The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) was represented at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 101st Agriculture Outlook Forum last week by Kerri Marbut, Coordinator of Government Affairs. The annual event, held in Washington, D.C., brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss key issues shaping the future of agriculture and trade.
The forum featured a variety of sessions addressing critical topics, including trade policy, food safety, and market diversification:
Trade Policy Outlook – Gregg Doud, President of the National Milk Producers Federation and former U.S. Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator, provided insights into the global trade landscape and potential opportunities and challenges ahead.
2025 Agricultural Economic & Foreign Trade Outlook – USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer shared preliminary forecasts for the upcoming year, highlighting economic trends and trade expectations.
Diversifying U.S. Agricultural Trade – Stakeholders from the Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, and the Northwest Horticultural Council discussed finding opportunities beyond the primary markets, helping the agricultural sector stay resilient in the face of changes such as geopolitical shifts or fluctuations in demand.
Food Safety in Modern Supply Chains – Experts from FMI, Sysco, and the University of Maryland Extension service examined challenges in ensuring food safety across complex supply chains, including traceability and wholesale distribution.
GCCA remains engaged in discussions that impact the global movement of perishable goods and committed to advocating for policies that enhance supply chain efficiency, ensure food safety, and promote trade diversification. As agricultural trade and regulatory landscapes continue to evolve, GCCA will monitor developments and work with policymakers to advance solutions that benefit the cold chain industry and the broader food and agriculture sectors.
Published Date
March 4, 2025