On this episode of RaboTalk's Growing our future, we continue the series examining what is happening on the ground in key food-producing regions. This episode focuses on North America, the world's largest exporter of food. Host Blake Holgate is joined by Vice President of Rural Sustainability for Rabobank North America, Cristian Barcan, to discuss what is being done to improve on-farm sustainability and how sustainability is influencing consumer behaviours.

Blake and Cristian discuss the key sustainability issues facing US farmers and growers, and their evolvement over the last 20 years; greenhouse gas emissions and their impact in the market; the role regulators play in emission and sustainability issues, the initiatives they're implementing, and whether compensation for farmers and growers changes along with modern requirements; and how farmers' operations and production levels may be impacted in the future. Cristian highlights how farmers are evolving their methods, including alternative land use, and the changes in consumer behaviours and expectations around sustainability and transparency. Cristian also shares his insights on the major risks and opportunities that sustainability represents to the US agriculture industry.