The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture, initiated by the Aspen Institute Germany in cooperation with implementing partner, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aims to promote transatlantic dialogue on common challenges for the field of agriculture and rural regions and pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.
Agriculture is of critical importance for the economy, society, the environment and for the future. The sector plays a major role, both in protecting natural resources and mitigating climate change as well as promoting the development of rural regions and social and political cohesion. As major importers and exporters of agricultural products, both Germany and the United States are central to shaping a sustainable agricultural future. However, longstanding conflicts, misunderstandings, and stereotyping in the field of agriculture prevent the U.S. and Germany from assuming a joint global leadership role under the umbrella of the transatlantic partnership, when they should be natural partners given many shared challenges and their time-honored relationship.
By bringing together stakeholders from relevant regions on both sides of the Atlantic, the forum addresses precisely these challenges and invests in transatlantic exchange in rural communities. The five-year project (2022-2027) consists of five cohorts of 16 participants each, who will come together for virtual and in-person exchange. The project is primarily geared toward involvement of farmers, with several other key agricultural stakeholders from academia, research, and business joining the groups. In addition to addressing the social, economic and political relevance of agriculture for rural areas, each program year will focus on specific regions, agricultural sectors, and a core theme:
2025 Project Cohort
The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture’s third cohort, focuses on the topic of land use conflicts between renewable energy and agriculture in rural areas. In 2025, German and US farmers as well as key players from agricultural research and business will be brought together for personal and virtual exchange.
2024 Project Cohort
The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture’s second cohort, which focuses on digital transformation of dairy and beef agriculture sector, engages participants active in cattle farming in northern Germany and the U.S. Northeast. The 2024 cohort brings together German and U.S. farmers and key agricultural stakeholders from research and business for in-person and virtual exchange.
2023 Project Cohort
The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture’s first cohort, which focused on climate, engaged participants active in arable farming in eastern Germany and the U.S. Corn Belt. The 2023 cohort brought together German and U.S. farmers and key agricultural stakeholders from research and business for in-person and virtual exchange.
Publications
From the Corn Belt to the Kornkammer: A Comparison of Agriculture in the United States and in Germany
This publication provides an overview of the agricultural sectors in Germany and the United States – covering details such as land use, labor force, production, and more.
Policy Recommendations U.S.-German Future Forum Agriculture
The U.S.-German Future Forum Agriculture Recommendations on Climate for the National Level and Transatlantic Cooperation were developed by 16 German and U.S. farmers and key stakeholders involved in agriculture.
Promoting Transatlantic Collaboration for more Sustainable Agriculture and Rural
Population growth and growing demand for food, declining biodiversity, climate change, and increased consumer expectations – the agricultural sectors in both Germany and the U.S. face immense challenges.
The project is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK).
