A program of Farm Foundation, the Farm Foundation Round Table is an invitational discussion forum comprised of leaders from across the food chain and across North America. The Round Table meets twice yearly to provide a forum for discussion and interaction among members and invited government, academic, agribusiness and other interest group leaders. Programs are designed to explore ideas, analyses and insights that participants may use in their own work. Attendance at Round Table events is limited to members and invited guests.
These policy forums provide an opportunity for frank and open dialogue. The exchange of ideas fosters understanding of different approaches to problems which ultimately leads to better public policy. Topics for Round Table meetings are determined by the Round Table Steering Committee. Programs often build on other projects sponsored by Farm Foundation. Round Table discussions also generate new ideas for activities in all Farm Foundation program areas.
Farm Foundation has administered the Round Table since the 1983 retirement of its founders, Charles Dana and Edith Thoman Bennett. The Bennetts originally brought together a diverse group of agricultural leaders to advise the Eisenhower Administration on agricultural policy development. Recognizing the value of exchanging ideas and discussions on timely policy issues impacting the business of agriculture and rural America, the leaders continued to meet on an informal basis. Those meetings evolved into the Round Table.