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2015-2020 AOF Programs

2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program: The Innovation Imperative: Shaping the Future of Agriculture

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  • TRACK: Food Price and Farm Income Outlooks
    Food Price Outlook (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    The latest perspective on food price inflation, the main factors that contribute to changes in food prices, and recent trends in consumer food purchases.
    Moderator: Timothy Park, Branch Chief, ERS, Washington, DC
               
    Food Price Outlook
    The opening presentation by Gianna Short (ERS economist) will set the stage, providing background on retail food price inflation and the USDA's 2020 projections.
    Speaker: Gianna Short, Economist, USDA/ERS, Washington, DC
               
    Decline of Food Price Shock Pass-Through to Core Inflation
    Jason Brown of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City will present new research at the economy-level on how food price shocks are experiencing less pass-through to core inflation than in previous decades.
    Speaker: Jason Brown, Research and Policy Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
               
    Trends in Grocery Retail
    Andrew Harig of the Food Marketing Institute will discuss at the store-level, which factors are at work keeping food price inflation fairly low in recent years.
    Speaker: Andy Harig, Vice President, Food Marketing Institute, Arlington, VA

     

    TRACK: U.S. Trade and the Global Market Place
    Black Sea Grain Export Market (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    The Black Sea region–Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine–has emerged as a strong player in global grain markets, especially wheat. However, there is a dearth of public information on grain and soybean transportation costs to major export markets and factors behind the region’s increased competitiveness. The panelists will discuss factors behind the region’s agricultural success.
    Moderator: Patrick Packnett, Deputy Administrator, Office of Global Market Analysis, USDA/FAS, Washington, DC
               
    Dynamic and Structural Changes Behind the Black Sea Agricultural Boom
    Will discuss export price and non-price factors behind Russia and Ukraine supply chains, export competitiveness, challenges, and future expectations
    Speaker: Andrey Sizov, CEO, SovEcon, Moscow, Russia
               
    USDA Transportation Cost Indicators of Ukrainian Wheat and Corn in 2019
    Will present newly available USDA cost analysis on Ukrainian grain transportation to major export markets, including Egypt, the EU, and several Asian regions.
    Speaker: Delmy Salin, Senior Economist, USDA AMS, Washington, DC
               
    What Does it Take to Farm in Russia and Ukraine?
    Will compare farming in Russia and Ukraine to the U.S., focusing on land leasing, production, crop insurance, futures contracts, and transportation issues and challenges.
    Speaker: William Wilson, University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
               
     

    TRACK: New Frontiers in Agriculture
    Hemp Market Prospects (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Industrial hemp, illegal to grow without a DEA permit since 1970, was reintroduced into U.S. agriculture under pilot programs of the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, processing, marketing, and sale of industrial hemp under specific government regulations. This session explores opportunities and challenges for a resurgent hemp industry from a variety of perspectives.
    Moderator: Greg Ibach, Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Washington, DC
               
    Setting the Stage: Hemp Production and Products
    Provides historical overview of U.S. hemp production. Discusses agronomic issues in growing hemp and the current and potential market for hemp products.
    Speaker: Geoff Whaling, Chairman, National Hemp Association, Washington DC; President, Fleetwood, PA
               
    Outcomes from the 2014 Pilot Programs
    Discussion of lessons learned from pilot programs and economic viability of industrial hemp. Challenges in transitioning from small pilot programs to larger scale production.
    Speaker: Tyler Mark, Associate Professor, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
               
    Emerging Hemp Markets:  A View from Colorado
    Colorado established one of the earliest and most active pilot programs under the 2014 farm bill. Will discuss the State’s experience and support activities.
    Speaker: Steve Silverman, Deputy Commissioner, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Broomfield, CO
               
    Legal Overview for Hemp
    Speaker: Stephen Vaden, General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, USDA, Washington, DC
               
     

    TRACK: Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability
    Preparing for Disaster and Drought Resiliency and Recovery (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    The session will address the current state of science vis-à-vis USDA farm programs, agricultural production, technology and extreme weather; adoption of cost-effective solutions managing productivity and incentivizing resilient farming practices; and identifying opportunities to expand agricultural partnerships.
    Moderator: Richard Fordyce, Administrator, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Washington, DC
               
