Mark Cotter, food veteran and CEO of The Food Group, delivered the keynote address at the Organic & Non-GMO Forum: Oilseeds & Grains at the Crossroads on Monday, November 6, 2017 in St. Louis, MO.

The keynote presentation, entitled, “Agriculture at the Crossroads: Emerging Opportunities for Producers and Processors,” offered insights and data on the shift in food purchasing habits. Cotter hoped to shed some light on why agricultural and food production practices are at the crossroads and will be changing to bring transparency, quality and sustainability to agriculture. This shift will lead to new opportunities for farmers, midstream processors and food marketers for the foreseeable future.

“With a growing focus on health & wellness, consumer shopping behavior is changing, creating an increasing demand for organic, non-GMO and healthier foods,” said Cotter. “The industry knows it needs to adapt to stay relevant. We’ll be exploring the focus on cleaner food production and what we can expect from manufacturers and retailers in the coming years.”

For the past two years, the Organic & Non-GMO Forum: Oilseeds & Grains at the Crossroads has quickly become the leading event that brings together handlers, buyers and processors to address current and future challenges to meeting growing demand for organic and non-GMO products and other emerging opportunities for specialization in conventional agriculture. From specialty processing to new labeling initiatives, the event will merge the practical and business end of the organic, non-GMO, and conventional supply chain and addresses the growing opportunities and significant challenges in this sector.

As the keynote speaker, Mark Cotter shared his 30+ years of experience and knowledge as a marketing executive, food innovator and trusted advisor to some of the nation’s leading food manufacturers, brands and agricultural and seafood boards. Industry events like the Organic & Non-GMO Forum: Oilseeds & Grains at the Crossroads can help prepare producers and processors for the future of food.

For more information on the Organic & Non-GMO Forum, visit www.ongforum.com.