Leaders from across the state will focus on the future of agriculture this month as the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host the 2016 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Tuesday, August 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Conference Center. Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, employer and economic contributor and plays a critical and strategic role in overall statewide economic growth.
The Summit will provide participants the opportunity to connect with other Kansas agriculture leaders and discuss strategies to help ensure agriculture remains a vital foundation of the Kansas economy. Sessions at the Summit will build upon the more than 200 meetings already conducted with industry partners throughout the state to identify key opportunities for future success in agriculture.
“Kansas farmers and ranchers feed the world and at the same time work hard to preserve our state’s natural resources,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “This summit will serve a critical role in ensuring the future strength of Kansas agriculture, as we encourage growth and increased opportunity for the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas.”
Topics addressed at the Summit will include nearly all agricultural sectors in Kansas, ranging from beef and wheat to specialty crops and UAS. In addition, discussions will occur on transportation, access to capital, barriers to entry, consumer awareness and community acceptance of agriculture, international trade, water and natural resources, and workforce development. The Summit will be crucial in the prioritization of goals and initiatives to encourage strategic development in agriculture throughout Kansas.
Participation in the Summit is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Register by August 22 to guarantee lunch. A block of rooms is available at the Hilton Garden Inn; call 785-532-9116 by August 12 to reserve a room.
More information about the Summit, including a link to the registration site, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/summit. If you have questions about the Summit, call KDA at 785-564-6700 or e-mail mary.soukup@ks.gov.