    Adapting Agricultural Planning and Production to Prepare for Extreme Weather Uncertainties
    Is there more weather risk? Have producers changed how they farm? Impact on USDA programs and customers?
    Speaker: Stephen Nicholson, Senior Analyst Food & Agribusiness Research & Advisory, Rabo AgriFinance, Chesterfield, Missouri
               
    The Impact of Natural Disasters on Agricultural Economics
    What’s the cost of mitigating agricultural losses by investing in USDA conservation programs? What’s the price of not investing?
    Speaker: Keith Coble, Professor, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
               
    The Path Forward: Growing Resilience in Rural Communities
    How can the private sector and USDA work together to develop programs and technology to help producers adapt. (NASDA)
    Speaker: Barb Glenn, Chief Executive Officer, NASDA, Arlington, Virginia
               
     

    TRACK: Rural Economy
    Filling Infrastructure and Workforce Development Gaps to Spur Innovation in Rural Communities (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Chad Rupe, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC
               
    Effective Rural Workforce Strategies
    Mr. Wilson will provide an overview of rural workforce development ideas and promising practices from the state of Georgia
    Speaker: Greg Wilson, Workforce Development and Economic Analysis Unit Manager, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
               
    High impact Start-Ups Spur Innovation in Rural Economic Development
    Mr. Strensrude will describe how Ag Ventures Alliance investments have led to high impact start-ups, and influenced rural economic development
    Speaker: Spencer Strensrude, Executive Director, Ag Ventures Alliance, Mason, IA
               
    Current and Future State of Broadband Access in Rural Communities
    Mr. Knight will discuss how rural communities are developing broadband strategies and highlight the positive economic returns for rural broadband.
    Speaker: Bob Knight, Partner/Head of Broadband Practice, Harrison Edwards Strategic Communications, Armonk, NY
               
     

    TRACK: Food Price and Farm Income Outlooks
    The State of the Farm Economy (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    In this session we will look at the outlook for farm sector income, discuss recent trends in agricultural lending and examine the state of the farm economy from the farmer’s perspective.
    Moderator: Jackson Takach, Chief Economist, Farmer Mac, Washington, DC
               
    USDA Farm Income Forecast
    A presentation on the latest USDA farm sector income and wealth forecasts and farm household income forecasts.
    Speaker: Carrie Litkowski, Farm Income Team Lead, ERS, Washington, DC
               
    Nontraditional Finance in U.S. Agriculture
    This presentation will look at farmers growing use of nontraditional finance and its implications for the farm sector.
    Speaker: Jennifer Ifft, Assistant Professor, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
               
    Economic Perspectives from the Farm
    Newton will present preliminary survey results from farmers/ranchers across America on their current financial conditions, market sentiment and outlook for the farm economy.
    Speaker: John Newton, Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington, DC

     

    TRACK: U.S. Trade and The Global Market Place
    China at Crossroads (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    China, which has been the largest U.S. agricultural market in six of the most recent years, dropped to fifth place in FY 2019 amidst prolonged trade tensions with the United States.  This session will look at China's overall economic health, its efforts to diversify agricultural suppliers, and the changing animal feed sector.
    Moderator: Daniel Whitley, Associate Administrator, USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service, Washington, D.C.
               
    China's Economy in the Shadow of a Trade Dispute
    This speaker will cover the impact of the trade war on China’s economy, including commodity impacts on U.S. and competing suppliers, GDP growth projections in the short to medium term, currency valuation, trade balance trends, and factors that could influence consumer and import demand.
    Speaker: Jason Grant, Associate Professor and Director, Center for Agricultural Trade, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
               
    The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Agriculture
    This speaker will cover China’s vision of an agricultural silk road comprised of multiple trade routes linking East Asia with Western Europe and its ambitions to promote trade, investment, sharing of information, technology, and green development between BRI countries. The speaker will also shed light on how the BRI fits into China’s overall effort to diversify its agricultural suppliers and restructure global grain trade.
    Speaker: Fred Gale, Senior Economist, USDA/Economic Research Service, Washington, D.C.
               
