- May 31, 2026
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- June 04, 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, initiated by the Aspen Institute Germany in cooperation with implementing partner the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In its fourth year, the project brings together eight German and eight American agricultural stakeholders from academia, research, and industry. In addition to exploring the role of agriculture in rural communities, each year the cohort focuses on a specific topic. In 2026, the program centers on animal health and animal welfare in the swine and poultry sectors.
The study trips are a key component of the project. The first, held in early April in Hildesheim, successfully showcased innovative approaches to animal welfare in Germany. The second study trip will take place from May 31 to June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, where participants will gain insight into U.S. perspectives on animal welfare and animal health. In Raleigh, participants will have the opportunity to deepen transatlantic cooperation, explore innovative practices on the ground, and engage with local stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. Planned exchanges include meetings with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the North Carolina House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, the NC Center for Poultry Education, and North Carolina State University.
The insights gathered during the program will feed into the development of concrete policy recommendations. The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded through the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
