The global demand for water is set to outstrip supply by 56 percent in 2030. Drought conditions coupled with extreme flooding and severe storms are costing farmers billions of dollars in lost production and jeopardizing food security around the world. This discussion with Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Beth Ford will highlight why water is at the top of her priority list, current initiatives farmers are implementing to preserve our water supply and the need for a comprehensive, long-term water sustainability strategy.
Beth Ford
Ford serves as president and chief executive officer of Land O’Lakes, Inc., a Fortune 200 food production, and agribusiness company that is also a century-old farmer-owned cooperative. Land O’ Lakes operates Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra and has operations in more than 60 countries. Ms. Ford joined Land O’Lakes in 2011 and has held a variety of roles across all businesses.
She is a passionate advocate on behalf of farmers and rural America with the goal of connecting people, particularly in urban areas, to the farmers and rural communities who grow their food. In addition, she is the convener of The American Connection Project to help bridge the digital divide. Beth's 35-year career spans six industries at seven companies.
Ford is on the board of directors of Starbucks and previously served on the board of directors of Blackrock, Inc. She also serves on the board of directors for the Business Roundtable and the Columbia University Business School – Deming Center Board of Advisors. She recently was inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and received a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree from Iowa State University in 2022.