American Agri-women connect with policy makers in D.C.

The Annual AAW Symposium: "Sustainable Development - the Impact on Agriculture" was held at the National Press Club and covered issues relating to the Agenda 21 impacts on American Agriculture.

Visits to the Russian Embassy and Brazil Embassy gave members the opportunity to exchange in diplomatic relations.

AAW members were provided briefings on Animal Welfare issues; Immigration legislation and problems facing the cattle industry.

Pulitzer Prize recipient, Gretchen Morgenson, reporter with the NY Times and author of Reckless Abandonment was the guest lecturer at the Allan P. Kirby Center for Constitutional Studies.

Her topic "Absence of Accountability" highlighted how "Taxpayers are asked to bail out reckless companies who have not been held accountable for their dealings."

Every member took the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion regarding farm child labor with Department of Labor representatives Melvina Ford, Senior Policy Advisor Wage and Hour Division and Nikki McKinny.

AAW also brought their 2012 policy positions to their Congressional Representatives and Senators on the Hill.

The priority issues included the 2012 Farm Bill; Estate Taxation; Immigration Reform and Ag Labor Shortages; and Land and Water Conservation Act.

Over 200 guests attended the AAW Congressional Reception in House Agriculture Committee Room on Wednesday evening.

This year's "Champions of Agriculture" recognitions were awarded to Senator Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI) and Representative Cynthia Lummis, (R-WY).

For more information, contact Karen Yost, president@americanagriwomen.org or visit their website at www.americanagriwomen.org.