From: "Randy Russell" <[email-masked]>
To: "Rick Leach" <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>, <[email-masked]>
Cc: "Shannon Hiskey" <[email-masked]>, "Erin Cochran" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:34:37 +0000

All, it is will deep regret that I am going to have to cancel the trip.  As you may know, I am leading a coalition of 47 national trade associations trying to work out an agreement on biotech labeling.  Secretary Vilsack is playing a pivotal role in bringing groups together to try to compromise.  He called representatives of both sides together yesterday, and we had a meeting that lasted well into the evening trying to find a path forward.  Gary Hirshberg is leading their team and I am leading ours.  The Secretary has called another meeting for next Thursday morning to continue negotiation.  Given my work on this over the last 18 months, I have to be there due to my leadership role with the Coalition.

I sincerely apologize for not being able to go.  I was very much looking forward to the trip and really seeing on the ground WFP's efforts to address the Syrian refugee situation.  I was also looking forward to spending some quality time with the three of you.  I am happy to work out reimbursement for my expenses.  Again, I sincerely apologize.  I hope you have a great trip and safe travels.

Randy

The Russell Group
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