its 2017 Annual Conference. This year's conference will focus on the variety of industries that makes up Virginia's agricultural base and the financing programs that are used to help grow and sustain this important economic driver in the state. The Annual Agricultural Finance Conference will be an interactive three-day event providing a forum for sharing ideas and gaining new insight and information in the agriculture industry. Highlights include in-depth panel discussions, local agricultural tour, Capitol Hill Day in Washington, DC, interactive networking events, and NCO members sharing their expertise. View the conference agenda below and register today to secure your spot at the 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference!

Register Today!

For information about sponsoring the 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference, review the sponsor prospectus. For questions, please contact NCO at 614-705-1300.

The following is the preliminary agenda for the 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference. Check back often for updated information. Sunday, August 27, 2017
7:00 pm	NCOSAFP Board Meeting
Monday, August 28, 2017
8:30 am	Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:30 am	Opening Remarks
Welcome to the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs Annual Agricultural Finance Conference in Arlington, VA. This year’s conference will continue the important discussion of agricultural finance, food systems and ways that state and local finance agencies can support these industries. As a kickoff to this year’s conference, NCOSAFP leaders will provide welcome remarks and set the stage for the next few days. Terri LaBrie President, NCOSAFP Finance Administrator, South Dakota Department of Agriculture Katie Kramer Vice President Council of Development Finance Agencies
9:30 - 11:00 am	National Agriculture Finance Outlook
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy and has been a prominent part of the ongoing economic development discussion in Washington, DC. With the federal administration transition taking place and the 2018 Farm Bill looming, the focus on rural America, farming and agricultural production is ramping up. During this session, key experts will discuss the national agriculture finance outlook with representatives from the federal government on hand to present their perspective. Dr. Barbara Glenn Chief Executive Officer National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Steve Apodaca Vice President Center for Agricultural and Rural Banking, American Bankers Association Gary Matteson Vice President The Farm Credit Council
11:00 am	Networking Break
11:15 am - 12:00 pm	Virginia Agribusiness Development
Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry with an economic impact of $52 billion annually. The agriculture industry also provides nearly 311,000 jobs in the Commonwealth with both agriculture and forestry together have a total economic impact of $70 billion and provide nearly 415,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. Every job in agriculture and forestry supports 1.6 jobs elsewhere in Virginia’s economy. In addition, value-added industries employ more than 67,000 workers. When the employment and value-added impact of agriculture and forestry are considered together, they make up 8.1 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product. During this session, attendees will get an up-close look at Virginia’s agriculture economy. Sandra J. Adams Commissioner Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
12:00 - 2:00 pm	Lunch - Business Succession: Opportunities and Challenges in the "Critical Middle" of our Local Food Systems
This workshop will be an interactive discussion from the participants of the status of food businesses in their states that are closely held and facing ownership transition challenges.  Small and important businesses that connect the dots in our food system are everywhere.  Often due to their age and ownership, many are at risk of failing to carry on to new ownership when the owners seek to retire.  We will explore both the warning indicators and the opportunities for new ownership in these critical assets in the critical middle of our food system. Joseph Bute Managing Partner Hollymead Capital
2:30 - 5:30 pm	NCOSAFP Capitol Hill Day
6:00 - 7:30 pm	Evening Reception
Kick back and relax with fellow conference attendees and participants during a fun evening reception at the Vantage Point Restaurant located on the 17th floor of the Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge Hotel, which offers a stunning panoramic view of DC.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
8:00 - 9:00 am	Breakfast and NCOSAFP Membership Meeting
NCOSAFP Members are encouraged to attend this important meeting to learn more about the growth of the association, important legislative developments, and ongoing business of the membership.
9:00 - 10:30 am	Unlocking Food Systems Finance Capital
The Food System has become a growing challenge throughout the country. Connecting producers, aggregators, industry, entrepreneurs with purchasers, institutions and philanthropic efforts continues to be a major driver of economy, equity and environment. During this exciting session, experts in the food systems space will discuss changes to the way food is reaching consumers and addressing social issues. Katie Kramer Vice President Council of Development Finance Agencies Barry Ryan Director North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center
10:30 am	Networking Break
10:45 am - 12:00 pm	Trends in Financing First Time Farmers
First time farming financing remains a core focus and driver for members of the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs (NCOSAFP). And, while first time farmer finance remains critical to agricultural growth, the resources for first time farmer financing continue to diminish. During this session, leaders in the NCOSAFP membership will discuss trends they are witnessing in their efforts to support first time farming. Bill McCloskey Deputy Executive Director Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy Gary Smith President & CEO Chester County Industrial Development Authority Tammy Nebola IADD Loan Program Specialist Iowa Finance Authority
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm	Ask an Expert Interactive Lunch
Debra Tropp from the USDA will introduce a new publication from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and USDA entitled Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food Systems Investments to Transform Communities. This session will be comprised of a short presentation and an open session for questions and discussion. Debra Tropp Deputy Director U.S. Department of Agriculture
1:15 pm	Networking Break
1:30 - 3:00 pm	Farm to Institution Collaborations
A key driver of the local ag economy is the facilitation of collaborations between farmers and institutions such as colleges, hospitals and schools. Throughout the country, farm to institution movements are reinforcing these connections by building strong collaborations focused on economics, equity, efficiencies and the environment. These collaborations are driving local farming growth and improving the economic model for the local food access through agriculture. During this session, national leaders in the farm to institution movement will speak about the current trends and opportunities in this space. Maximilian Merrill Policy Director National Farm to School Network Kathryn Colasanti Academic Specialist Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Beth Hopping Co-Founder Food Insight Group Linden Thayer Co-Founder Food Insight Group
3:00 - 4:30 pm	New State Agriculture Financing Programs
Innovation in agriculture financing is at the core of NCOSAFP member activities. Over the past year, several states have launched or reformed financing programs to address industry and borrower challenges. During the final session of the conference, attendees will get a first-hand look at new programs and solutions to ag financing capital gaps. Stephen McHenry Executive Director Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation Ryan Roles Senior Loan Officer Minnesota Rural Finance Authority Andy Wood Agricultural Loan Officer Vermont Economic Development Authority
6:00 pm	Washington, DC Nighttime Adventures

The 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference will take place at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge in Arlington, Virginia:

Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge
1900 N. Fort Myers Drive
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-807-2000

Hotel Reservation Information

A block of hotel rooms has been reserved for NCOSAFP Conference participants at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge in Arlington, VA. A discounted room rate of $114 per night is available as long as reservations are made by August 4, 2017. Mention the "NCOSAFP Annual Conference" when calling to make reservations.

>>>Reserve Hotel Room Online

Directions

Arriving by Plane
Arlington is served by the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Renting a car is not necessary to get from the airport to Arlington. Arlington is 3 miles away from the airport. Taxi fare is approximately $20 each way.

Arriving by Car
Complimentary self-park is available at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn @ Key Bridge.
To register for the 2017 NCOSAFP Annual Conference, click on the Register button below. NCOSAFP members receive a discounted rate for participating in this event. Guests are also welcome to attend the networking events. To register a guest, select the Guest option on the registration page.

Conference Fees

NCOSAFP Member: $295
Non-Member: $365
Guest: $150

>>>Register Today!