N@N

FBL Financial Group and Iowa Farm Bureau Take a Stand Against Food Insecurity

^{Published on 2010-10-12 11:05:24 - Market Wire}
 

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Leaders from FBL Financial Group (NYSE: FFG) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) today joined guest speakers from around the world at the World Food Prize Foundationa™s Iowa Hunger Summit to help further the dialogue around food insecurity.

"Iowa farmers are always looking for ways to combine what we know with what we grow; thata™s why even with the richest soils in the world, we embrace conservation, advances in seed and livestock genetics and innovations in science"

The two organizations announced a joint gift of $150,000 to the World Food Prize Foundation's capital campaign for the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates. They also announced a five-year joint sponsorship of the Iowa Hunger Summit beginning in 2011. The announcements were made at the Hunger Luncheon during this year's Iowa Hunger Summit by James E. Hohmann, FBL Financial Group's Chief Executive Officer, and Craig A. Lang, President of the Iowa Farm Bureau and FBL's Chairman of the Board.

aThe issue of hunger is about so much more than food,a said Hohmann. "Ita™s about having choices. Ita™s about dignity and self-reliance. It goes beyond sustaining life and into quality of life. Ensuring the people of our communities have an available food supply a" access to food when they need it a" is essential, and that's why wea™ve come together with a common commitment to making a difference today."

aIowa farmers are always looking for ways to combine what we know with what we grow; thata™s why even with the richest soils in the world, we embrace conservation, advances in seed and livestock genetics and innovations in science,a said IFBF President and fifth generation Iowa dairy farmer Craig Lang.

aModern agriculture puts Iowa in a unique position for sustaining a healthy supply of food and energy for us all. Farm Bureau leaders have hosted farmers and scientists from all over the world including Russia, China, Africa and India; they viewthe modern Iowa farmer as role models; we view our work as a calling a" not just to feed our families, but our neighbors across the fence and around the world. That is why Iowa Farm Bureau farmers are proud to support the Iowa Hunger Summit,a says Lang.

The Hunger Summit celebrates the outstanding efforts made by Iowans to ensure adequate food for all. It encourages Iowans to continue to support and engage in the issue of food security, and it increases statewide awareness of hunger, poverty, nutrition and related issues. More than 500 people participated in todaya™s 4^th annual Iowa Hunger Summit.

aWe feel a responsibility to do our part to help keep the issue of food security in the spotlight, right here in the heartland and around the world," Hohmann said. aWea™re humbled by all Dr. Borlaug accomplished in service to people everywhere, and ita™s our great honor to help celebrate and perpetuate his vision and leadership.a

Click to learn more about the [ World Food Prize ] and the [ Iowa Hunger Summit ].

FBL Financial Group is a holding company whose primary operating subsidiaries are Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and EquiTrust Life Insurance Company. FBL Financial Group underwrites, markets and distributes life insurance, annuities and mutual funds to individuals and small businesses. In addition, FBL Financial Group manages all aspects of two Farm Bureau affiliated property-casualty insurance companies for a management fee. For more information, please visit [ www.fblfinancial.com ].

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at [ www.iowafarmbureau.com ].

Photos/MultimediaGallery Available: [ http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6461003&lang=en ]

FFG-1