Trey Forsyth, a junior in agricultural business, is one of six students from throughout the United States invited to attend the 2016 Farm Foundation Cultivator forum in Tucson, Arizona from Jan. 6-8. The annual winter roundtable meeting is an invitational discussion forum comprised of leaders from North America.
The forum meets twice a year for Farm Foundation members and leaders from government, academic, agribusiness and other interest groups to discuss issues and challenges facing agriculture, rural residents and the food system.
“This conference will give me an even better idea of how international trade can impact both U.S. agriculture and the agricultural economies of countries around the world,” Forsyth said.
The opportunity also offers Forsyth a chance to network with industry professionals and tour agricultural sites in the Tucson area.
Forsyth will present a poster about the essential role cooperatives play in international trade and agriculture. Forsyth did research on cooperatives in sub-Saharan Africa through his internship with the Land O’Lakes Global Food Challenge last summer. His topic is focused on the impact cooperatives can play in helping small farmers play a role in larger markets.
In November, Forsyth was elected to serve as the president of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and hopes to pursue a career in agricultural policy after graduation.