El Niño and the Asian financial crisis, changes in federal farm policy, trade liberalization and the opening of world markets have placed agricultural risks and opportunities in the public eye. Bankers, economists, policymakers and farmers will address these issues at the University of California's 1998 California Executive Seminar, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Hyatt-Regency Hotel, 1209 L St. in Sacramento.

"Things are changing and it is no longer business-as-usual," said seminar chair Leslie "Bees" Butler, UC Cooperative Extension marketing economist at UC Davis. "California agriculture needs to find ways to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves and deal with the increased flexibility and market responsiveness that go hand-in-hand with such change."

At the executive seminar, speakers and panelists, along with audience input, will consider the uncertainties of regulations, policies and the marketing environment as well as the scope of opportunities for California agriculture. The seminar will open with an overview of California's marketing and financial outlook by Jerome Siebert, extension specialist in the UC Berkeley Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Policy.

Vernon Crowder of BankAmerica Corporation in Fresno speaks on "Risks, Firms and Markets" and three separate panels cover specific issues related to fruits, nuts and vegetables, field crops and animal agriculture. United States Rep. Cal Dooley has been invited to make a lunchtime presentation.

"As in prior years, we expect a lively day of vigorous discussion," said Siebert, the veteran leader of the executive seminar series.

The 1998 executive seminar is intended for agricultural producers, wholesalers, ag leaders, ag policy makers, ag lenders and representatives of other financial institutions.

Registration is $110 and includes lunch. An informal speakers' dinner the night preceding the seminar is $45. To register, send a check payable to "UC Regents" with name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Agricultural Issues Center, One Shields Ave., University of California, Davis, CA 95616. The program is limited to 150 participants.

A block of rooms is reserved at the Hyatt under the name "Department of Agricultural Economics" at $125 for a single and $150 for a double. Call (916) 443-1234 to make hotel room reservations. (Reservations must be made by Nov. 9 for this rate.)

The 1998 California Executive Seminar on Agricultural Issues is sponsored by the UC Agricultural Issues Center, a statewide program based at UC Davis that conducts research and outreach efforts on issues central to maintaining California agriculture's competitive edge. For more information about the seminar, contact Laurie Treacher at (530) 752-2320 or agissues@ucdavis.edu.

Jeannette Warnert
Public Information Representative
Ag and Natural Resources
UC Center
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710