@women4ag, #AAW40years

American Agri-Women celebrates 40th anniversary
with ‘Drive Across America’

Cross country trek kicks off June 3 at McCain Foods USA in Maine

EASTON, Maine,June 2, 2015—American Agri-Women is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture with its “Drive Across America.” AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women.

The five-month educational and advocacy tour will kick off June 3at McCain Foods USA plant in Easton, Maine. McCain Foods, a major sponsor of the Drive, processes potatoes from family farmers throughout North America.

McCain Foods entered the U.S. market more than 40 years ago and is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice market, which includes major national restaurant chains. One of every three fries sold worldwide comes from McCain.

“I’m so pleased for the opportunity to kick off our event at McCain Foods, a company my family has been doing business with for generations. All of us in AAW are looking forward to meeting our members nationwide as well as consumers and sharing stories about our abundant, safe and affordable food, fiber and fuel supply,” says Sue McCrum, AAW president. “More than ever, consumers are seeking connections to those who produce the food and products they use every day. Our Drive Across America is a tremendous opportunity for those of us in agriculture — and women in agriculture — to make those connections in person.”

Christine Wentworth, McCain’s Vice President Agriculture, North America, said the company is pleased to support the Drive, noting that farmers and farm families are critical to the company’s success.

“Potato growers are the backbone of our business,” she said, “and it is important to recognize the contributions women make on family farms across the country. McCain is proud to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the AAW and we wish them success in their Drive Across America.”

McCrum and other leaders will drive in a specially wrapped pick-up truck, participating in educational, network and advocacy events hosted by AAW’s more than 50 affiliates. The Drive will finish at the 2015 annual convention in Portland, Maine.

“Watch for our pickup on America’s highways, interstates, city streets and backroads. And, join in on our drive to celebrate AAW and American agriculture,” says McCrum.

June 3 event

The June 3 event will include presentations by David McKenney, Easton plant manager, highlighting McCain’s long-standing relationships with potato farmers across the country. President Sue McCrum will share highlights from AAW’s 40 years and share how her family has been producing potatoes for five generations.

Drive Sponsors

In addition to McCain Foods USA, other leading agriculture, agri-business and marketing organizations are sponsoring the Drive Across America:

  • Bayer CropScienceisa global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials.A stop will be held onJune 12at Bayer’sBee Care Centerin North Carolina.
  • Penobscot McCrumis a vertically integrated company that specializes in every aspect of potatoes.
  • TheRenewable Fuels Assn.is the authoritative voice of the U.S. ethanol industry.
  • Syngentais one of the world's leading companies with more than 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries dedicated to this purpose: Bringing plant potential to life.
  • CCI Marketingis a leading agricultural public relations and marketing firm and supports AAW with its AgPR news service.
  • CoBankis a member of theFarm Credit System, a nationwide network supporting the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture and the nation's rural economy.
  • ValentUSAdevelops and markets products that protect agricultural crops, enhance crop yields, improve food quality, beautify the environment and safeguard public health.
  • Freestyle Productionsis a full-service event production company that produces dynamic videos, webcasts, events and more.
  • Sunrise Agricultural Associatesis global network of agricultural, legal and educational professionals.

Agri-Pulse Communicationsis media partner for the Drive. Agri-Pulse is a diversified communications firm that is a trusted farm and rural policy resource in Washington, D.C.

AAW’s more than 50 state and commodity affiliates are also supporting the campaign through events, financial support and more.

About American Agri-Women

American Agri-Women promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and mineral supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers; advocate for agriculture; and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information and to join, Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/ and Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag).

Follow the event on Twitter with the hashtag #AAW40years or follow the event on Facebook,

Image: 40th anniversary logo

Image: McCain’s logo

CAPTION: American Agri-Women is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture with its “Drive Across America.” The five-month educational and advocacy tour will kick off June 3 at McCain Foods USA in Easton, Maine. McCain’s is a major sponsor of the Drive.

Contact:
Lynn Woolf, AAW Vice President of Communications, 316-648-3717,

Calla Farn, Vice President, Public Relations, 506-392-3277,