NIAA Annual Conference Set For April 11-14

The 2011 Annual Conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, ‘Meeting Growing Production Demands with Integrity,’ is scheduled for April 11- 14 in San Antonio, Tex. The event will explore the growing necessity of involving consumers as stakeholders in food production.

It is estimated that by 2050 nearly twice as much food will be needed to feed the world’s growing population. As stakeholders, consumers need to have accurate and complete information on the many issues surrounding meat, dairy and fiber production in order to understand the importance of evolving production practices.

Presentations will include ‘The Overarching Demand for Food and Implications for Resource Use and Ecosystems’, by Frank Mitloehner, agriculture economist, University of California; ‘Food Security and the Implications of World Economic Conditions and the Role of Animal Agriculture’, by Terry Barr, senior director of industry research, CoBank; ‘Consumers' Perceptions and ‘Role in Understanding Current and 'Future Production Practices,’ by Charlie Arnot, Center for Food Integrity.

Other presentations scheduled include: ‘Internal Perspective on Initiatives to Increase Food Production Capabilities in Responsible Systems,’ by Peter Groot Koerkamp, professor in biosystems and interim professor in animal production systems, Wageningen University, Netherlands; 'Producers' Ability to Remain Profitable in the Midst of Increasing Production and Demand; Risks and Rewards,' by Ian Reece, Rabobank; 'Retailer/Food Service Perspectives on Production Methods and Systems,' by Molly McAdams, H-E-B Foods; 'Legal Challenges/Ramifications of Food Production Systems and Food Safety,' by Mark Anstoetter, Shook, Hardy & Bacon and 'Producer Perspectives/Initiatives on Increasing Food Production with Integrity,' by Clint Hickman, Hickman Family Farms.

Areas to be explored will include the elements of a stable food supply; food security; food safety; animal agriculture’s importance in the ecosystem; and effective ways to communicate with stakeholders.

With limited resources, it will be even more important that animal agriculture continue to produce food, milk and fiber in responsible and sustainable ways that meet consumers’ expectations.

A block of rooms are reserved at a special nightly rate of $117 for single and double occupancy until March 25. Reservations can be made online or by calling (800) 849-6664. When making reservations, verify the rate and advise the reservations agent that you are with the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Annual Conference.

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Source: NIAA

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