[ACE 199 Experiential Study Tour to Washington, DC | Spring Break 2014]

We, the students of agribusiness leadership and policy, endured another long yet very exciting day in Washington DC. First on the schedule was an opportunity to talk to the Environmental Protection Agency. Paul Argyropoulos, Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Air and Radiation, discussed the important and complex process of interpreting the new Farm Bill, creating regulations, and managing the rule making process. Being provided with more detail into this difficult process helped the class understand the challenges that EPA faces and its resistance from external forces. Allison Weideman, Acting Agricultural Counselor to the Administrator, expanded on a variety of topics including the Waters of the U.S. rule under the Clean Water Act, public perception of the EPA and their involvement with stakeholders to insure the proper regulations are made for the ag industry.  Engagement in these discussions gave tremendous insight into some of the key issues in agriculture where EPA plays a role.
On a lighter and less serious note we proceeded to Mondelez International, one of the largest snack-making companies in the world. Brian Folkerts, Vice President of Governmental Affairs hosted snacks of all varieties made by Mondelez International and gave a presentation on the variety of markets around the world involving snack items produced using many of the agricultural commodities that some of our family farms produce. 

Shortly thereafter, we were able meet with the President and CEO of Renewable Fuels Association, Bob Dinneen who hosted us for lunch. The Renewable Fuels Association is dedicated to meeting the education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry. Mr. Dinneen discussed some of the details in developing ethanol as well as information about the markets involving renewable fuels. By engaging in meetings with the RFA and EPA, students were able to compare and contrast the goals of these organizations. 

As many of us in Agricultural Policy know, there is large demand to double food production for population growth as well feeding the hungry 870 million in underdeveloped nations. The U.S. Agency of International Development discussed their program, Feed the Future, and the key role food security plays in agriculture and in the current administration. USAID has set an ambitious goal of ending poverty and hunger in under developed countries within the next 20 years, a goal we will be a part of as we build our own careers in agriculture. 

The day wasn't over yet. Michael Dykes, Vice President of Government Affairs and members of his team at Monsanto also sat down with us to talk about their role in feeding the world. Monsanto has been a key part of providing some of the most advanced technologies in crop science and feeding the growing population. With his team, students posed questions about their engagement with public about sustainability and the controversial topic of genetically modified crops. Mr. Dykes added to some of the lobbying efforts in the recent Farm Bill. Michael Dykes and Monsanto were extremely generous in providing dinner as well as tickets to an advanced private screening of the new documentary entitled Farmland.

Farmland is a film directed by James Moll documenting the day-to-day life of young American Farmers. The film was made possible by the U.S Farmers & Ranchers alliance in an effort to connect urban society with the reality of rural life in agriculture. Patrons of the event were given an opportunity to take part in a question and answer session with the director and two of the farmers featured in the film. Our very own Doug Yunker, Senior in Technical Systems Management, asked the farmers what our role in leading agriculture will be in the future as we draw closer to our careers in this exciting industry. 

We'd like to thank all of the organizations from today for sitting down with us to discuss some of the most important topics in agriculture. Additionally, we'd like to thank Michael Dykes and Monsanto for arranging the tickets to allow us to be a part of such a wonderful event. The class continues to learn a vast amount of information in such a short period of time and this opportunity would not be available without our instructors at the University and these organizations' willingness to engage with students working towards a bright future in agriculture.