USDA to Host 85th Agricultural Outlook Forum: “Global Agriculture and Rural America in Transition”
USDA is set to host its 85th Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Va., Feb. 26-27, 2009. The annual conference provides an opportunity for experts in economics, industry, policy, science and government to explore the future of agriculture. The theme this year is “Global Agriculture and Rural America in Transition” and Secretary Vilsack is scheduled to deliver a keynote address. USDA Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will deliver the domestic agricultural economic outlook and Sara Wyant, President, Agri-Pulse Communications Inc., will lead a panel of distinguished speakers on the topic of "Food and Energy: Expectations and Realities." Speakers include Michael Mack, CEO, Syngenta International AG; Chris Policinski, President and CEO, Land O'Lakes Inc.; Daniel Yergin, Chairman, Cambridge Energy Research Associates Inc.; and Catherine Ann Bertini, Professor at Syracuse University, and Senior Fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Topics of breakout sessions include commodity and food prices, renewable energy, rural America, scientific advances, and global policy and trade issues. Sessions will cover animal and human health issues, multi-lateral negotiations, transportation, markets for environmental services, conservation, and the future of bees as pollinators in America. The Agricultural Outlook Forum's traditional supply and demand outlooks will focus on the major commodities, and the National Agriculture Statistics Service will discuss the results of the newly released Census of Agriculture.