Thursday March 5 Ag News

Ricketts Announces Domestic Beef Promotion Activity in New York City

Gov. Pete Ricketts this afternoon announced plans for a domestic trade promotion trip that will feature beef from Nebraska at several New York City venues. The trip will include events April 9th-10th at three restaurants and a butcher shop. He made the announcement at the 27th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference in Kearney.

“We don’t only have to set our sights overseas for market development work,” the Governor said in announcing the trip. “We should be ready to capitalize on any appropriate opportunity to expand sales of our agricultural goods.”

Promotion activities are planned at four sites: Burger & Lobster, who boasts its burgers are made from three cuts of Nebraska steak; Bull and Bear Prime Steakhouse, a Wall Street favorite noted for its cuts of beef and its proclamation that Nebraska’s Buffalo Bill frequented there; Empire Steak House, known for its beef dry-aging process and its signature USDA dry-aged porterhouse; and Ottomanelli Butcher Shop, a family-owned and operated business that carves out a corner of its shop specifically to promote beef from Nebraska.

Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said the promotional trip grew out of a trade relationship established in the international marketplace. The owners of Burger & Lobster also have ownership interests in several restaurants in London, many of which serve only Nebraska beef.

“When they decided to open a restaurant in New York City, again exclusively using beef from Nebraska, we wanted to work with them to highlight our product,” Ibach said. “They know the quality of our product and have been to Nebraska to meet the people who raise and process it. The personal relationship, developed during international trade activities, now will pay dividends right here in the United States.”

The Governor said he asked the Department of Agriculture to find additional restaurants who were interested in Nebraska beef to raise the profile, and potential sales, during the New York visit.

“We want to make the most of our quick visit, and we were pleased to find additional locations that appreciate the quality of Nebraska beef,” Gov. Ricketts said.

Gov. Ricketts said anyone interested in promoting beef from Nebraska is welcome to join the trip. Participants would travel at their own expense and receive invitations to the various activities. More details will be available about the promotional events as the April dates near, but those who are interested in learning more at this time should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-831-0550.

The Governor also is encouraging Nebraskans with family and friends in the New York City area to promote the activities once further details are announced. Those details will be available in the coming weeks.



UNL Mid-Plains Beef Session Set for April 2

The Nebraska Extension's Mid-Plains Beef Educational Series will conduct an April session on preparing for the upcoming cattle breeding season at the UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center (1071 County Road G, Ithaca) near Mead.

The session will draw on the expertise of Dr. Richard Randle, DVM and UNL Extension Beef Veterinarian, discussing breeding soundness exams and Trich testing for bulls; Dr. Kate Brooks, UNL Extension Livestock Economist, discussing economic decisions to keep vs cull – late calf heifers, no calf, or last calf cows; and Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Extension Educator – Platte County, discussing pasture leasing provisions. 

The session will be Thursday, April 2, with registration at 11:30 a.m. and ending at approximately 3:30 p.m.  The cost is $10 by March 27, or $15 at the door (make checks available to University of Nebraska-Lincoln). Lunch and hand-outs provided.

The Mid-Plains BEEF Educational Series is an effort by a team of southeastern Nebraska Extension educators.   
   
To register or obtain more information, contact:  Lindsay Chichester, Saunders County, 402-624-8030; Steve Tonn, Washington County, 402-426-9455; or Monte Stauffer, Douglas/Sarpy Counties, 402-444-7804.



49th Annual TRIUMPH OF AG EXPO – Farm and Ranch Machinery Show Announces Agri-Award Winner
Over 1,000 booths with over 200,000 square feet of Exhibit space of the latest technology will be showcased at the 49th Annual TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION Farm & Ranch Machinery Show, Wednesday, March 11th and Thursday, March 12th at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Regarded as the Area's Largest Indoor Short-line Farm Machinery Show, the EXPO has become a tradition for area farmers, ranchers, stockmen, and their families to come to the show and ask questions directly to the leading farm manufacturers and suppliers for ways to improve their farm operation right before spring fieldwork begins all at one time and under one roof. The Seminar schedule is listed below and provides a chance to learn more about some of the new products and services available at the Show.  The Farm Show is open Wed - from 9 AM to 4 PM and Thursday 9 AM to 3 PM.

Bob Mancuso, Sr., the Show’s Producer, says, “Farming today is more challenging and Midwest farmers are interested in keeping up with the changes and ways to increase their profits and yields per acre while reducing their costs.”  The Triumph of Ag Expo offers a one stop opportunity to see and compare hundreds of hands - on demonstrations from the newest farm machinery to the day-to-day supplies and product information that's available for today’s farming decisions. The TRIUMPH OF AG EXPO is proud that they have been able to keep the Admission to the Show FREE for the past 48 years.  Advance Free admission tickets can be obtained from County extension agents, farm machinery and equipment dealers, or at the CenturyLink Center Omaha’s door.  There are over 4,500 parking spaces on site right at the convention center entrance.

