The College of Agriculture Strategic Planning Committee will hold its first meeting today, featuring a seminar by Neil Harl, distinguished professor in agricultural economics.

Harl will talk about agriculture in the 21st Century at 10 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

“The College of Agriculture Strategic Planning Committee was formed to focus on what’s happening externally in society, the implications in the future and how farming affects Iowa State,” said Gerald Klonglan, chairman of the planning committee.

“Agriculture makes up 25 percent of the jobs in Iowa, so it’s a major economic force in the state. The committee will look at the current controversy over [genetically modified organisms] and short-term problems farmers are facing now,” he said.

Harl said agriculture is changing rapidly in a number of different ways.

“It will undergo substantial change over the next few years, moving towards vertical integration where agribusiness firms, seed companies and others in the industry all want to control the supply,” Harl said. “Therefore, agriculture is moving towards contracts with producers. In this respect, agriculture is changing for the future.”

Harl will discuss many topics, including production and prices, GMOs, concentration and integrations, trends and the role of ISU’s College of Agriculture in these issues.

The seminar lays the foundation for the Strategic Planning Committee by looking at topics that involve farmers, students, agribusiness people and policy makers, said Karen Bolluyt, director of college relations for the College of Agriculture.

“The committee will look at the things that concern those involved in agriculture and see the challenges they face and define their roles in agriculture,” she said.

The event is free and open to the public.