Content will examine “Finance & Investment” of global food systems. Discussion panelists will address vulnerabilities and the need for high-risk, long-term research efforts and innovative technology investments. Key research studies and resulting social, economic, and environmental impacts will be presented and discussed in the context of what has been done and what is needed to support future ventures that successfully meet development goals. Particular attention will be directed toward impacts of the COVID-19 experience and how finance and investment can strengthen food systems resilience.
The event will be organized by the Consortium for Innovation in Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste Reduction. The Consortium is composed of leading institutions in the Americas (Iowa State University, University of Maryland, Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, University of São Paulo), Europe (Wageningen University and Research), Middle East (Volcani Center), and Africa (University of Nairobi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Stellenbosch University). Academic partners are leveraging knowledge, expertise, motivation, and vision to conduct research that improves storage and distribution, develops tracking and monitoring, minimizes spoilage through pre-and post-harvest innovation, and changes behavior to reduce post-harvest loss and food waste reduction (PHL-FW). Together with funding partners, The Rockefeller Foundation and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, the Consortium is focused on how finance and investment are leading to the sustainable reduction of PHL-FW.
Panelists
Dr. Sally Rockey – Executive Director at the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
Dr. Dirk Maier – Director of the Consortium for Innovation in Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste Reduction and Professor at Iowa State University
Dr. Jane Ambuko – Professor University of Nairobi – Horticulture Specialist
Dr. José Caixeta – Professor University of São Paulo and D