U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar Provides Post-Election Analysis on the State of Agribusiness
11/14/2008
U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar Provides Post-Election Analysis on the State of Agribusiness
Briefing Focuses on The Future of Agriculture Under the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress
Indianapolis – Ice Miller LLP hosted today a private briefing with U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar and a distinguished panel of agricultural policy and agribusiness experts for one of the first post election analysis events. The dialogue focused on the future of agriculture under the Obama Administration and a preview of legislation likely to be introduced in the 111th Congress.
“Agriculture has always played an important role in Indiana’s economy,” said Lugar. “Its prominence will continue to grow as we seek to decrease America’s dependence on imported oil by increasing our development of renewable and sustainable energy.”
Lugar has been involved in agriculture since he worked as a boy on his family's 604-acre farm in Marion County, Ind. He continues to manage the farm, which produces corn, soybeans and walnut trees.
"Sen. Lugar certainly has established himself as a distinguished statesman among his peers in the U.S. Senate, including President-elect Obama," stated Melissa Proffitt Reese, chair of the Firm's agribusiness initiative. "Many political pundits have speculated that Obama will likely seek Sen. Lugar's advice and counsel on a number of key policy issues, including those relating to national security, energy and agriculture. It's certainly a privilege to hear first-hand what the prospects are for our state, and our nation, with respect to the growing agribusiness industry."
Sen. Lugar's remarks were followed today by a panel discussion with experts from critical areas of agricultural policy and business including: Roger Bernard, Policy and Washington Editor, Farm Journal Magazine; Dave Lyons, Vice President Government Relations, Louis Dreyfus; Jeff Simmons, President, Elanco Animal Health; and Dr. Wally Tyner, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University.
Ice Miller provides myriad of legal services specifically tailored to the food and agribusiness industry including: labor, employment and immigration, intellectual property, environmental and real estate management, transactional and investment related services, litigation/risk management, regulatory, public affairs and lobbying and estate planning. Melissa Proffitt Reese, former co-managing partner of Ice Miller, chairs the initiative. The group includes an additional sixteen attorneys and industry specialists making it the largest agricultural law initiative in the state.
Ice Miller's lawyers and business professionals, through their understanding of businesses, industries, and government entities, help simplify the complexities faced by its clients. Ice Miller is committed to helping its clients achieve their legal and business goals. The Firm has offices in Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; DuPage County, Illinois; and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com.
