USDA Announces Speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) TODAY announced speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum, “The Changing Face of Agriculture,” to be held from Feb. 20-21 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, VA.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate two general session panels on the Future of Agriculture. Among the speakers, panelists are Cathy Burns, President of the Produce Marketing Association; Michael O’Gorman, Executive Director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition; Greg Wegis, who operates a 17,600-acre vegetable and nut farm in California; Joseph Glauber, USDA’s Chief Economist; Michael Froman, U.S. Trade Representative; and Dr. Roger Clemens – Chief Scientific Officer for ETHorn and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at USC, Los Angeles, CA. There will also be 95 experts in breakout sessions.

USDA’s first release of preliminary data from the new Census of Agriculture will occur at the Forum; panelists will cover the latest information on land tenure and demographic and production trends.

USDA has hosted the Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government, and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making. Attendees are expected to include members of farm organizations, food and fiber firms, academia, foreign governments, and the news media.