|
April 28, 2005
Sponsored by USDA's Economic Research Service, Farm Foundation, Pennsylvania State University, and International Food and Agribusiness Management Association
The global food industry is constantly evolving, driven not only by changes in consumer preferences, but also by technology, new links forged between members of food supply chains, and prevailing government policies and business environments. In April, USDA and its partners are sponsoring a 1-day conference that will address policy and competitiveness issues facing the global food economy in an age marked by constant change.
The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, and representatives from U.S., foreign, and multinational food firms, the nonprofit sector, and higher education. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas and insights from current research, and provide new ideas for future research and action. Some specific issues addressed will include:
Firm competitiveness:
What does being competitive in a global market mean to individual food firms?
Do firm perspectives vary based on size, product focus, or country of origin?
Trade:
How do evolving global food supply chains influence food trade flows?
Does a globalized food industry promote growth or fragmentation of food trade?
Policy:
Do national food policies have a role in an increasingly global industry?
Do supply chain trends disadvantage smaller firms and lead to greater concentration?
If you have questions about the conference, please contact Cliola Peterson by email at cliolap@ers.usda.gov
or by phone at (202) 694-5141.
|
