The world’s population continues its inexorable expansion. Adding to the population pressure are unknowns surrounding the planet’s climate–hotter and drier in some places, wet and flooding in others. How will we feed a growing population in a time of climate insecurity?
One promising answer might be technology. Living in the land of plenty, many American consumers have long taken food for granted but a lingering quarantine, COVID-19 outbreaks at meat-packing plants, restaurant closures, product shortages and other events have resulted in many consumers taking a harder look at where their food comes from and how it gets to them.
Plant biologist and biotechnology expert Roger Beachy will be joined in conversation by food industry investor and entrepreneur Jim von der Heydt. Together, they will discuss what the future looks like from the perspective of food producers, farmers in particular and consumers. They will address changing conditions for production and market options for producers, changing preference of consumers and social issues around food availability, cost and sustainability at all levels. Lastly, the conversation will also address emerging technologies from production to tracing to health-focused diets.
Our virtual programs are graciously sponsored by Alpine Bank. Colorado Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities have also provided funding as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.