At no other time this spring will area farmers be able to see all these agricultural suppliers indoors at one time and under one roof than on these two days at the Triumph of Ag Expo. Bob Mancuso, Jr., the Show Director, said “Many first-time visitors cannot believe the wide selection of products on display and the tremendous opportunity for savings at the Show”. The Triumph of Ag Expo has something for every kind of farm operation, including tillage equipment, planters, monitor and control systems, soil testing equipment, mowers, cattle chutes, augers, fertilizers, various seed hybrids, feeders, tanks and pumps, hay moving and handling equipment, plows, combines, computers and software, tractors and many more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.

Bob Mancuso, Jr., said, “This year there are many show features. There will be antique tractors and equipment from the Camp Creek Threshers, Elkhorn Valley Antique Power Association, and the Keg Creek Antique Machinery Club. 

TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE ANNUAL AGRI- AWARD
The Triumph of Agriculture Exposition established the Annual “Agri-Award” as part of Nebraska’s Centennial Celebration, in 1976 to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals that have contributed to the Agricultural Development in the Midwestern area. This year’s winner is Mogens Bay, Chairman and CEO of Valmont Industries, Inc.  He will receive the award at the Opening Day Luncheon on Wednesday, March 11th at 12 Noon at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.



ASA Honors Dr. Jim Specht with Special Meritorious Service Award

The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Dr. Jim Specht, emeritus professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with the Special Meritorious Service Award during the awards annual banquet at the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Special Meritorious Service Award honors individuals who served the soybean industry above and beyond the ordinary and devoted a major portion of their career to the soybean industry in any field.

Specht’s work led to major advancements in the soybean industry, including findings that an earlier planting date was crucial to achieving higher soybean yields. He was instrumental in DNA sequencing for generating higher seed yields and a leader in water management research and soybean yield response.

Dr. Specht’s outstanding support for the soybean industry has been a great asset to soybean farmers everywhere, and ASA is pleased to honor him with the Special Meritorious Service Award.



Iowa Farmer Wins National Conservation Award

The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Steve Berger from Wellman, Iowa, the 2015 National Conservation Legacy Award during the annual ASA Awards Banquet last week at Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz.

Prior to his recognition as the program’s national winner, Berger was named the Midwest Regional winner of the Conservation Legacy Award. The national award winner is chosen from the regional winners. Other 2015 regional winners are Mike Starkey from Brownsburg, Ind. (Northeast Region) and Jimmy Thomas from Timberlake, N.C. (South Region).

One of the first conservation measures Berger remembers experiencing as a child is building terraces. He helped build 15 miles around his fourth generation farm at Dennis Berger & Son Inc., to slow down the impact of the rainfall on soil erosion.

Berger farms with his mom, dad and wife on their 2,000 acre soybean and corn operation with 20,000 head swine. They’ve been heavily involved in soil conservation since the 1960s. The Bergers introduced no-till nearly 40 years ago and cover crops in the last 15 years. Berger said he approaches the farm as a business, science and an art. He believes that farmers must be shown conservation practices can work effectively and economically, so more of them will embrace conservation voluntarily.

“It is important to have the farmer teaching, learning and working with cover crops in modern-day systems,” he said. “It is challenging in today’s farming environment to blend economics and esthetics, but is very rewarding.”

The Conservation Legacy Awards Program is a national program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievement of U.S. soybean farmers. A national selection committee, composed of soybean farmers, conservationists and natural resource professionals, evaluated nominations based on each farmer’s environmental and economic program. Along with ASA, the program is co-sponsored by BASF, Monsanto, Corn & Soybean Digest magazine and the United Soybean Board/Checkoff.



Farmer leaders named Iowa Soybean Association Experience participants

Nine farmers from across Iowa have been named participants in the inaugural Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Experience.

The leaders — one from each of Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts — will engage in activities and discussions throughout the year that enhance their knowledge and understanding of the structure and activities of the ISA. They’ll also join industry leaders and ISA staff in discussing topics impacting the competitiveness of soybean farmers related to production, demand, public policy and freedom to operate.

