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PORTLAND - U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth will be the keynote speaker at an April conference for minority students and professionals in agricultural and natural resources.

"Developing One Nation: Bringing Together Culture, Diversity, and Technology," the 17th annual conference of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, is set for April 4-6 at the Jantzen Beach and Columbia River Doubletree hotels.

Advance registration for the MANRRS conference is encouraged, with details available online or by calling conference organizers at 503-244-4320. Society membership is not required to attend the conference, but registration is discounted for members.

Conference activities are designed to develop a partnership between minority college students and professionals from academic institutions, government agencies and industry. A special "Junior MANRRS Program" with presentations and activities geared toward high school students is also planned.

Workshop topics include trends in computer applications in agriculture and forestland management, internships, fellowships and scholarships, food science marketing and grant writing.

A continuing education workshop will be offered to professionals, focusing on obtaining skills and knowledge of trends in computer applications in agriculture and forestland management.

Exhibitors include academic institutions, representatives from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior and Energy, as well as firms such as ConAgra, Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland.

The National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences accepts membership from people of all racial and ethnic groups working in agricultural and related sciences. The group works as a springboard for entry and advancement in careers and provides role models and networking opportunities. MANRRS also offers students opportunities to enhance leadership, organizational and public speaking skills, and to experience professional critique of scholarly success.

The event is supported by: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; Bonneville Power Administration; Oregon State University; Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; University of Washington; University of California at Davis; and Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The 2003 conference is set for Atlanta next March 27-29.