WASHINGTON, DC, MARCH 8, 2011 – You are invited to a reception in celebration of the“Agriculture, Food, Nutrition, and Natural Resources Round Table: Showcasing Exemplary R&D Collaborations.”

The achievements originating from agriculture, food, and natural resources related R&D are products of partnerships that occur throughout the federal government and with the private sector. These productive collaborations are essential to overcome 21st Century Challenges, i.e. food security, food safety, nutrition and health, bioenergy, and climate change. They maintain the competitiveness of our nation’s agricultural products. At the reception, we will celebrate the networks which have made the partnerships successful. When: Tuesday, March 15, 5:00 to 6:30 pm Where: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 1200 New York Ave. NW, Washington DC (enter 12th and H Streets) What: A reception to celebrate theaccomplishments stemming from agriculture, food, and natural resources related research and development (R&D) as produced from partnerships that occur throughout the federal government and with the private sector. The reception includes a hors d’oeuvres buffet, desserts, and open bar. Special Guests: - Juli Staiano, Director of Development of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will bring greetings from Alan Leshner, AAAS CEO and Executive Publisher of Science, and discuss the AAAS Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Lecture that is held each year “to promote a broader and more complete understanding of agriculture as the most basic human endeavor and to enhance agriculture through increased scientific knowledge”.- Monica Bradford, Executive Editor of the journal Science. Monica will speak briefly about Science’s coverage of research and policy in the areas of agriculture, food, nutrition and natural resources and their relation to pressing societal concerns. RSVP By March 14Please RSVP to the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Science Policy Office, Catherine Swoboda, by March 14, [email protected] or 202-408-5558. Sponsors: Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Foundation, (www.rileymemorial.org), was created in 1985 “to promote a broader and more complete understanding of agriculture as the most basic human endeavor; to make secure the lever that is agriculture and its fulcrum, the natural environment, during this and succeeding generations; and to enhance agriculture through increased scientific knowledge.” Farm Foundation, NFP (www.farmfoundation.org) works as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster a deeper understanding of issues shaping the future for agriculture, food systems and rural regions. Farm Foundation does not lobby or advocate. Federation of Animal Science Societies (www.fass.org) strengthens the common interests and collective good of member societies through a unified science-based voice that supports animal agriculture, animal products, and food systems globally through effective and efficient management services. Institute of Food Technologists, (www.ift.org) exists to advance the science of food. Its long-range vision is to ensure a safe and abundant food supply contributing to healthier people everywhere. IFT strives to provide an inclusive and welcoming community for all food science and technology professionals and the knowledge and tools they need to enhance their professional capacity and competency. The American Society of Agronomy (www.agronomy.org), Crop Science Society of America (www.crops.org), and Soil Science Society of America(www.soils.org) are scientific societies based in Madison, WI, helping their 10,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop, soil sciences, and related disciplines by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and providing quality, research-based publications, certification programs, and a variety of member services. The Soil and Water Conservation Society (www.swcs.org/) works to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation on farms and ranches; working to discover, develop and improve agricultural production in ways that sustain its productive capacity and enhance the environment. The Society is an advocate for science-based conservation practice, programs and policy.