AGRICULTURE SECRETARY GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES FORUM ON RISK MANAGEMENT 
                                              Release No. 0269.97

Media Advisory
                                         Michelle Fuller 720-6356


AGRICULTURE SECRETARY GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES FORUM ON RISK MANAGEMENT 

     WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Glickman announced
today a Risk Management Education Forum to be held in Kansas City, Missouri,
September 16 and 17, 1997.      
     
          The purpose of the forum is to begin a comprehensive educational program
that assists producers and agribusinesses in understanding their increased
risk exposure and responsibility in the current economic environment; in using
risk management tools and strategies; and integrating these strategies in
decision making that enables them to meet business, personal and community
goals.

     A steering committee composed of USDA's Risk Management Agency,
Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service and the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission organized the forum and will evaluate plans to
engage a nationwide network of organizations to reach producers and their
advisors.  The forum, which is expected to draw between 500 to 700 invited
participants, will bring together members of Congress, educators and
representatives from the farm, commodity, grain trade, futures, insurance, and
banking industries in support of the initiative. 

     The forum will be held at the Westin Crown Center, One Pershing Road,
Kansas City, MO 64108.  Media attendance at the event is encouraged.  For
registration information, call Isabelle Howes at (202) 401-9138 or (202) 401-9421.  Rooms may be reserved at conference rate for those who identify
themselves as Risk Management Education Forum attendees.  Please call the
hotel at (816) 474-4400 by August 16, 1997, to make reservations at the
conference rate.

     Additional information on forum speakers and program will be announced
soon.  
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