The impact of new wine shipment legislation, the 2007 Farm Bill and trends in specialty crops are a few of the highlighted topics that will be explored at the annual Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference Dec. 6 at Cornell University. Sponsored by Cornell's Department of Applied Economics and Management (AEM), the event will take place in the David L. Call Auditorium of Kennedy Hall, on campus.

"Recent legislation and court decisions regarding the direct shipment of wine presents a significant opportunity for New York wineries," said Professor Gerald B. White. Most Finger Lakes wineries have heavily relied on direct sales at the winery as their primary revenue source. While that will remain the case for many years, over the longer haul, more New York wineries will have an opportunity to market their wines out of state, both in retail channels and as direct shipping to customers.

During the conference, White will discuss how 2005 New York state legislation creates opportunities for New York wineries, particularly the operations that cater to niche markets. In other presentations, White will present the fruit, grape and wine outlook for the upcoming year.

Other key presentations by AEM faculty members include a national perspective on the economy and agriculture by Associate Professor Steven Kyle. In a panel that explores the formation of the 2007 Farm Bill, Professor Andrew Novakovic will discuss the dairy policy, White will give a report on specialty crops and Associate Professor Harry de Gorter will present a talk, "Trade Legislation and World Trade Organization: Impacts on the Farm Bill."

At two concurrent afternoon sessions, AEM faculty will examine specific commodities in depth:

• Feed grains, dairy markets, dairy farm management and dairy policy update: Associate Professor Brent Gloy will describe the feed grain outlook; Mark Stephenson, senior extension associate, will provide a perspective on the dairy market situation and outlook; Professor George Conneman will address the situation and the outlook for dairy farm management; and Novakovic will provide a dairy policy update.
• Fruit, grapes, wine, vegetables, ornamentals and research updates: White will present the fruit grape and wine situation outlook; Wen-fei Uva, senior extension associate, will outline the vegetable and ornamental situation and outlook; Professor Marvin Pitts, chair of Cornell's Department of Horticulture, will present "Trends and Opportunities for Small Fruit Production and Marketing in the Northeast," followed by White, who will provide a crop insurance update.

For information on pre-registration, registration and parking permits, visit http://aem.cornell.edu/outreach/conferences/economic_outlook.htm or call Linda Putnam at (607) 255-8429. Registrations will not be accepted over the telephone.