Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

The Department of Agriculture Monday announced details of the 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, which will be held virtually on February 18-19, 2021.  The 2021 Forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience,” will focus on the central role science and innovation have played in helping agriculture 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, Dr. Seth Meyer, on the Department’s outlook for U.S. commodity markets and trade for 2021 and U.S. farm income. A keynote address by the incoming Agriculture Secretary, presentations by Congressional leaders, and a session on genetic literacy are also scheduled on the first day of the Forum. The program will also cover five key areas, including supply chain resilience, food price and farm income outlooks, trade, managing risks, and finally, innovation. The 2021 Forum is expected to bring together more than 3,000 participants. The Forum’s program includes more than 30 sessions and 100 expert speakers.