    China's Animal Feed Sector
    This speaker will cover changes in China’s demand for soybeans and other feedstuff, the evolving dynamics of China’s feed industry, and implications for international trade
    Speaker: Michael Ward, Senior Agricultural Attaché, Office of Ag Affairs, U.S. Embassy Beijing, China           

     

    TRACK: New Frontiers in Agriculture
    Data Changes Everything: Innovation Overcoming Challenges to Data Sharing, Estimates, and Access (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Great opportunity exists to improve agricultural production through integration of data from multiple sources. However, how to translate this data into useful intelligence at the farm level presents significant challenges. Further, the proprietary nature of some data, the potential for its volume, and potential bandwidth frontiers make the outlook for the future uncertain.
    Moderator: Ted Kaouk, Chief Data Officer, USDA-OCIO, Washington, DC
               
    Enabling Open-Source Data Networks in Public Agricultural Research
    Documenting the need for and anticipated benefits of developing data-sharing standards, incentivizing researchers to share data, and building a data-sharing infrastructure within agricultural research resulting in a system conducive to data sharing and the team science that are needed to address the complex, “grand-challenge” questions in food systems.
    Speaker: Sylvie Brouder, Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University and Open Ag Data Alliance
               
    Improving NASS Estimates of Planted Acres
    NASS is conducting a pilot study using both existing and potential new data sources to improve the precision and increase the frequency with which USDA produces early season planted acres estimates.
    Speaker: Linda Young, Chief Mathematical Statistician and Director of Research and Development, USDA-NASS, Washington, DC
               
    5G--Its Opportunities and Challenges in Precision Agriculture
    Access to reliable Internet connectivity is critical to enabling precision agriculture. Newer technologies offer opportunities for broadband access in agricultural lands.
    Speaker: Saurbh Chhabra, Senior Electronics Engineer, FCC, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Washington, DC
               
    Technology Innovations Delivering Data Driven Insights to Farmers
    American farmers are leveraging digital technologies to improve their businesses and reduce risk. These solutions use large data sets to improve productivity, boost efficiency and advance stewardship.
    Speaker: Teddy Bekele, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Land O'Lakes, Inc., Arden Hills, MN

     

    TRACK: Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability
    Mitigating Production Risk During Extreme Weather Conditions (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    2019 was one of the wettest farming years on record while 2012 was one of the driest. This session will address the challenges to producers and government decision-makers during extreme conditions.
    Moderator: Martin Barbre, Administrator, Risk Management Agency, Washington, DC
               
    Variability and Trends in Expected Weather Patterns
    The speaker will provide a best guess as to the variability in expected weather patterns facing farmers and ranchers looking forward.
    Speaker: Jim Angel, Former Illinois State Climatologist, Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Inst, Champaign, IL
               
    Plant Breeding Innovations Driving Agricultural Productivity
    Geoff will discuss the state of the current technology and how advanced genetics interact with farm management practices to support yields, even in extreme conditions
    Speaker: Geoff Graham, Global Plant Breeding Lead, Corteva Agriscience, Johnston, IA
               
    USDA Production Estimates
    The speaker will outline how USDA production yield estimates are currently made, and how these procedures may be adjusted under extreme conditions.
    Speaker: Lance Honig, Chief of Crops Branch, NASS, Washington, DC           

     

    TRACK: Rural Economy
    From Heirs' Property to High-Tech: Economic Issues Facing Beginning, Minority, and Other Underserved Farmers and Ranchers (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Opportunities exist to succeed in agriculture but beginning, minority, and other underserved farmers and ranchers have unique characteristics and often face economic challenges. This session takes a look at the characteristics of these farmers and ranchers and considers some of the specific challenges and potential solutions to growing a profitable business.
    Moderator: Christien Russell, Special Assistant, USDA/OASCR, Washington, DC
               
    Land and Farm Transition: Economic Impacts of Heirs' Property and Initiatives to Address Them
    Speaker: Monica Rainge, Director of Land Retention and Advocacy, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance, East Point, GA
               
    Update on Farming from the Chair of the National Black Growers Council
    Speaker: P.J. Haynie, Chair, National Black Growers Council, Burgess, VA
               
