2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum - Panel Discussion on Innovation, Biotechnology and Big Data

From USDA:

Posted by Ed Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, on January 21, 2015 at 12:30 PM

Innovation, biotechnology and big data are changing the way we produce, distribute and even consume food. From using innovative approaches to improve food safety to sharing market data to assist producers in reaching larger markets, big data and new technologies continue to change the face of agriculture.  USDA strives to meet these evolving challenges and will be discussing these issues through the lens of agriculture at the 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum on Feb. 19-20 in Arlington, Virginia.

Big data isn’t just massive amounts of numbers and codes for scientists, researchers and marketers.  That information, when interpreted and applied, can help people understand – and change – the world around them.  We are discussing how data helps producers of agricultural commodities in adapting their strategies to meet changing consumer demands, marketing practices and technologies.

At the Forum, Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate a panel “Discussion on Innovation, Biotechnology, and Big Data” within agriculture.  Joining him will be an esteemed group of panelists bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise including:  Cory J. Reed, Senior Vice President, Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere and Company; Dr. Robert T. Fraley, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Monsanto; Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Director, Congressional Relations, American Farm Bureau Federation; and Dr. Robert Sutor, Vice President, Mobile, Solutions, and Mathematical Sciences, IBM Corporation.

After the plenary panel wraps up, several breakout sessions will explore how big data and analytics are creating new opportunities for farmers and ranchers to improve the efficiency and resilience of their operations.  We will also look at the challenge of collecting, processing, and packaging data in a way that transforms data into practical tools for use by farmers and ranchers.

Topics will showcase innovative examples of how new tools using big data will help producers. This spans from using remote sensing and risk-management tools, the use of localized and global weather resources, how Market News and other reports enhance decision making, and how producers can adapt production and marketing strategies to meet changing consumer demands, marketing practices and technologies.

Please visit Forum Web site for session descriptions and to register:  http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/.

2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum Preview: International Trade

From USDA:

Posted by Phil Karsting, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, on January 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM

USDA is committed to addressing the challenges of international trade, and providing solutions.  As we look forward to USDA’s annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, Feb. 19-20, 2015, in Arlington, Virginia, speakers and attendees will have the opportunity to discuss relevant issues on a wide range of international as well as domestic topics.

We live in a world where domestic agriculture and international trade are inseparable.  We can’t talk about one without discussing the other. In 2014, American ag exports soared to a record $152.5 billion, and accounted for 20% of U.S. agriculture income.

Trade and foreign market access affect not only rural economies, but the overall economic health of nations – including ours. In that spirit, I’m happy to welcome Phil Hogan, the European Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, to the 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum.  He will join our own Secretary Tom Vilsack during the plenary session for a discussion that promises to be insightful.

The United States and the European Union are far more alike than they are different when it comes to agricultural and rural issues.  We both stand to benefit substantially from a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership package that includes bold action on agriculture. Cooperation between the United States and our global trading partners not only facilitates trade, but can help improve food safety and security and foster rural economic development around the world.

Our participation in the global economy means that trends in other markets have a large impact here at home. One of our key goals at USDA (and FAS) is to keep our stakeholders abreast of global trends and the impact they might have on U.S. agriculture. During the 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum, two key sessions will focus on international trade: Driving Forces in Changing Global Markets and Growing Markets for U.S. Exports. I hope you can join us as we explore these international markets and new opportunities for American agriculture.

For more information and to register for the 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum, please visit www.usda.gov/oce/forum.