The 1st World Congress of Agroforestry June 27-July 2, 2004, hosted by the University of Florida in Orlando, will provide a global forum for agroforestry professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas and to develop strategies for research, education and training, and development.

The congress is sponsored by the University of Florida and other public and private institutions. CSTAF Director P.K. Nair is chair of the global organizing committee.

The congress is a milestone in international agroforestry because it is the first global forum to bring together researchers, high-ranking government officials, practitioners. scientists and extension agents from through the world to share their experiences with and research in agroforestry.

"I’m working hard on getting the involvement of a lot of people," said Nair, "and based on the response I’m getting, it’s going to be a very exciting meeting."

The congress, organized under the theme Working Together for Sustainable Land-use Systems, will explore five major topics:

• Improvement of rural livelihoods

• Enhancement of the environment and landscape

• Agroforestry science and education

• Policy, social, and institutional issues

• Agroforestry: the next 25 years

• A call for papers will be issued in March.