    Alternative Crops for Smaller Scale Producers: Kenaf, Hops, and Hemp in Kentucky
    Speaker: Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Frankfort, KY
               
    Advanced Technologies for Farm Operators
    Speaker: Timothy Bradford, Precision Agriculture Instructor, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS

    Beginning, Minority, and Other Underserved Farmers and Ranchers in the 2017 Census of Agriculture
    Speaker: Ginger Harris, Environmental and Demographics Section, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Washington, DC

    USDA Heirs' Property Relending Program: Status Report
    Speaker: William Cobb, Deputy Administrator for Farm Loan Programs, USDA Farm Service Agency, Washington, DC

    FSA Program Outreach: New Day, New Way
    Speaker: J. Latrice Hill, National Director of Outreach, USDA Farm Service Agency, Washington, DC

     

    TRACK: Commodity Outlooks
    Grains and Oilseeds Outlook (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Karen Braun, Global Agricultural Columnist, Reuters, Fort Collins, Colorado
               
    2019 Crop Season Highlights
    Speaker: Lance Honig, Crops Branch Chief, USDA-NASS, Washington, DC
               
    USDA Grains and Oilseed Outlook
    2020-21 Outlook for U.S. Grains and Oilseeds
    Speaker: Sharon Raszap, Agricultural Economist, USDA, Washington, DC
               
    Discussion on Argentina
    Speaker: Agustin Tejeda Rodriguez, Chief Economist, Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, Buenos Aires, Argentina           

     

    TRACK: U.S. Trade and The Global Market Place
    African Swine Fever Global Disruption and USDA Response Initiative (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    The session will provide an overview of the devastating ASF outbreaks that have occurred in Asia and discuss the ongoing impacts this has had on commodity markets including U.S. producers. Additionally, the session will discuss USDA surveillance strategies, participation in international surveillance groups, disease research and vaccine development efforts with relation to ASF.
    Moderator: Gregory Ibach, Under Secretary, USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Washington, DC
               
    ASF Outbreaks in Asia and Global Market Impacts
    Dr. Lemmon will express his views as to how the consumer is currently reacting to the pork shortage and future ramifications of those shortages caused by African Swine Fever.
    Speaker: Michael Lemmon, Chief Executive Office, Whiteshire Hamroc, LLC., Albion, IN
               
    Impacts of ASF on U.S. and Global Pork Markets
    U.S. and global market impacts from ASF including implications for U.S. and global pork supplies, demand pressure on pork substitutes and its cascading economic effects.
    Speaker: Brett Stuart, President, Global Agri Trends, Preston, ID
               
    USDA Initiatives
    USDA activities related to ASF planning and response exercises, and Swine Health Protection Act activities and the integrated surveillance system for swine hemorrhagic diseases.
    Speaker: Alan Huddleston, Director, Aquaculture, Swine, Equine & Poultry Health Center, Riverdale, Maryland
               
    ASF Vaccine Development and Research
    Discussion of current efforts in ASF vaccine development and research currently being undertaken by USDA within constraints of existing non-disclosure agreements.
    Speaker: Manuel Borca, Research Microbiologist, ARS, Orient Point, NY

     

    TRACK: Science and Technology
    Beyond the Impossible: Science Supporting Food Safety Policy Making and Consumers (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    When science and technological innovation are appropriately communicated and data-driven policies are established, both industry and consumers will modify and maintain better food safety practices. This panel will discuss how advancements in science and science communication have contributed to the safety of the U.S. food supply, from an industry, academic, and regulatory perspective.
    Moderator: David Goldman, Chief Medical Officer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD
               
    Food Safety Innovation to Practice
    Innovative milestones in food safety science, and how those accomplishments are communicated and put into practice with producers, processors and consumers today.
    Speaker: Benjamin Chapman, Professor, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
               
    Science Shaping Policy Making and Communication
    A regulatory agency perspective on how science shapes food safety policy and decision making and communicates those decisions to consumers and industry in a meaningful way.
    Speaker: Mindy Brashears, Deputy Under Secretary, Office of Food Safety, Washington, DC
               
