USDA announces details of the 2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, which will be held virtually on Feb. 18 to 19.
The 2021 forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience,” will focus on the central role science and innovation have played in helping the agricultural sector overcome challenges and build resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The forum’s program will begin with a presentation by USDA’s new chief economist, Seth Meyer, on the department’s outlook for U.S. commodity markets and trade for 2021 and the U.S. farm income situation. A keynote address by the incoming agriculture secretary, presentations by Congressional leaders, and a session on genetic literacy are also scheduled for the morning on the first day of the forum.
In addition, the program will cover five key areas:
- Supply Chain Resilience;
- Commodity Market Outlooks;
- Food Price and Farm Income Outlooks;
- U.S. Trade and the Global Market Place; and
- Managing Risk and Ensuring Sustainability.
Innovation, technology, and productivity
The 2021 forum is expected to bring together more than 3,000 participants from the U.S. and around the world, including producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and nongovernmental organizations. The forum’s program includes more than 30 sessions and 100 expert speakers.
Registration for the forum is free but required to attend the forum sessions. To register, visit the 2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum website.
