Farm Foundation will release its report on the project, The Future of Animal Agriculture in North America, at three events:
April 18, noon to 2 p.m., National Press Club, Washington D.C.
April 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Auditorio Lerdo de Tejada en el Senado, Mexico City, Mexico, and
April 21, 1 to 3 p.m, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.

This report results from a partnership between Farm Foundation, government agencies, industry groups, other nonprofit organizations and foundations, and the academic community.   Prepared over the last 18 months by more than 150 individuals from Canada, Mexico and the United States, this report examines the opportunities and challenges facing North America’s livestock sector, the driving forces behind these opportunities and challenges, and their potential consequences over the long term. 

The report proposes key policy alternatives and business strategies for change and analyzes their potential impacts on stakeholders.  It identifies the gaps in our knowledge and sets forth a research and policy agenda for the future.  The objective is to give all stakeholders a clear understanding of the current state of the industry, a glimpse into the future, ideas for change and their potential consequences, and an inventory of issues that need further research, industry actions or government policy.

Animal agriculture is undergoing fundamental change. Technology and production economics are moving the industry toward fewer and larger production units. Concerns about environmental quality are pressuring the industry to find new ways to manage waste. Animal disease and other food safety concerns are forcing the industry to develop better linkages and ways to trace animal products from the farm to the plate. Open markets are being replaced by contracts and other ways to convey critical information through the food chain. There is growing concern that some segments of the industry may move off shore to reduce costs.

This change is not limited to any particular size or type of livestock operation, nor is it limited to the farm. Every facet of the animal food chain - from genetics to retailer and food service outlet - is trying to adjust to the rapid pace of change. The consolidation of the industry has left many rural communities without a viable animal agriculture industry, while a few communities have experienced rapid expansion of the industry with associated environmental and social pressures.

While many government, industry and academic groups have done major studies of some facets of this changing industry, no organization has compiled a neutral, comprehensive assessment of the future of animal agriculture in North America. Farm Foundation provided the leadership to accomplish such an assessment.

Project Objectives/Goals
1. Provide industry, government and community leaders with useful information targeted to the issues they will face in the near future;
2. Identify gaps in our knowledge and develop an agenda for research and education to fill those gaps;
3. Communicate key findings to the media and opinion leaders to increase public awareness and understanding of these issues; and
4. Engage private and public decision makers to address these challenges with innovative business strategies and public policies.

Farm Foundation does not lobby or take positions on specific policy issues. Our goal with this project is to provide relevant/objective information, stimulate creative thinking and initiate a process that leads to resolution of some of the complex technical, regulatory and social challenges facing animal agriculture in North America.

Project Structure
Farm Foundation developed an initial white paper to summarize the challenges facing the industry and provide background information for project discussions. Through a workshop in December 2004, and subsequent discussions with government, industry and special-interest group leaders refined the issues and challenges that needed to be examined.

The project is directed by a Steering Committee organized by Farm Foundation and representative of the broad spectrum of those interested in and concerned about animal agriculture. The project was organized around seven Working Groups:

Each Working Group is comprised of individuals representing a broad spectrum of interests in the animal agriculture industry, government and community/non-agricultural interest groups. An academic chair serves as the lead writer/researcher of each Working Group.

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