USDA Announces 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum Plenary Details     

On February 20, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host two Future of Agriculture panels at the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum, "The Changing Face of Agriculture." On the "Building Markets Here & Abroad" panel are Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; Paul E. Schickler, DuPont Pioneer President; Kellee James, Founder, CEO, Mercaris; and Cathy Burns, President, Produce Marketing Association.  Topics discussed will be import/export markets, market trends, food security, technology, and innovations in agriculture.   

Secretary Vilsack will moderate a second panel, "Young Farmers - Unlimited Opportunities" to explore the challenges, sustainability, and achievements of today's young farmers.  Panelists include: Joanna Carraway, Top Producer Horizon Award; Michael O'Gorman, Executive Director, Farmer Veteran Coalition; Greg Wegis, National Outstanding Young Farmer Award; and Emily Oakley, Interim Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.

During the plenary, Secretary Vilsack will share preliminary data on the 2012 Agricultural Census, giving an overview of the number of farms, land in farms, value of sales, and demographics.

The Forum's dinner speaker will be Ambassador Michael Froman, who as the U.S. Trade Representative works to open global markets for U.S. goods and services, enforce America's rights in the global trading system, and foster development through trade.

A program schedule for the 2-day annual event and registration are available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum.