Workshop on Free Trade Pact Planned

Farmers and others in the agriculture industry who want to learn how the North American Free Trade Agreement may affect their businesses can attend a one-day workshop in Oxnard on Sept. 16.

The workshop, offered by the University Extension of UC Davis, will discuss how the upcoming trade agreement could provide opportunities for profit if American businesses are prepared.

Topics include how Ventura County businesses can be part of Mexico’s changing agricultural economy and how to prepare for the opportunities the free-trade agreement could offer.

Workshop leader Daniel W. Block is a faculty member of the Agribusiness Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He is an agribusiness expert who heads Seaward International Group, a Ventura-based firm, a University Extension statement said. The firm represents U.S. and Mexican firms in joint-venture developments.

The workshop fee is $175. The University Extension is not supported by the state, but is a nonprofit organization funded solely by course fees, grants and contracts.

The Oxnard workshop is the first in a series of eight on the free-trade agreement to be held in September and October in California, Arizona, Oregon and Washington.

For more information or to enroll, call 800-752-0881.