Agricultural Trade Conference to Address Challenges and Opportunities for Global Agricultural and Forestry Exports

Oct 12, 2023

By Melissa Vidmar

The conference is in partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and Port of Virginia.

The one-day event will bring producers, agribusinesses, exporters, land-grant university leadership, government officials, policymakers, distinguished guests, and agriculture students together.

The conference helps prepare the next generation of Virginia agriculture and forestry leaders and provides stakeholders with enriched discussions and insights into the industry's issues and challenges.

Virginia Tech impacts Virginia’s agriculture industry by producing and disseminating relevant research at its Blacksburg campus and throughout the state at various Agricultural Research and Extension Centers and through Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Keynote speakers include

Matthew Lohr, secretary of agriculture and forestry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, welcome address
Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, agricultural trade and domestic policy update
Daniel Whitley, administrator of the Foreign Agricultural, U.S. trade priorities

Panel discussions include

Growing Virginia Agricultural Exports
Opportunities in Africa
Renewable Fuels, to include panel member and alumnus Owen Wagner

“The global economy is a critical marketing segment for Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industry,” said Jason Grant, the W.G. Wysor Professor of Agriculture and director of the Virginia Tech Center for Agricultural Trade. “The conference will provide an outlet for participants to discuss a shared vision on these impactful topics.”

Source : vt.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.