Washington, DC - Early bird registration is now open for the 95th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), the largest annual meeting of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This two-day event will take place on Feb. 21-22, 2019, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

This year’s forum, which is being held under the theme “Growing Locally, Selling Globally,” highlights current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets. It offers a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Concurrent sessions will explore topics such as global trade trends, innovations in agriculture, developments in animal and crop biotechnology, frontiers in conservation, and outlooks for food and commodity markets. An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations. Last year, nearly 1,600 stakeholders attended the forum.

“Agricultural business, research, and policy are constantly evolving,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “It is very important to get our public and private stakeholders together to make connections, share knowledge, and highlight innovations in addressing current and future challenges to agriculture.”

Speakers at the 2019 forum will include U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and other senior USDA officials; guest speakers from the agricultural sector; and plenary sessions with agricultural industry leaders. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson will present the 2019 Economic Outlook for Agriculture.

Future Leaders in Agriculture Program

The USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program selects 30 undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture-related studies for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. During their visit, students take part in a USDA briefing, discuss career opportunities with agriculture leaders in academia, government, and industry, attend the forum, and tour the nation’s capital. Winners receive free registration, transportation, and lodging. Apply today (PDF, 109 KB) for this real-world training experience in agribusiness, scientific research, and agricultural policy.

Pre-Forum Field Trip

The USDA offers a pre-forum field trip for early arrivals. This year’s trip will focus on urban agriculture. It will feature a local urban farm enterprise and a visit with scientists who conduct research on microgreens, locally adapted fruit varieties and other urban farming topics at USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. A nominal fee covers transportation and a boxed lunch.

Visit the Agricultural Outlook Forum website to register, reserve discounted room rates, join the pre-forum field trip, or apply for the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program.