The Importance of Livestock Production and Animal Protein: the Western Hemisphere Perspective

In colaboration with the United States Dairy Export Council (USDEC) this Webinar will bring together expert perspectives from throughout the Western Hemisphere to debate some of the most pressing issues facing livestock production. The symposium will add to the body of knowledge illustrating the important role of animal production and animal protein in sustainable food systems. In addition to expert presentations, facilitated discussions with panelists will be offered to enhance audience interaction. The programing will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation to Spanish and Portuguese.

The expert presentations and comments from the audience will be compiled into a publication to be edited by IICA. The symposium will be webcast over two days — October 20-21—with six thematic sections. Internationally renowned experts will share their experiences, research and perspectives in the following thematic areas:

1. Sustainable Production: This thematic session will feature expert commentary on the drivers, opportunities and consequences of the food systems approach for animal production and animal-sourced foods. Particular attention will be placed on the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit. Sector specific initiates to enhance sustainable production will also be presented, including U.S. dairy environmental commitments and responsible practices for beef production.
2. Nutritional and Health Implications of Animal Protein: The important role of animal protein in a healthy, balanced diet will be explored in this thematic session. This includes unpacking the sometimes contradictory and often confusing advice about consuming animal-sourced foods. Experts will present on recent recommendations about dairy consumption presented in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans Scientific Report as well as scientific knowledge about meat consumption and health.
3. Farmer Perspectives & Priorities: This thematic session will illustrate the contributions of science-based animal care practices to helping producers feed the world sustainably, and the pride they take in contributing to global food security. Experts will discuss the intrinsic link between healthy animals, sustainable production and profitability.
4. Innovation, Research and Development to Support Sustainable Production: The session will explore the importance of developing and evaluating new technologies, tools and innovations to aid producers in producing more food for more people using less resources and at a lower cost. A central tenant underlying progress will be the importance of science and data driving decision-making, adoption and new best practice. Advances in animal nutrition and genetics will be featured.
5. Socio Economic Development and Livestock Farming in the Americas: The social and economic importance of livestock production in the Western Hemisphere will be examined in this thematic session. Experts will present both on the importance of livestock production to support economic development in rural communities as well as the role of international trade governed by science-based standards in helping farmers access new markets and produce safe foods.
6. Consumer Perceptions of Livestock Farming: Enhancing Understanding Now and in the Future - This last thematic session will provide strategies and tools for the livestock sector to enhance understanding and trust with consumers. At a time when consumers concerns about livestock production is often stoked by organizations that advocate a plant-only diet, it is essential that livestock producers focus on connecting with consumers. Priority will be placed on how to communicate about themes of greatest interest and how to better tell the story of the contributions of animal agriculture to sustainable food systems.

Objectives: 

• To share current scientific knowledge and expert perspectives on the important role of animal production and animal protein in a sustainable food system.
• To explore opportunities and challenges for the future.

Target Audience:

• Government officials, industry representatives, farmers, academia, members of civil society and media operators from IICA Member Countries.