If you have not yet registered for Outlook, you can do so here. Learn more about the rest of our Outlook speakers and presentations from Part 1 of this post here. 

Farm Credit System Outlook

Todd Van Hoose – Farm Credit Council – President & CEO

Van Hoose brings more than 25 years of experience in the Farm Credit System, including positions at USDA and on Capitol Hill. In his current leadership role, he represents the Farm Credit System’s interests before Congress, the administration, and federal regulatory agencies. His presentation will provide an overview of the agriculture economy with respect to the Farm Credit System and highlight important changes and impacts on the industry, both as a result of COVID-19 and regulatory and legislative news.

Panel: Current Mergers and Acquisitions Trends in Tree Fruit

USApple is bringing together leaders from agribusiness private equity firms to discuss the merger and acquisition trends to pay attention to in the tree fruit industry and what to anticipate in the wake of COVID-19.   

Panelists:

Michael Butler – Cascadia Capital – Chairman & CEO

Butler co-leads Cascadia Capital’s Food & Agribusiness practices. He brings experience in global equity sales, equity syndicate, risk management and equity financing transactions for both public and private companies. 

Matthew Corbett – Fiera Comox – Partner, Agriculture

At Fiera Comox, Corbett leads Agriculture Strategy, investing in agricultural land and rural producing assets around the world. Fiera Comox’s strategies are focused on diversifying assets across geographies, commodities and operating models. 

Toby McKay – International Farming Corporation

At the International Farming Corporation, McKay and his colleagues are focused on partnering with farmers to maximize profitability with progressive farming and preventive farming techniques. 

Baptiste Tellier – Fall Line Capital – Director

At Fall Line Capital, Tellier focuses on farm management, data analysis and deal sourcing. He has experience establishing best practices to improve quality and consistency across suppliers for over 200 farmers working with Nestlé.

Nate Fulton – PayneWest Insurance – Ag Director – Moderator 

With experience in financial services, Fulton and his team at PayneWest specialize in complex insurance and risk management for agribusiness companies in the Northwest. 

Crop Outlook from Around the World

Apple industry experts from around the world will report on the state of the upcoming apple crop season from major apple producing regions and countries. Hear about the trends, forecasts and important patterns to pay attention to from China, Canada, Europe, Mexico and South America. USApple is pleased to welcome back speakers from across the industry to share about the 2020 crop year.

Chinese Apple Crop: Michael Choi – Zhonglu America Corp – President

Canadian Apple Crop: Donald Werden – The Norfolk Fruit Growers’ Association – Sales/Logistics

European Apple Crop: Philippe Binard – World Apple & Pear Association – Secretary General

Mexican Apple Crop: Leighton Romney – Paquime Group – CEO

South American Apple Crop: Rene Alarcon – Doehler North America Fruits & Vegetables – Commercial Manager

U.S. Apple Crop Outlook

Mark Seetin – U.S. Apple Association – Director, Industry Information

Mark Seetin’s detailed analysis and crop outlook for 2020 is based on USDA’s projections that have been tailored to the apple industry and signals the beginning of a new crop year.