ROME, Italy, February 17, 2009 - Grenada’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU), Stephen Fletcher arrived in Rome on Tuesday to attend the 32nd session of the Governing Council of IFAD. Ambassador Fletcher will be attending in his capacity as Grenada’s Alternate Governor to the Organization. The meeting of the Governing Council will take place at the Palazzo del Congressi from 18 to 19 February 2009. The Governing Council of IFAD is the fund’s principal governing body having full decision making powers. All powers of the fund are vested in the Governing Council which takes decisions on such matters as, approval of new members, appointment of new president, approval of new budget, etc. In addition to attending the meeting Ambassador Fletcher will be attending the Inauguration of IFAD Headquarters on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday will attend a Reception in honour of delegates and to bid farewell to IFAD’s outgoing President. While in Rome Ambassador Fletcher, is also expected to present at least one Agricultural Based Project for funding, and meet with officials of IFAD, and other delegates in attendance as he actively seeks to mobilise resources for Grenada. This year’s meeting has taken on added significance, since delegates will be seeking to elect a new president. Contenders for the top position are coming from India, Germany, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Israel. Delegates are expected to cast their votes for their preferred candidates on Wednesday. The IFAD is an Agency of the United Nations established in 1997 in response the farming which was affecting certain parts of Sub Sahara Africa. Its main objective is to provide direct funding and mobilize additional resources for programs specifically designed to provide economic advancement for rural poor, mainly by improving Agriculture productivity on and off the farm. IFAD is currently financing the Grenada Rural Enterprise Project (GREP). INSIDE GRENADA NEWS