C-FARE Webinar Nov. 1, 2019 — Local Food Procurement: A Catalyst for Small Farm Economics
There is growing evidence that household and commercial buyers are willing to pay a premium for local products. Families shop at farmers markets, school districts stock locally grown provisions, and restaurants curate seasonal menus in part to support the vitality of local growers. However, until now, there has not been ready research to gauge the impact of these trends. Join agricultural economists to discuss what it takes to make a successful local farm economy, weigh what effect new farming can have on rural development, and consider the impact “buy local” can have on farmers’ and ranchers’ viability.
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C-FARE Webinar Sept. 24, 2019 — A Growing Population: Hispanic Farmers in the Midwest
The nation’s farmland and farmers continue to decrease, but Hispanic farm operators are growing, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Census of Agriculture. Missing, however, are in-depth case studies that shed light on the diversity of livelihood strategies Hispanic farmers develop in the Midwest. As the nation’s agricultural industry continues to undergo demographic changes, it is critical that Hispanic farmers connect with the resources needed to be successful. The panel will probe why such farmers begin their own farming operations, what factors impact their success, and what networks of support they nurture. Research and funding opportunities can be designed in ways that promote networks bridging the divide between Hispanic agricultural enterprises and the organizations, institutions and policies that exist to support farming nationally.
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C-FARE Webinar Sept. 20, 2019 — Changes in the Multilateral Trading System: Impacts to U.S. Agriculture
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been a very successful system for the governance of international trade, progressively lowering tariffs and stimulating trade growth. Despite the fact that the United States played a significant role in establishing the WTO, as well as historically driving multiple rounds of trade negotiations, its current trade policy will notably change the global agricultural trading system. Unilateral implementation of tariffs by the United States has resulted in extensive international retaliation by competitors. Such countermeasures have targeted key U.S. agricultural exports such as soybeans, corn, wheat and processed pork. Future changes to U.S. trade policy, therefore, will impact U.S. agriculture in export markets, opportunities for U.S. competitors, and WTO dispute resolution.
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C-FARE Webinar Sept. 9, 2019 — Current Trends in U.S. Farm Income, Volatility, and Farmland Values
Over the last decade, the agricultural economy has changed dramatically, with consecutive year-on-year declines in farm income despite strong crop and livestock yields. There are indicators that this year farm income may hover around $70 billion — little more than half the income just six years earlier in 2013, $123.8 billion. This is due to several overarching economic issues. Producers continue to spend down cash savings and liquidate inventories. These factors and others are pushing many farmers out of farming. Analysts and researchers will discuss the current condition, approaches for communicating and assisting farmers, and the latest policy research and recommendations. Register today for this informative webinar!
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