    Science Innovation Shaping Corporate Food Safety Strategies
    A food industry perspective on how scientific advancements have influenced how companies manage their processes to ensure food safety, regulation compliance, and future needs.
    Speaker: Barbara Masters, Vice President of Regulatory Policy, Food and Agriculture Law Department, Tyson Foods, Washington, DC           

     

    TRACK: Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability
    USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda: Positioning the Sector for Success (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    The agriculture sector must meet the challenges of both feeding 9.7 billion people by 2050, and ensure sustainability of natural resources. These challenges are the driving force behind USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda. This session will provide attendees with an overview of USDA’s strategy and host a discussion on research needs and the private sector's role in sustainable intensification.
    Moderator: Stephen Censky, Deputy Secretary, USDA, Washington, DC
               
    Charting a Path to Sustainably Intensify Agriculture
    USDA is committing to feeding a growing population while tackling broad environmental challenges, including climate change.
    Speaker: William Hohenstein, Director, USDA Office of the Chief Economist, Washington, DC
               
    U.S. Agriculture Innovation Research Strategy
    This talk will provide an overview of USDA’s research agenda, aimed at supporting the sector's future needs—including the need to sustainably intensify.
    Speaker: Scott Hutchins, Deputy Under Secretary, Research, Education and Economics, Washington, DC
               
    Progress and Advancing Sustainability of Agriculture Through Research
    Advances in dairy nutrition, genetics, production practices, information technology as well as other areas have contributed to significant production increases and efficiency gains.
    Speaker: Alexander Hristov, Distinguished Professor, Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
               
    Corporate Leadership on Sustainable Agriculture
    The speaker will provide an overview of Cargill’s BeefUp Sustainability initiative, aiming to achieve a 30 percent greenhouse gas intensity reduction across its North American beef supply chain by 2030.
    Speaker: Greg Downing, Director, Cargill
               
    Integrating Innovation into USDA Programs
    Speaker: Matt Lohr, Chief, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
               
    Using Innovative Practices to Improve Farm Management
    Speaker: Nick Guilette, Farmer and Crop Consultant, AgSource Laboratories

     

    TRACK: Commodity Outlooks
    Sugar Outlook (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Future of U.S. Sugar Consumption
    Moderator: Michael McConnell, Agricultural Economist, Economic Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Future of U.S. Sugar Consumption - Baking Industry Perspective
    Speaker: Hayden Wands, Commodity and Agricultural Policy Committee Chair, American Bakers Association, Washington, DC
               
    Future of U.S. Sugar Consumption - Perspective of a Major Sweetener Consultancy
    Speaker: Kevin Combs, Vice President - Sweeteners Specialist, McKeany-Flavell, Lafayette, California
               
    Future  of U.S. Sugar Consumption - Perspective of the Sweetener Industry
    Speaker: Courtney Gaine, President and CEO, The Sugar Association, Washington, DC
               
     

    TRACK: Luncheons
    Cotton & Fibers Luncheon (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    A new turning point for global apparel and textile trade has become apparent in the last two years. Supply chains developed after 2005's dismantlement of decades of quotas are being refashioned. Rising trade conflict, and potential conflict, is driving change and impacting consumers.
    Moderator: Lorena Ruiz, Economist, International Cotton Advisory Committee, Washington, DC
               
    The Changing Landscape of World Textile Trade
    In a new turning point for global apparel trade, supply chains developed after dismantlement of decades of quotas in 2005 are being refashioned.
    Speaker: Julia Hughes, United States Fashion Industry Association, Washington, DC
               
     

    TRACK: Luncheons
    Sugar & Sweeteners Luncheon (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Kent Lanclos, Agricultural Economist, FPAC-BC, Washington, DC
               
    A Window to the Sugar Trading World
    Speaker: Brandon Farmer, Senior Trader - North America, E D & F Man Sugar Inc., Miami, Florida
               
     

    TRACK: Luncheons
    Specialty Crops Luncheon (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator:
               
    Specialty Crop Food Safety Update
    A discussion of how technology-controlled indoor agriculture can maximize yields and quality while reducing the environmental impact of producing many types of specialty crops
    Speaker: Jennifer McEntire, Vice President of Food Safety, United Fresh Produce Association
               
