August 30, 2007
AMES, Iowa "“ The National Farm Transition Network, coordinated from Iowa State University, has recently broadened its circle to include members from around the world.
Under its new name, effective Aug. 6, the International Farm Transition Network will continue to assist farm succession organizations and hold annual conferences to provide international forums for member organizations. It now has members in Canada and is building relationships with organizations in Japan and England.
John Baker, chair of the board of directors for the network and administrator of the ISU Beginning Farmer Center, helped found the National Farm Transition Network in 1991 and he incorporated it in 2001 as a nonprofit organization. The network can be accessed on-line at http://www.farmtransition.org.
"Our annual meetings allow farm succession organizations to exchange different views of agriculture and succession, public policy and share educational materials," Baker said. "The network acts as an information clearinghouse for people all over the world. We have received inquires from Nigeria, Australia, Argentina and elsewhere."
The Beginning Farmer Center at Iowa State University has served as the central coordination point for the network since its conception. Learn more about the center at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/bfc.
-30-