ISA Experience participants are:
·         Kellie Blair, Dayton
·         Chris Gaesser, Corning
·         Darcy Maulsby, Yetter
·         Chad Pontier, Osceola
·         Brent Renner, Klemme
·         Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg
·         Pat Swanson, Ottumwa
·         Mark Vosika, Pocahontas
·         Dave Walton, Wilton

“The program is an ideal way for participants to understand the mission, goal, programs and influence of the association and its structure and governance,” said ISA producer services director Heather Lilienthal. “We anticipate that participants will come away from the experience seeking new ways to serve the soybean industry including long-term involvement in the ISA.”

The pilot program kicked off Feb. 18 in Ames in conjunction with ISA’s annual Research Conference.

Discussions appropriately focused on supply production and research. Ed Anderson, ISA senior director of supply and production systems, explained how ISA’s analytics, Environmental Programs and Services and On-Farm Network® teams coordinate their work to the benefit of farmers. He also provided an update on the association’s research partnerships including the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University.

Joe Merschman, president and CEO of Merschman Seeds, also participated in the inaugural meeting and offered unique insight into opportunities and challenges impacting farmers and seed and trait providers.

Merschman Seeds was established in 1954 by Bill and Bernice Merschman on the farm of Bill’s grandfather near West Point. What began as 20 acres of certified seed oats now encompasses growing, conditioning and distributing soybeans, corn, wheat, alfalfa and forage seeds.

“We’re proud to take part in an activity that’s furthering the leadership skills of farmers and positioning them to have a positive impact on the industry for generations to come,” Merschman said. 

The next leg of the ISA Experience will take place this spring. It will focus on policy issues and include a visit to the Iowa State Capitol.

ISA Experience sponsors are Bunge, Merschman Seeds and REG.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Up 2 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for December 2014 was 79.2 million head. This was up 2 percent from December 2013, and up slightly from December 2012. The breeding inventory, at 7.19 million head, was up 3 percent from a year ago and up 2 percent from 2012. Market hog inventory, at 72.0 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up slightly from 2012. The semi-annual pig crop, at 72.5 million head, was up 1 percent from 2013 but down 1 percent from 2012. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.03 million head, up 2 percent from last year but down 1 percent from 2012.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2014 was 66.1 million head. This was up 2 percent from December 1, 2013 and up 1 percent from September 1, 2014. The breeding inventory, at 5.97 million head, was up 4 percent from last year and up 1 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 60.1 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 29.4 million head, was up 4 percent from 2013 and up slightly from 2012. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 2.87 million head, up 3 percent from 2013 but down 1 percent from 2012. 

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on January 1, 2015 was 13.2 million head. This was up 2 percent from January 1, 2014 and up 4 percent from January 1, 2013. The breeding inventory, at 1.22 million head, was up slightly from last year and up 1 percent from 2013. Market hog inventory, at 11.9 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 5 percent from 2013. The semi-annual pig crop, at 13.6 million head, was up 1 percent from 2014 but down 4 percent from 2013. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.26 million head, up 1 percent from last year but down 4 percent from 2013.



United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Up 1 Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 101.7 million head on January 1, 2015, up 1 percent from the 100.7 million on January 1, 2014. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 43.8 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago.
                       
All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2015, totaled 89.8 million head, 1 percent above the 88.5 million on January 1, 2014. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.0 million head, were up 2 percent from a year ago.

All cattle and calves in Canada as of January 1, 2015, totaled 11.9 million head, down 2 percent from the 12.2 million on January 1, 2014. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 4.78 million, were down 2 percent from a year ago.



United States and Canadian Sheep Inventory Up Slightly

All sheep and lambs in the United States and Canada combined totaled 6.14 million head on January 1, 2015, up slightly from the 6.12 million on January 1, 2014. Breeding sheep, at 4.58 million head, were up slightly from a year ago and market sheep and lambs, at 1.56 million head, were down slightly from last year.
                       
All sheep and lambs in the United States as of January 1, 2015, totaled 5.28 million head, 1 percent above the 5.25 million head on January 1, 2014. Breeding sheep, at 3.94 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago, while market sheep and lambs, at 1.35 million head, were unchanged from last year.

All sheep and lambs in Canada as of January 1, 2015, totaled 859 thousand head, down 2 percent from last year's number of 875 thousand. Breeding sheep, at 648 thousand head, were down 2 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs, at 211 thousand head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.



FDA Analysis Demonstrates U.S. Milk Supply is Safe from Drug Residues

A new report released Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration underscores the safety of the nation’s milk supply, and demonstrates that the regulations to keep drug residues out of milk are effective in protecting the public health, the National Milk Producers Federation said today in reaction to the FDA survey.

The milk survey was released by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, which sampled the raw milk from nearly 2,000 dairy farms in 2012, and conducted extensive laboratory testing on each milk sample for 31 different pharmaceutical compounds. It found that more than 99 percent of the samples were free of residues, “underscoring the safety of the milk supply,” according to the FDA.

“This report proves that America’s dairy farmers are delivering on our commitment to providing safe and wholesome milk to consumers, while working closely with state and federal regulators to continually improve the safety of our products,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Dairy farmers have a strong track record of compliance with state and federal milk safety regulations, and we support education and enforcement efforts to further strengthen that record.”

The FDA’s objective in the 2012 survey was to determine if those dairy farms with previous drug residue violations in market-bound meat were also producing milk that contained residues. A small number of dairy farms have been cited by regulators over the years for being in violation of existing standards for antibiotic and other drug residues in animal carcasses at meat processing facilities.

The FDA survey involved the confidential collection of milk samples from 953 dairy farms with a previous tissue residue violation, and another 959 randomly selected samples.

The residue testing was conducted on raw milk from the farm, not on milk that had gone through the protocols in place further down the processing chain to keep antibiotics out of the milk supply. This was not an analysis of processed, retail-bound dairy products that reached consumers. The FDA conducts approximately 40,000 separate antibiotic residue tests of retail-ready dairy products annually, and has detected zero positives in the past four years.

The report found 15 confirmed positive samples out of 1,912 tested, or 0.7%. There was no statistically significant difference in the results when comparing the target farm group with the random samples. The FDA said the results “are encouraging and indicate that the current system of regulatory oversight results in high rates of industry compliance. The FDA remains confident in the overall safety of the U.S. milk supply.”

According to Mulhern, the findings “are a positive affirmation of our milk safety in the U.S., although we still need continued education among farmers, veterinarians, and pharmaceutical companies, and a need for continued outreach on how to prevent trace levels of residues in the future. This is a shared responsibility among all of us who are committed to continuing to provide people with a safe, healthy product.

“We want to continuously improve the demonstrably-effective processes already in place to keep antibiotics out of milk. These results are great, but we still are aiming for zero positives in the future.”



Federal Farm Credit Banks' Net Income Rose Last Year

Combined net income for banks in the Farm Credit system increased $84 million or 1.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared with the prior year. The increase resulted primarily from increases in net interest income of $130 million and noninterest income of $79 million, partially offset by a provision for loan losses of $40 million, as compared with a loan loss reversal of $31 million for 2013, and an increase in noninterest expense of $54 million.

Net interest income increased $130 million or 1.9% to $6.804 billion for 2014, as compared with $6.674 billion for the prior year. The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from a higher level of average earning assets, driven largely by increased loan volume and, to a lesser extent, growth in the investment portfolio. Average earning assets grew $17.151 billion or 7.1% to $257.386 billion for 2014, as compared with the prior year.

Net interest margin decreased 14 basis points to 2.64% for 2014, as compared with 2.78% for 2013. The decline in the net interest margin was due to a decrease in the net interest spread of 14 basis points to 2.50% for 2014, as compared with 2.64% for 2013. The decline in the net interest spread resulted primarily from lower lending spreads due to competitive pressures, greater average loan volume in lower spread lines of business and a lesser amount of debt being called. The Banks called debt totaling $19.0 billion for 2014, as compared with $24.3 billion for 2013.



NAWG President Blankenship Attends White House Briefing

On Tuesday, the National Association of Wheat Grower’s newly elected president Brett Blankenship attended a briefing at the White House with senior Administration officials to discuss President Obama’s export and international trade agenda. Among the senior administration officials present were Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Ambassador Darci Vetter, who serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator and U.S. Trade Representative. The briefing stressed the importance international trade holds in the future of American agriculture. In order to secure trade with Asian countries, the president requires Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to secure a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) treaty. The TPP is key to a strategic pivot to Asia as the Asian middleclass continues to grow. The TPP covers a vital region for wheat exports, and will become a powerful model for future agreements. The U.S. needs to be in the lead on this trade agreement, which will encompass 40 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. NAWG supports the passage of TPA, the signing of TPP, and an expansion of international trade because many wheat growers’ bottom-lines are dependent upon Asian trade. It is imperative that the U.S. Congress help create the policy climate for the TPP to move forward.



Senate Bill Introduced that would Provide Ag Industry Transportation Relief
Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced bi-partisan and bi-cameral legislation that would eliminate the burdensome regulation that requires agriculture industry professionals to obtain a hazardous material endorsement before transporting diesel fuel critical for a number of agricultural operations. The Senators’ legislation exempts agribusiness participants from the requirement to obtain a hazardous material endorsement, while operating a service vehicle carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, if the tank containing diesel fuel is clearly marked. Exempted parties include all custom harvesters, agriculture retailers, agriculture business employees, agriculture cooperative employees, or agriculture producers who hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Under current regulations, any driver transporting more than 119 gallons of diesel fuel is required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement on their Class A CDL.