     

    TRACK: Luncheons
    Grains & Oilseeds Luncheon (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Innovative agricultural management techniques
    Moderator: Joy Harwood, Director Economic and Policy Analysis, USDA Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, Washington, DC
               
    Constant Canopy: Greater Farming Efficiency
    This maverick grower is uncovering clues and running wide open toward greater farming efficiency. His company, Constant Canopy, is developing cutting edge farming methods.
    Speaker: Jason Mauck, CEO, Constant Canopy
               
     

    TRACK: Luncheons
    Livestock & Poultry Luncheon (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Peter Feather, Senior Economist, USDA\OCE
               
    U.S. Farm Sector’s Sensitivity to Labor Costs and Availability
    Speaker: Veronica Nigh, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington, DC
               
     

    TRACK: Commodity Outlooks
    Cotton Outlook (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    U.S. and global cotton markets face new challenges in a world of renewed trade conflict, consumer uncertainty, and varying weather. Producers and consumers will respond to changing incentives, and markets will interpret the data and policy indications available.
    Moderator: James Johnson, Agricultural Economist, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, Washington, DC
               
    2020 World and U.S. Cotton Outlook
    USDA presents forecasts for world, U.S., and China cotton production, consumption,trade, and price in 2020/21.
    Speaker: Graham Soley, Agricultural Economist, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, Washington, DC
               
    U.S. Cotton Exports:  Census versus USDA Data
    Cotton export data from the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture differ, the difference has been growing, and has potential market implications.
    Speaker: Chris Kramedjian, Director of Risk Management, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Lubbock, TX
               
    Building Demand for Cotton
    U.S. consumer preference for cotton textiles is remarkably strong, in part due to promotion by Cotton Inc. Analysis of demand gives important insights for industry and analysts.
    Speaker: Melissa Bastos, Director, Market Research, Cotton Incorporated, Cary, NC
               
     

    TRACK: U.S. Trade and the Global Market Place
    U.S. Agricultural Trade Agenda: Current Status and the Road Ahead (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    This session will focus on the latest developments impacting U.S. agricultural trade, including the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, the Phase One Agreement with China, USMCA, as well as other Administration priorities and new initiatives.
    Moderator: Ken Isley, FAS Administrator, USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Washington, D.C.
               
    USDA Agricultural Trade Policy Priorities and Efforts to Grow Foreign Markets
    Speakers:
    Ambassador Gregg Doud, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, D.C.
               
    Under Secretary Ted McKinney, Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
               
     

    TRACK: Science and Technology
    New Food Technology: What's in a Name? (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Regulatory changes bring challenge to government agencies, industry, and consumers. The development of new technologies or products may raise questions from regulators as well as consumers. In the current climate of increased transparency, how do federal regulatory agencies uphold truth-in-labeling responsibilities, while weighing what information is meaningful to the consumer and to industry?
    Moderator: Trevor Findley, Deputy Director of the Food Disclosure and Labeling Division, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, Washington, DC
               
    Food Safety Assessment and New Food Technologies at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    The speaker will address the process for evaluating new food production technologies and new food ingredients at FDA, including the use of industry-provided data.
    Speaker: Jeremiah Fasano, Senior Policy Advisor, Regulatory Review Branch, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration
               
    Regulatory Authority and Challenges from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
    The speaker will address new technology and labeling approval at FSIS, and how federal agencies work cooperatively together to address shared challenges.
    Speaker: Matthew Michael, Director - Issuances Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, DC
               
    Decision-making from the Consumer Perspective
    The speaker will address public perception and policy issues associated with new technology and food products, and how labeling impacts consumer perceptions.
    Speaker: Robert Chiles, Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
               
     

    TRACK: Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability
    Partnerships and Priorities for Water Conservation - A Shared Stewardship Approach (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Forest Service’s Shared Stewardship initiative brings together stakeholders and partners to accomplish mutual goals, further common interests and effectively respond to the increasing suite of challenges facing all landscapes. This session focuses on how collaborative partnerships address shared priorities across political boundaries to achieve outcomes at scale.
    Moderator: Vicki Christiansen, Chief, USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC
               
    Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership
    Through Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership, Chief Lohr will discuss how NRCS works with agricultural producers and forest landowners to improve forest health and protect source water using available Farm Bill conservation programs
    Speaker: Matt Lohr, Chief, USDA NRCS, Washington, DC
               
    Tribal Collaboration and Partnership
    Shared Stewardship case study on water quality and quantity on Tribal Lands
    Speaker: J. Michael Chavarria, Governor, Santa Clara Pueblo, Espanola, New Mexico
               
    Infrastructure and Investment
    Discussion of an integrated approach to prioritizing investments where they have the greatest impact across broad landscapes
    Speaker: James Ogsbury, CEO, Western Governor's Association, Denver, CO
               
     

    TRACK: Commodity Outlooks
    Livestock & Poultry Outlook (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Joel Greene, Analyst in Agricultural Policy, Congressional Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Outlook for the U.S. Livestock and Poultry Sectors
    Speaker: Shayle Shagam, Agricultural Economist, USDA/OCE/WAOB, Washington, DC
               
    Outlook for Alt-Meats
    Speaker: Christine McCracken, Executive Director, Animal Protein, Rabobank, RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness, New York, NY
               
    Meat Demand Trends in 2020
    Speaker: Kevin Bost, President, Procurement Strategies Inc, Elgin, Illinois
               
     

     

    TRACK: Food and Nutrition
    Food and Nutrition Service: Serving America for 50 Years (Salon 3 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    FNS has worked to reduce food insecurity and promote nutritious diets among the American people. Its mission has grown since its inception, and today the Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage America’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat.
    Moderator: Richard Lucas, Deputy Administrator for Policy Support, Food and Nutrition Service, Washington, DC
               
    FNS: History and Goals for the Future
    Administrator of FNS, Pam Miller will provide remarks on the Agency’s history and this Administration’s goals for the future.
    Speaker: Pam Miller, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, Washington, DC
               
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    Ms. Mattson will share her experience in working with SNAP and helping homeless participants move toward self-sufficiency.
    Speaker: JoAnn Mattson, Executive Director, The Light House
               
    Reflections on the Nutrition Assistance Programs
    Regional Administrator Pat Dombroski will reflect on the ways the nutrition assistance programs have changed over the years to meet the needs of low-income Americans while balancing integrity and the need to foster self-sufficiency.
    Speaker: Patricia Dombroski, Regional Administrator for MidAtlantic Regional Office, Food and Nutrition Service
               
     

    TRACK: U.S. Trade & The Global Market Place
    Preserving the Integrity of Agricultural Research, Innovation, and Trade: The Case for Risk Proportionate, Science-Based, Data-Driven Decision-Making (Salon 4 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Research innovations often face burdensome and non-science-based regulatory requirements, potentially limiting their benefit to society. While the U.S. Government and private sector advocate for risk proportionate, science-based, data-driven decision making globally, this session will explore the need to bolster the role of the science community to promote science-based, data-driven decision-making from basic science to commercialization.
    Moderator: Dale Moore, Executive Vice President, American Farm Bureau Federation
               
    When the Science of SPS Issues…Isn’t
    Opportunities and challenges facing crop production industry which have been and need to be continued through innovation and scientific evidence.
    Speaker: Constance Cullman, President and CEO, American Feed Industry Association
               
    Engineering Transformative and Sustainable Food Animal Agriculture
    Opportunities and challenges facing food animal production industry which have been and need to be continued through innovation and scientific evidence
    Speaker: Chuck Long, Resident Director of Research and Professor, Texas A&M University
               
    Regulating Agrifood Innovation without Killing It
    The role of proportionate, science-based regulation to foster innovation, address challenges, and promote opportunities for farmers.
    Speaker: Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, Frank Miller Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri
               
     

    TRACK: Commodity and Outlooks
    Organic Outlook (Salon 5&6 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Sustained growth in consumer demand for organic food has spurred a jump in U.S. organic farm sales in recent years. Speakers in this year's session will examine the consumer-oriented, sustainable farming innovations being used in the organic produce, dairy and poultry sectors to expand consumer demand.
    Moderator: Terry Long, Director, Specialty Crops Market News, USDA-AMS, Washington, DC
               
