The February 26 workshop is one in a series we are just starting. It brings together research and users to discuss the response to drought. For these workshops (to begin with), the focus is on 2002 when the recent drought was at its worst. Information on the characterization and prediction of the drought is shown to users who in general were the ones making decisions on response during the drought. Ideas for improved product information and improved responses are discussed. Then, it is assumed that the same drought occurred some 10 or 20 years in the future with different socio-economic conditions. The same discussion on product information and responses is held but with this 'future drought' in mind.