The rise of social media and new technologies are giving activists with fear-based claims a broader reach than ever before. From GMOs and antibiotics to emerging technologies like gene editing, understanding the issues that are influencing consumers’ food-buying decisions is critical to protecting and sustaining your dairy business now and for generations to come.
The 2017 PDPW Food & Policy Summit, presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW), will bring together a full slate of leading scientists, policy experts, and other industry specialists to provide an inside look on the issues, technologies and debate that surrounds our industry. Innovative dairy farm owners, industry CEOs, food system executives and key decision makers and thought leaders from across the food value chain will join in the discussions to learn how to engage consumers in a credible, transparent way.
The Food & Policy Summit will provide important insights in the perceptions that consumers have of modern farming, the science behind key issues, and how to be more credible and transparent in telling the farmer’s story.
The two-day collaborative event held at the Sheraton Hotel, Madison, Wis., and will run from 1:00 to 7:15 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 6, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thu., Dec. 7, and is open for one-day or two-day registration.
Day 1, Wed., Dec. 6 will focus on today’s social and policy environment, including how economic, media and clean food trends are influencing modern consumers. Highlights include:
- Understand efforts to build demand in Wisconsin and around the globe, as well as how trade agreements, economic and political trends impact dairy markets in presentations from Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board CEO Chad Vincent and U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Matt McKnight;
- A review of recent consumer research by the Center for Food Integrity that digs into the most influential audiences, their attitudes and the reasons behind their food-buying decisions, presented by Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity.
- Learn how television, radio and newspaper media look at potential news stories, including how reporters and editors determine what resources are valuable and credible. The panel discussion of non-ag media will include television and radio personality Katrina Cravy; and former manager of the Associated press, Michelle Johnson
- The evening session will include a reception featuring Wisconsin cheese and beverages, then a viewing of the new “Food Evolution” documentary film. Food Evolution is narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson and delves into the science behind genetic engineering and challenges of feeding a growing world population. Co-star Dr. Allison Van Eenennaam will participate in the discussion about technology, our farms, and the future of agriculture.
Day 2, Thu., Dec. 7, world-class scientists will lead attendees through the data and research behind several of the hottest topics in dairy and livestock production today:
- Dr. Allison Van Eenennamm, Cooperative Extension Specialist in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology at the University of California-Davis, will review science behind genetic editing and results of research to develop polled Holstein dairy cows.
- Take a scientific view the global demand for dairy and its impact on the planet, including false claims about emissions in a high impact presentation by Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist in Cooperative Extension at the University of California-Davis.
- Dr. Randy Singer, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, will lead a deep dive into the science behind antibiotic use, management and residue avoidance and uncover solutions for both food production and human medicine.
- The results of private well analysis in northeastern Wisconsin, including source of fecal contamination and risk factors will be presented by Dr. Mark Borchardt, USDA Research Microbiologist who and lead scientist of the study.
- A round table discussion with the experts will give participants the opportunity to drive the discussion deeper with questions for the day’s presenters.
To learn more about the program and to register, visit www.pdpw.org or contact PDPW at 1-800-947-7379 or to follow on social media with #FoodandPolicy2017.
The PDPW Food & Policy Summit is an accredited training and offers up to 11.4 continuing education (CE) credits are available to UW-School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM) and up to 9.0 Dairy AdvanCE CE credits. To learn more or secure credits, visit www.DairyAdvance.org.
