UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Rotary International and Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are launching an innovative program to enhance agricultural productivity and alleviate hunger in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The program kicked off during the Rotary International Agricultural Summit, held in conjunction with Penn State's Ag Progress Days exposition, Aug. 15-17.

The summit brought together Rotarians, government officials and agricultural university representatives from Pennsylvania and the countries of Estonia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Russia and the Ukraine for a series of meetings, tours and workshops.

"This event will provide a model for collaborations that will enhance agricultural productivity in regions of the world where increased food production is badly needed," said John Rodgers, governor of Rotary District 7350, which hosted the international visitors. "Peace can begin when there is no hunger in the world."

In the months following the summit, Rotary clubs in central Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia will partner with clubs and universities overseas to develop collaborative projects that address agricultural needs in the emerging free-market economies of Europe and Central Asia. As part of its World Community Service Program, Rotary International will provide initial grants of $25,000 for the projects, which may last for up to three years. Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will oversee the scientific and technical aspects of the program.

Robert Neff, president emeritus of Juniata College and visiting professor in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education, is coordinating Penn State's participation in the project.

"This program is a unique opportunity for community-based service clubs -- not government -- to help solve global problems," Neff said. "Penn State's agricultural expertise and established connections in the participating countries make this an ideal partnership."

Keynote speakers at the summit were Frank Devlyn, president of Rotary International; Sam Hayes, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture; and Robert Steele, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Following the summit, the international visitors were scheduled to tour agricultural sites of local and national interest.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact:

Penn State:

Robert Neff 814-865-6987 or Chuck Gill 814-863-2713

Rotary:

John Rodgers 814-942-0100 or Dick Held 814-238-8996