    U.S. Organic Outlook Overview
    The speaker will discuss the increasing U.S. retail market share for many organic foods and the increasing research investment to help expand domestic production.
    Speaker: Catherine Greene, Senior Agricultural Economist, ERS USDA, Washington, DC
               
    Fresh Organic Produce: Supply Solutions to Meet Expanding Demand
    This speaker will discuss the company's use of diverse rotations, composting, cover crops and other conservation practices to improve yield and meet expanding consumer demand.
    Speaker: Jeff Huckaby, President, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, CA
               
    Organic Dairy: Product Innovation to meet Market Challenges
    The speaker from this 30-year-old national organic producer cooperative will discuss their grass-fed dairy lines and other product innovations to meet marketplace challenges.
    Speaker: Bob Kirchoff, CEO, Organic Valley, La Farge, Wisconsin
               
    Organic Poultry: Consumer-Oriented, Sustainable Farming Tools to Expand Supply
    This speaker will discuss the consumer-oriented, sustainable farming tools being used to go from start-up to organic poultry supplier in numerous eastern states in five years.
    Speaker: Corwin Heatwole, Founder and CEO, Shenandoah Valley Organic, Harrisonburg, VA
               
     

    TRACK: Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability
    Food Loss and Waste: A Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity (Salon J&K (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Food waste is a multi-billion dollar opportunity for innovators with new approaches to conserving food and creating products from otherwise wasted food and processing byproducts. Through public-private partnerships, USDA scientists are at the forefront turning this opportunity into a reality. Come meet the scientists and entrepreneurs behind products that are turning waste to worth.
    Moderator: Gene Lester, National Program Leader, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Moderator: Tara McHugh, Center Director, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, CA
               
    Moderator: Robert Griesbach, Deputy Assistant Administrator, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Edible Upcycling - Granola Bars from Beer Waste & Beyond
    Speaker: Dan Kurzrock, Chief Grain Officer, ReGrained
               
    Bioproducts from Almond Shells and Hulls
    Speaker: De Wood, Botanist, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Albany, CA
               
    Mushroom Stalks and Edible Straws
    Speaker: Tara McHugh, Center Director, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, CA

    Prolonging Freshness with Clamshells
    Speaker: Jinhe Bai, Research Chemist, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Food Waste Drying Technologies & Grape Seed Flour
    Speaker: Timothy Childs, Co-CEO/Founder, Treasure8
               
     

    TRACK: Commodity Outlooks
    Dairy Outlook (Salon 1&2 (JPG, 2.4 MB))
    Moderator: Peter Vitaliano, Vice President, Economic Policy & Market Research, National Milk Producers Federation, Arlington, VA
               
    Outlook for U.S. Dairy
    Speaker: Jerry Cessna, Agricultural Economist, USDA/Economic Research Service, Washington, DC
               
    Seismic Shifts have Altered Genetics and Reproduction
    Speaker: Corey Geiger, Managing Editor, Hoard's Dairyman, Fort Atkinson, WI
               
    Alfalfa Hay Outlook
    Speaker: Jon Driver, Industry Analyst, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Spokane, WA           
     

2019 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program: Growing Locally, Selling Globally

2019 Program at a Glance (PDF, 285 KB)

Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Friday, February 22, 2019

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2018 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program: The Roots of Prosperity

2018 Program at a Glance (PDF, 36 KB)

Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Friday, February 23, 2018

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2017 Agricultural Outlook Forum: A New Horizon: The Future of Agriculture

2017 Program at a Glance (PDF)

Thursday, February 23, 2017

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Concurrent Sessions


Friday, February 24, 2017

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Concurrent Sessions

2016 Agricultural Outlook Forum: Transforming Agriculture: Blending Technology and Tradition

2016 Program at a Glance (PDF)

Thursday, February 25, 2016

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Concurrent Sessions


Friday, February 26, 2016

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Concurrent Sessions

2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum: Smart Agriculture in the 21st Century

2015 Program at a Glance (PDF)

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Breakout Sessions

Friday, February 20, 2015

Breakout Sessions

 

For More Information, please contact: Mirvat Sewadeh at 202-720-5447