- April 07, 2026
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- April 11, 2026
How can livestock farming be made sustainable, economically viable, and fit for the future?
This question lies at the heart of the U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture 2026, which brings together farmers and agricultural stakeholders from Germany and the United States to exchange innovative approaches to swine and poultry production, animal welfare, and transatlantic cooperation.
From April 7–11, 2026, the cohort met in Hildesheim, Germany, for an intensive in-person session. Hosted by Aspen Institute Germany in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the meeting brought together 16 participants – eight from Germany and eight from the United States – for a week of in-depth exchange and practical insights.
A central focus of the study tour was animal welfare in modern livestock production. Participants visited a range of agricultural operations, including a modern pig farm implementing higher welfare standards and innovative housing systems, as well as a poultry operation focused on animal health, biosecurity, and efficiency. These site visits offered first-hand insights into how farmers are navigating regulatory requirements, market pressures, and societal expectations.
The program also included a visit to the Lower Saxony State Parliament, where participants engaged with policy makers on the political and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of livestock farming. These discussions highlighted the challenges of balancing ambitious animal welfare goals with economic viability and competitiveness.
Throughout the week, exchanges with representatives from academia, industry, and government provided a comprehensive perspective on current developments and future pathways. A key takeaway was the need for closer transatlantic dialogue, as both countries face similar structural challenges while pursuing different policy approaches.
The Hildesheim meeting marked the first of two in-person exchanges. A second study visit will take place from May 31–June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Complemented by virtual sessions throughout the year, the program aims to identify best practices, explore innovation pathways, and develop forward-looking perspectives for resilient and competitive livestock production.
The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded through the ERP Special Fund of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
