Fields on Wheels 2022

The pandemic accentuated the risk of supply chain disruptions at congested ports and clogged railways became unreliable. As this disturbance is passing, the general feeling that more things could go wrong seems to be greater. Of course, logistical problems are nothing new, only the consequences have become more costly. Long extended supply chains held together by sophisticated communications have fewer buffers to lessen the effect of disruptions.

Advancing climate change increases the exposure of transportation systems to extreme weather disruptions. Heat waves, droughts, and floods slow or delay transport. More dramatic weather phenomena, like atmospheric rivers that hit the railways in British Columbia, or the low water levels on the Mississippi limit grain shipments. Such weather-related disruptions are difficult to anticipate or prepare for.

Man-made disruptions to supply chains are becoming more prevalent. After years of peaceful co-existence, the world is being divided into allegiances and spheres of commercial interest. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created new battle lines, and the careless use of customs barriers for political ends has turned back decades of careful trade negotiations. Exporters and importers are pulling back, seeking more reliable supply chain partners and reliable trade corridors.

Macroeconomic disruptions are the latest concern. Higher rates of inflation and rising interest rates are moving currency exchange rates that have trade impacts that are yet to be realized.

Not all disruptions are negative. New technology can provide better ways to conduct trade by dislodging established systems. The digital revolution has created new ways of buying and selling that do not depend as much on established infrastructure or financial institutions. Some innovations, like Bitcoin may introduce more risk, while blockchain technology promises to make trade more secure.

Transportation connects all parts of supply chains, and normally it is “invisible.” When something disturbs the flow, the impacts are widespread, frontpage news. The 27th Fields on Wheels brings together experts in agricultural supply chains via a webinar format to address the current and pending issues affecting agricultural transportation.

You should participate in this packed day if you are a stakeholder to this critical industry, whether as a producer or a logistics service provider, a policymaker, regulator, academic, student or a customer.