What Does the Future of Animal Agriculture Look Like?

The 2011 Summit’s theme – “United We Eat: Securing Animal Agriculture’s Future” – will bring together leaders from across the food chain to discuss new ways that industry stakeholders can work cooperatively to educate consumers about food production while meeting ever-increasing global food demand.

Featured speakers include Senator Pat Roberts, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Dr. Frank Mitloehner, the UC Davis scientist who pointed out important flaws in the UN’s report on livestock’s contribution to climate change. Dr. Frank Luntz, a highly esteemed political consultant and author, will help attendees understand that when it comes to talking about agriculture with consumers- “it’s not what you say, it’s what people hear”. The event will also include panel discussions to explore common activist campaigns and tactics against animal agriculture and strategies to protect farmers and ranchers at the state level. Here’s what attendees of last year’s Summit had to say:

“Thought provoking, insightful speakers and discussion.”
” Fantastic learning opportunity!”
“Jam-packed with information.”
“Energizing!”
“Excellent opportunity to network and exchange ideas.”

For a second year, the Summit will be held at The Westin Arlington Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Attendees should book rooms in the “Animal Agriculture Alliance” block at the special rate of $239 by visiting the hotel’s website or by calling (703) 717-6200. Early registration for the one-and-a-half day event is $325 for Alliance members and $375 for non-members. The Alliance is offering a special rate of $275 for those in government or academia. Registration materials are available at www.animalagalliance.org/register- click on the “tickets” tab to get started. Early hotel and conference registration are due by April 16.

New for 2011, the Alliance is offering a special adjunct Farm Security Workshop immediately following the Summit’s conclusion on May 6. Titled “Protect Your Business from the Inside Out”, this unique and timely training session will feature presentations from security experts, law enforcement, and seasoned media professionals. Experts will examine case studies of farms that have been targeted by activists. This special event is offered for an additional fee of just
$50- registration is available at www.animalagalliance.org/register.

All registration materials must be submitted in advance of the Summit. Credentialed media are invited to attend the Summit but must sign up online. Please note that the adjunct workshop will be open to stakeholders only- no media.

The Summit is fast approaching, but there is still time for agriculture supporters to get involved! Individuals and companies are invited to help ensure the success of this important event by sponsoring a Summit workshop, contributing to the College Aggies Online scholarship fund, or by donating items to the Silent Auction, which funds the Alliance’s internship program. All donations are tax-deductible. Sponsorship levels are available here.

Current sponsors include the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Murphy-Brown LLC, Provimi North America, Pfizer Animal Health, Hy-Line, the American Feed
Industry Association, Bayer Animal Health, Cargill, the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, Potash Corporation, The Beef Checkoff, Cactus Feeders, Diamond V Mills, PIC, Feedstuffs Foodlink, Watt Publishing, Brakke Consulting, and Trufflemedia Networks.

For additional Summit information, contact the Animal Agriculture Alliance at (703) 562-5160 or summit@animalagalliance.org. Receive the latest Summit updates on Twitter by searching “#AAA11” or by visiting the Alliance’s Facebook page.