“Long-term transformational discoveries, like gene editing, from research are equally critical to create the options and landscape for the future of agriculture. The U.S. has long been innovators in agriculture, arguably more than any other industry – producing more with less.” In less than a century, Hutchins explained, the United States has increased agricultural output by more than 400 percent with no net increase in inputs – although the types of inputs have changed. “That is an impressive track record of sustainable production,” he said. “Without that productivity increase, the amount of land necessary to feed a growing world would have devastated forests and limited the diversification of the economy and urbanization.”
Sustainability and value creation ISA and ICMC adopted a three-year strategic plan that is built on four strategic focus areas including Market Development, Sustainability, Value Creation and Producer Engagement. Market Development, simply put, is working with partners to accelerate the demand for corn and soybeans that Hoosier farmers produce each year. Producer Engagement involves engaging them in programs that help improve their farming operation. Sustainability describes the three-legged stool of sustainability – environmental, economic and community outreach. Value Creation is finding new markets and new uses for corn and soybeans through partnerships and research. Hutchins will assist with the implementation of Sustainability and Value Creation objectives for ISA and ICMC. He will work with each organization’s board of directors and CEO Courtney Kingery to guide the research processes to reach discovery goals. “I’m passionate about agricultural innovation and its application to modern farming and the three factors of sustainability,” Hutchins said. “ISA and ISMC are leading organizations in this regard – focused on genuine outcomes for their membership. I’m pleased to be able to offer
Hutchins has contracted to work with ISA and ICMC’s Sustainability and Value Creation teams. He has a vast amount of experience to share with Indiana farmers.
Dr. Scott Hutchins served as the Deputy Under Secretary for the USDA’s Research, Education and Economics mission area which includes the Agricultural Research Service, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Office of the Chief Scientist.
perspectives and insights from my career in the private sector and from USDA.” He said sustainability in Indiana agriculture is essential and should be the basis for continued innovation. Hutchins said all three components of sustainability are essential:
Economic sustainability – Farmers must have profitable • enterprises. Social sustainability – Food systems must lead to • affordable and accessible food. Environmental sustainability - the land must be able to • produce more each year without losing it’s capacity to do so.
“I refer to all of this as finding a balance between production and production capability,” Hutchins said. “Like any business, if one dominates the other, the enterprise suffers or collapses. Farmers are great stewards of their land, but every decade brings new needs and challenges that require new methods, new approaches, and new initiatives to expand sustainable practices for today and tomorrow.” Hutchins will also work with state, national and international partners to help reach Sustainability and Value Creation goals. “I’m thrilled Dr. Hutchins will be joining our team to help shape the next generation of research for ISA and ICMC,” Kingery said. “His career shows his dedication to innovation, research and agriculture. His expertise and deep background are an extraordinary addition to our team, and he will serve Indiana farmers very well.” Visit indianasoybean.com or incorn.org to follow updates on future research projects.
HOLIDAY 2021
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