Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will host a half-day symposium to discuss issues associated with escalating farmland values over the previous decade. The symposium—"Don't Bet the Farm: Assessing the Boom in U.S. Farmland Prices"—will take place on the morning of Thursday, March 10, at the FDIC's facilities in Arlington, Virginia.

In announcing the symposium, FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair said, "Farmland values have doubled on average in the past ten years, and continue to rise in an environment of ample liquidity and low interest rates. While we see strong fundamentals in the farm sector at present, the sector remains vulnerable to a reversal of market conditions or a rise in interest rates. The lending and borrowing decisions made now, when collateral values are high, will shape credit performance down the road. The FDIC welcomes this opportunity for constructive dialog with farm lenders and other experts in agricultural finance on the risks ahead for this vital U.S. industry sector."

Chairman Bair is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at the March 10 symposium, followed by two panel discussions relating to current market conditions and risk management practices in agricultural finance.

There is no cost for this event, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. For more information on the symposium, visit http://www.fdic.gov/news/conferences/2011-03-10.html.

The media are welcome and encouraged to attend the symposium. Please RSVP to David Barr in the Office of Public Affairs at dbarr@fdic.gov.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's 7,760 banks and savings associations and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars – insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically (go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-42-2011