Outsider influence in food and farming is growing, and the animal agriculture community is often pitted against those claiming the food system is “broken.” Ray Starling, author and attorney, will consider why this seems to be the case and what we can do to safeguard the future at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 Stakeholders Summit, themed “Partners in Progress” and set for May 4–5 in Arlington, Virginia. Starling’s new book, “Farmers Versus Foodies,” is available to attendees to purchase at a discounted rate during registration. An initial agenda has been posted on the event website, and early registration discounts are available through March 10. Save a seat here.

In his keynote, Starling will discuss what he calls the “farmer versus foodie conundrum” that has the potential to impact food security for generations to come. On one side are “insiders” who understand the food system and are proud of it. On the other side are “outsiders” who champion the in-vogue notion that the food system is “broken.” In his keynote session, Starling will examine:

  • How “foodies” are impacting public policy through their purchasing influence and through growing legislative prowess
  • How advocates are leveraging the legal system to effectuate their desired outcomes, with farming interests typically on the other side
  • How optimistic, socially conscious investors are, even if misguided, driving tremendous change in food and farming
  • How American farmers and ranchers are not just susceptible to the American “foodies” but to “foodies” around the world
  • How today’s cultural trends offer an environment in which many ill-advised ideas about farming and agribusiness can flourish

“The future of the food system continues to be an area of growing discussion – with policymakers, investors, food brands, and consumers alike joining the dialog,” said Abby Kornegay, manager, issues and engagement at the Animal Agriculture Alliance. “There are continued calls for food system transformation and reform from those not directly involved in the production of our food, and the differing views and visions for the future of farming and food production will likely take us to two very different places. Starling’s keynote session will provide insight into this disconnect between farmers and ‘foodies’ and how the food and farming communities can bridge the gap.”

Photo of Ray Starling, former presidential agriculture advisorRay Starling, former presidential agriculture advisor. Photo courtesy of the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

 

As general counsel of the North Carolina Chamber and president of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute, Starling sets strategy for litigation. He also serves as the lead for public policy development functions of the chamber, assessing and advising on current and emerging laws, rulings and regulations affecting the chamber and business in North Carolina. Prior to joining the North Carolina Chamber team, Starling served as chief of staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and principal agriculture advisor to the president of the United States. Starling grew up on a century farm in Southeastern North Carolina and credits that experience as having more to do with his career path than any other influence or opportunity.

Check the summit website for the most up-to-date information. Follow the hashtag #AAA23 for periodic updates about the event, too. For general questions about the summit, please contact summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

Get involved

Show support for the alliance’s premier event by becoming an official summit sponsor. For 2023 sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://animalagalliance.org/initiatives/stakeholders-summit/. For more information, contact Hannah Thompson-Weeman at hthompson@animalagalliance.org. 

The Animal Agriculture Alliance thanks its 2023 Summit sponsors: Farm Journal, MEAT + POULTRY, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, Watt Global Media, American Feed Industry Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Board, Smithfield, United Soybean Board, Dairy MAX, Farm Credit, United Egg Producers, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Veal Association, Bayer, Cobb-Vantress Inc., Kemin, National Chicken Council, Progressive Dairy, Protect the Harvest and Trans Ova Genetics.

The alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of the summit and other alliance programs: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Zoetis, Aviagen Group, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cargill, C.O.nxt, Dairy Farmers of America, Diamond V, Genus PLC – PIC/ABS, Hendrix Genetics, Hy-Line North America LLC, Iowa Soybean Association, JBS, Kanas Soybean Commission, Merck Animal Health, Midwest Dairy, National Turkey Federation, Nutrien, Provimi North America Inc., Seaboard Foods and Tyson.