Pennsylvania Ag Connection - Global Food Security Key Topic at World Ag Expo

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Global Food Security Key Topic at World Ag Expo
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 02/09/2016

The challenge of feeding a growing universal population with the difficulties of climate extremes and expanding urbanization requires sound policies to ensure food security around the world.

The Farm Journal Foundation, based in Pennsylvania, welcomes key panelists to discuss global food security and agriculture policies during the "Global Food Security Forum" Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Banquet Hall of the Heritage complex on the grounds of the World Ag Expo.

Dr. Stephanie Mercier will introduce the session, which will include special guest U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden. California Cattle producer Jesse Larios of Foster Feed Yard and Associate Director of the Institute for Food and Agriculture at Fresno State University Bill Erysian, PhD along with other key leaders.

"I've met many inspirational farmers from around the world, and while the languages we speak, the crops we grow, and the production methods we use may differ, one thing rings true in every conversation: we share the same passions and the same challenges in feeding a growing world population," said Krysta Harden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Read more here.

The lead farmer for the California Farm Journal Foundation Farm Team and local cattleman, Jesse Larios, will share his perspective as a local producer. "I am very thankful to belong to this great group of farmers that are leading the fight on something I hold close to my heart: Fighting Hunger. In this day and age Hunger is just morally incorrect. With today's advances, no one should sleep hungry."

"Education is central to global food security. Including agriculture education for our own armed forces working around the globe side by side with local producers," says Dr. Bill Erysian. "Discussions like this are vital to getting the word out."

At the Global Food Security Forum, members of the local and global farm community will hear from policymakers and thought leaders about the important role U.S. agriculture can and must play in ensuring the world produces enough food to feed an ever-growing population.

Featured presenters and panelists include:

-- Krysta Harden, deputy secretary of agriculture

-- Dr. Stephanie Mercier, Farm Journal Foundation

-- Jesse Larios, Foster Feed Yard, Brawley, Calif.

-- Dr. Bill Erysian, California State University, Fresno

-- Gary Van Sickle, executive director, California Specialty Crop Council

-- Tomas Oliva, senior field representative for Rep. Juan Vargas

The Farm Journal Foundation is sponsoring this event. The foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining agriculture's ability to serve the vital needs of a growing world population with education and empowerment.

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