From the farm gate to dinner plate, our food system is experiencing an unprecedented rate of change, and shifting consumer preferences are part of what is driving this evolution. Danielle Cummins, senior intelligence analyst at Aimpoint Research, will share the five macro forces that are transforming consumer purchasing habits at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 Stakeholders Summit. The event, themed “Partners in Progress: Building a Sustainable Future for Animal Ag,” is set for May 4–5 in Arlington, Virginia. The summit agenda has been posted on the event website, and early registration discounts are available through March 10. Save a seat.

Propelled by five macro forces, the next generations of consumers are completely transforming the way we relate to brands, products and the environment. Combined, these five macro focuses are leading to a rise in "food consciousness" not only across continents, but across all generations. During her summit session, Cummins will discuss how, in a time of rapid transformation, the entire food system will need to determine how to maintain relevance. Cummins will also share how restaurants, retailers, distributors, food processors, farmers and all businesses involved in the agri-food value chain can be vigilant, adaptable, innovative and proactive when it comes to building relationships and meeting consumer demands, including creating visibility from field to shelf.

“Consumer purchasing habits continue to change year-over-year and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Emily Solis, manager, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “Historically, younger generations are the ones that drive change, and Generation Z is no exception. Based on a study from Aimpoint Research, [summit] attendees will learn about the forces driving this change and be enlightened on the current trends we’re seeing manifest in the marketplace – and most importantly, how they can take action to secure their place on consumers’ plates.”

Cummins brings an immense amount of experience in the agri-food community to her role at Aimpoint Research, a global strategic intelligence firm. Cummins uses both her personal and career experience in agri-food to help clients on a wide variety of projects. Her expertise in dairy, fruit, and crop production serves clients in those areas of business, in addition to her valuable insight on crop insurance, policy and regulation. Prior to joining the Aimpoint team, Cummins has worked for two members of Congress, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The National Association of Conservation Districts and Farm Credit East. She grew up in New York learning about the dairy community and specialty crops.

Summit attendees can secure a discounted hotel rate at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View by booking before April 11. All summit events will be held at that hotel. Reserve a hotel room here. Check the summit website for the most up-to-date information, and follow the hashtag #AAA23 for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the summit, please contact summit@animalagalliance.org or call 703-562-5160.

Photo contest
Farmers, ranchers, dietitians or allies of the animal agriculture community who would like a free registration to the 2023 Stakeholders Summit can enter a photo contest. Share a favorite food or farming photo that you've taken for the chance to win. A professional print of the photo may even be sold to the highest bidder at the Animal Agriculture Alliance's annual Silent Auction to benefit the College Aggies Online program. Full details are available here: https://animalagalliance.org/resource/stakeholders-summit-photo-contest/.

Refer-a-friend

Help spread the word about the summit. If you refer a friend to attend the 2023 Summit who has never attended a previous summit and they list your name as the person who recommended them when they register for the event, you will both be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card. Each referral will count as one entry, and there is no limit on the number of entries for referrers. The Animal Agriculture Alliance will give away two $100 gift cards during the summit — one drawing for referrers and one drawing for those who were referred. All registrations for the in-person event with a referral listed — made until online registration closes on May 1 — will be entered. Both the referrer and the person referred must be registered to claim the gift card.

Sponsorship

Show support for the alliance’s premier event by becoming an official summit sponsor. For 2023 sponsorship opportunities, 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, Mountaire Farms, United Egg Producers, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Veal Association, Bayer Crop Science, Cal-Maine Foods, Cobb-Vantress Inc., Kemin, National Chicken Council, Progressive Dairy, Protect the Harvest, Trans Ova Genetics, Vivayic, Eggland’s Best and North Carolina Farm Bureau.

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.

Source: Animal Agriculture Alliance