Soy Growers Support Fuel Tank Exemption for Farmers

The American Soybean Association joined 20 other agricultural organizations in a letter supporting legislation to eliminate a regulation that requires agriculture industry professionals to obtain a hazardous material endorsement before transporting diesel fuel for agricultural operations.

U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and by Representatives Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) are introducing the legislation.

The legislation exempts farmers and agribusiness participants from the requirement to obtain a hazardous material endorsement, while operating a service vehicle carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, if the tank containing diesel fuel is clearly marked. Under current regulations, any driver transporting more than 119 gallons of diesel fuel is required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement on their Class A CDL.  The legislation was introduced in the last Congress, but was not enacted.

Exempted parties would include all custom harvesters, agriculture retailers, agriculture business employees, agriculture cooperative employees, or agriculture producers who hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).




Korea Experiences Record Corn Imports, Buying Majority From United States
Byong Ryol Min, U.S. Grains Council Director, Korea

Korea’s corn imports reached an all-time high of 10.2 million metric tons (401.6 million bushels) in 2014, with imports of coarse grains and other feed ingredients also climbing to a new record of 12.7 million tons (500 million bushels). Of feed corn imports, which make up 80 percent of Korea’s total corn imports, a majority - 53 percent - was from the United States.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has been active in Korea since opening an office there in 1972. USGC programs have been instrumental in the growth of the Korean animal agriculture and corn processing industries.

The impressive growth of the Korean economy and achievements of its agricultural industry have enabled the Council to engage in a complete range of initiatives, including value-added production promotion and biotechnology education as well as engaging with industry and government officials to promote open market policies.

While this isn’t a record amount of U.S. corn imports to the country, it is significant because Korea is a sophisticated market that will shift quickly to use the most price-competitive ingredients. As a result, U.S. market share of Korea coarse grain imports has fluctuated widely from 98 percent to 2 percent depending on supply and demand factors.

The Council will continue to sustain and when possible increase the U.S. market share in Korea’s coarse grains and co-products import markets through customized trade servicing, educating importers on U.S. advantages, and touting the benefits of doing business with the United States. We will also continue to educate Korean buyers on grain marketing and export inspection systems and providing them with timely market and technical intelligence.



BASF gathers stakeholders from the entire value chain to discuss future of food

As part of the co-creation activities that landmark its 150th anniversary year, BASF hosted a two-day Creator SpaceTM jamming event in Washington, D.C. to discuss the “future of food.” This event brought together more than 30 stakeholders from the entire food value chain including farmers, academics, food manufacturers and logistic companies. The attendees discussed long-term challenges and far-future trends that may impact the food value chain in the years to come.

During the jamming session, participants brainstormed ideas on topics such as affordability and access to food, personalized nutrition, transparency for consumers and food waste.

“The future of food is complex. The themes that have come out here are inter-related and interdependent, and the complexities associated with them are major. The jamming session is an innovative way of identifying and creatively approaching the dialogue around these issues,” said Kyle Marinkovich, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Cargill Specialty Seeds & Oils, who participated in the event.

All ideas were condensed into three future scenarios: Brazil without water, personal “food-print”, and meat as a luxury item. This approach opens up a new dimension in understanding the needs related to food. The scenarios will be further discussed and refined to help find lasting contributions to society.

“We’ve confirmed during this event that once we team up with partners and work together along the food value chain, we can better understand, develop and then deliver technologies and solutions for the upcoming challenges,” emphasized Juergen Oldeweme, Senior Vice President, Global Product Safety and Regulatory Affairs, BASF Crop Protection.

“The beauty of this event is that we have this huge variety of people participating, from college professors to cattle farmers; all those different perspectives are absolutely amazing. We tend to work in our own fields and don’t see all the other topics that are being raised in a gathering like this one,” summarized Josef Appel, Vice President Global Field Development, BASF Bioscience Research. 

“We can only meet the challenge of nourishing nine billion people in 2050 if we collaborate. We need to explore what true value contribution in the food value chain means and replace the concept of just adding more with an approach of delivering more from less,” concluded Saori Dubourg, President BASF Nutrition and Health Division.

The event was jointly hosted by BASF’s Nutrition and Health division, the Crop Protection division and the Bioscience Research division. The concept demonstrates how BASF has evolved from a classical manufacturer to a creator of solutions for global challenges.

As a next step, BASF will host a co-creation workshop in Chicago in June with the aim of turning the experts’ insights into new projects and initiatives to support the future of food.