Sustainability Initiatives Offer Opportunity

One of the most talked about in agribusiness today is sustainability.  Beginning with, what exactly does the term encompass and then the many variations of the topic.  Many agribusiness companies have already developed their sustainability plan and one of the emerging issues for Capitol Hill ag policy circles  will be USDA’s plan to address the issue.

The Agricultural Business Council’s May 13 will feature a panel of experts sharing their different perspectives.  Leading off the panel with the featured presentation will be Bill Hohenstein, director, Office of Energy & Environmental Policy, Office of the Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  He will provide a big picture overview, discuss the Department’s goals, priorities and initiatives, and look at the political environment in the Nation’s Capitol.

The dairy sector has been at the forefront of assessing what sustainability means to that sector.  Barb O’Brien, president, Dairy Management Inc., will be part of the panel.  She will highlight the dairy industry’s initiatives and the role of consumer expectations.

Consumer attitudes will also be examined Philippa Cross, sustainability lead, Barkley.  Philippa does sustainability consulting for a number of brands through Barkley. Previously, she did sustainability work for Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s. She will bring a brand and consumer perspective.