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Afghan Ambassador plants vine in honor of Roots of PeaceNAPA– Afghan Ambassador to the United States, Said T. Jawad, will take part in a symbolic grapevine planting ceremony on the grounds of Copia on April 16, 2007 at 11:00 am. The vine Ambassador Jawad will plant is a direct descendant from the collection of Afghan root stalk that acclaimed viticulturist, the late UC Davis professor and grape geneticist, Harold Olmo brought back and studied from Afghanistan in 1948. Copia and Roots of Peace will host the ceremony to honor the role of many Californians supporting Roots of Peace in turning Mines to Vines™ in Afghanistan, by removing lethal landmines and restoring Afghanistan’s historical vineyards and orchards. Individual citizens, famed California vintners, agriculture experts at UC Davis and private agriculture companies across the valley have supported Roots of Peace’s programs in Afghanistan and around the world since 1997. “This planted grapevine of Afghan decent will serve as a permanent reminder to all visitors to Copia of the seeds we have in common and the hope that peace may be planted from Napa Valley to Afghanistan,” says Heidi Kuhn, Founder & CEO of Roots of Peace. In Afghanistan, over 60 people a month are killed or maimed by landmine or unexploded ordnance. Approximately ten million landmines lurk beneath Afghanistan’s often stunning terrain. Thanks to Roots of Peace, over 10,000 Afghan farmers have been trained to grow grapes and raisins—alternative agricultural crops to poppies—and 100,000 landmines and unexploded ordinances have been removed from the once fertile Shomali Plains. Afghan farmers are now replacing the scourge of landmines with the nectar of fresh grapes and pomegranates and reclaiming the “Garden of Central Asia” for future generations. “We are very honored to host this esteemed group of dignitaries,” says Arthur Jacobus, Copia’s President. “Their message and efforts for peace serve to inspire the world.” A short film, funded by The Skoll Foundation, will be shown following the planting ceremony featuring the October 2006 visit to the Shomali Plains by Mrs. Shamim Jawad, wife of the Ambassador, and Mrs. Heidi Kuhn—following the footsteps of an Afghan and American mother who are removing landmines and establishing vineyards, schools and soccer fields. Audiences interested in foreign affairs, women’s issues, health, children and humanitarian efforts will find inspiration in the emotional human element and grand political implications of the Roots of Peace story. Copia and UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, International Programs will co-host a private luncheon for the special guests attending the ceremony at Julia’s Kitchen following the showing of the film. Who: Said T. Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the United States Shamim Jawad, Founder of AYENDA: The Afghan Children’s Initiative Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace Arthur Jacobus, President, Copia Neal van Alfen, Dean,University California, Davis When: Monday, April 16, 2007 11:00 am - Noon Where: Copia’s Gardens 500 First Street, Napa, CA This is a private event but media may attend. Please contact Kathleen Iudice for event information. About Copia Copia is a non-profit discovery center whose mission is to explore, celebrate and share the many pleasures and benefits of wine, its relationship to food and its significance to our culture. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Copia is the premier Wine Country destination – offering visitors exceptional wine experiences in education, discovery and appreciation; plus outstanding food programs, organic edible gardens, fine and casual dining, exhibitions, performing/visual arts, shopping and more! Proceeds from ticket sales, membership and donations support Copia’s educational programs and exhibitions. Copia is located at 500 First Street in downtown Napa. Hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am - 5pm (closed Tuesday). General Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and students, and free for children 12 years and younger (accompanied by an adult). Wednesdays are half price for Napa and Sonoma residents. Memberships are available. For additional information, please call 707.259.1600. About Roots of Peace Roots of Peace, a San Rafael based non-profit organization, was founded in September 1997 with a clear mission to rid the world of landmines by transforming toxic minefields into thriving farmlands. In honor of the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, Roots of Peace offers a simple toast that “the world may go from Mines to Vines™” and works to implement a comprehensive and lasting solution that not only removes the mines but restores the land and livelihood of the local community through sustainable agriculture solutions. For additional information, please call 415.455.8008 or visit the website at www.rootsofpeace.org. PRESS Kathleen Iudice CONTACTS: Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts 707.265.5950, kiudice@copia.org Tom Fuller & Monty Sander Fuller & Associates 707.253.0868, tafuller@pacbell.net, monsan@aol.com |
