From multi-year droughts in the West, hurricanes in the South, unprecedented snowfall in the East, and repeated flooding in the Midwest, volatility has defined American agriculture for several years. At
the same time, net farm income is expected to decline in 2026 while the majority of US farms operate on tight margins, relying heavily on federal support programs to stay viable.
Add to this an ageing farmer population (the average US farmer is nearly 60 years old), and ongoing labour shortages, and it becomes clear: resilience is no longer theoretical but a daily operational challenge for the producers on whom the food and beverage system depend on.
In this opening session, we will hear directly from a farmer on what resilience really looks like on the ground.
We will highlight what must change across the value chain to ensure American agriculture remains productive, profitable and secure for the next generation:
- Practical, on-farm investments – from soil health and water management to diversification- that reduce volatility and improve long-term profitability
- Where current risk management tools- crop insurance, conservation programs, federal support are helping, and where they are falling short
- How buyers, brands and lenders can better share risk with the farmer
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
