Join us for the 2022 Annual Meeting starting Sunday, April 24 until Tuesday, April 26. The format will include an informal gathering and outing on Sunday. Our agenda is subject to change but it currently includes USDA and EPA speakers. The day portion will be held in the meeting rooms at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington. Our awards reception will be held at the Up Top Acres urban rooftop farm for a unique networking experience with industry stakeholders and fellow NAAJ members. Tuesday morning will feature press conferences on Capitol Hill with the top House and Senate agricultural leaders. Choose your registration level below. Registration will close April 15. You may also mail a check to Jacqui Fatka, 6866 County Road 183, Fredericktown, OH 43019. Please email her at naajnews@yahoo.com if you will be mailing a check to secure your space.
Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport
1999 Richmond Highway
Arlington, Virginia 22202
The hotel is 1.6 Miles from Reagan Airport and the Crystal City Marriott offers a complimentary airport shuttle to and from Reagan National Airport 7 days a week; the shuttle runs 5am-11pm and picks up every half hour. The first shuttle departs the hotel at 5am; the last shuttle departs the hotel at 11pm with the last airport pick-up at 11:15pm. No reservations are needed. To hear this information, please call (703)- 413-5500 and select Option 5.
Sunday, April 24
Feel free to explore on the National Mall in the afternoon if you would like Sunday afternoon before those in town meet.
3:30 -5 p.m. – Botanical Garden
100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
Cultivate: Growing Food in a Changing World exhibit
6 p.m. – Epic Smokehouse 1330 S. Fern St. Arlington, VA (located near the hotel)
This will be pay-on-your-own but NAAJ will provide appetizers and wine to share.
Monday, April 25
Held at Crystal City Marriott at 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens - Saloon D
8-8:45 a.m.
Ag’s friendly face at EPA: EPA Agricultural Advisor Rod Snyder will be answering your questions on his thoughts on actions impacting agriculture at EPA
9-9:30 a.m.
“The Farmer’s Lawyer” – Hear from author Sarah Vogel on her real life story of fighting for farmers during the 1980s farm crisis. She will also be offering a free book and book signing to all members in attendance.
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Crisis and Uncertainty: An economic view of the ongoing world agricultural situation featuring International Food Policy Research Institute Economists Joe Glauber and David Laborde
11:30 BUFFET LUNCH - Saloon E
12-1 p.m.
Luncheon keynote: USDA Deputy Secretary Bronaugh (tentative) – may also segway into Vilsack offering phone comments if he can’t be in person
1-2 p.m.
USDA’s Farmer Facing Leaders: Opening comments provided by USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie, Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger, Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux and NRCS Chief Terry Crosby
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting
5:30 p.m.
On site Q&A of Up Top Acres urban rooftop farm
55 M Street, SE Washington, D.C.
6-8 p.m.
NAAJ Awards Reception – announcing of awards at 7 p.m.
Join us for an elegant networking experience as we celebrate our writing contest award winners and visit with key agricultural stakeholders on top the Up Top Acres rooftop urban farm located at 55 M Street. Your ticket includes two drinks and meal worthy hors d’oeuvres. Event will be from 6 - 8 p.m. NAAJ members will also have the opportunity to experience a tour of the farm at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 26
Capitol Hill Visits from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Longworth 1300 or 1302 - press credentials required for Capitol Hill
9- 10 a.m. House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott, D-Ga.
10-12 p.m. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on cattle markets
11-11:30 a.m. – House Agriculture Committee ranking member Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa.
3 p.m. Option for National Press Club tours for anyone traveling from out of town