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Discussing Ag Sustainability With Diverse Stakeholders in Chicagoland
Tim Brennan, Farm Foundation vice president of external relations, participated in a critical forum focused on food and agriculture sustainability. The Tomorrow’s Harvest: Food and Agriculture Sustainability Forum, held on April 11th, 2024, at the BMO Office in Chicago, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders in the Chicagoland area.
Brennan joined a distinguished panel that included Eric Hassel (Dairy Management Inc.), Emily Heaton (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Tim Rendall (IL Soybean Association), and Ying Wang (U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action). Their discussion centered on current strategies to enhance sustainability in agriculture. It also explored what the major focus of sustainability efforts will likely be in the future.
The forum offered a unique opportunity for collaboration across the food system, including food finance, supply chain, and production companies in the Chicagoland area. This aligned perfectly with Farm Foundation’s mission to bridge the gap between agriculture and society. Within the framework of discussions about the challenges and successes of regional farmers on the path to sustainability, Farm Foundation’s participation in the forum helped build trust and fostered a deeper understanding of the critical role agriculture plays in ensuring a climate-resilient future.
Brennan said all participants emphasized the need for more discussion and collaboration across the supply chain. The Tomorrow’s Harvest Forum served as a springboard for future conversations about ensuring long-term sustainability in our region’s food system.