As economies continue to falter, infrastructure is being touted as a means to stimulate growth around the globe. To bolster its economy and preserve jobs, China has embarked upon a $580 billion infrastructure building program, with others (including Argentina, India and the United Kingdom) following suit. US agriculture also is poised to benefit from a significant stimulus package. Congress and the Obama Administration enacted a stimulus package totaling $787 billion. But how much of those funds will be poured into actual infrastructure'roads, bridges, dams, dredging, etc.'and will it be enough?

Many groups and organizations have prepared "shovel ready" lists that readily can use stimulus money to create jobs and spur the economy. Others say the US needs to spend $250 billion annually to keep pace with current infrastructure needs. But most agree that US agriculture needs an efficient and effective infrastructure to be competitive on the global market.

As the reality of the global economic recession unfolds, the movement of commodities and goods continues to slow. Ocean freight has plunged to historical levels for container and dry bulk operators. Freight providers and shippers have seen substantial slow downs. While the cost of transportation is always a concern, so too is the availability of equipment and service necessary to keep product flowing. The life patterns of transportation equipment (including barge and rail), the dynamics within the ocean freight markets, and the slowness in the global markets will continue to have an impact on commodity flows.

These topics and many others will be discussed in depth at Informa's Sixth Annual Grain and Oilseed Transportation Conference, held April 23-24 at the Westin Memphis Beale Street, Memphis, TN.

The conference will combine outside expert opinion with presentations from Informa's in-house research to provide a unique view of the future. With analysts and high-level speakers, including BNSF Railway President, CEO and Chairman of the Board Matt Rose, a Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration official, an executive of a key transportation think-tank, an official of a global infrastructure investment firm, and the president of a leading transportation forecasting firm, this year's conference will be vital for companies' annual operating plans and strategic marketing efforts while also providing opportunities to network with fellow conference participants.

BNSF Railway Chairman, President and CEO Matt Rose will discuss "The Transportation For Tomorrow," including the results of the recently released National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue report. In addition, a presentation from the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will put forward the current situation of America's ports and vessels and provide insight into the opportunities abroad. Eno Transportation President and CEO Stephen Van Beek will discuss the federal funding priorities for infrastructure projects and attendees will gain perspectives on the emerging trucking environment from Eric Starks, president of FTR Associates, a world leader in transportation forecasting.

Also, Sterne Agee and Leach, Inc. Senior Vice President and Head of Global Industrial Infrastructure Research Nick Heymann will discuss the latest developments in global infrastructure.

Informa Economics Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Scherr will provide his insight on the macroeconomic environment and energy outlook. Also, Informa Executive Vice President Rob Westmoreland will provide a long-term outlook of the grain and oilseed markets, with Informa Senior Vice President Ken Eriksen then taking those global grain and oilseed outlooks and integrating them into how the overall grain and oilseed supply and demand situation will impact grain movements by rail and barge with particular focus on how grain flows will be impacted by the faltering world economies. In addition, Informa Senior Vice President Jim Wiesemeyer will provide an in-depth policy perspec