San Francisco, CA—The 16th annual North American Sustainable Foods Summit kicked off this week, January 28-29, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the intersection of technology and sustainability in the food sector. Organized by Ecovia Intelligence, this year’s event is set to highlight how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are driving advancements in sustainable food production and practices.
The summit features a diverse array of workshops and seminar sessions, covering critical topics such as Regenerative Agriculture, Food Ingredients, and AI & Technology. Executives and representatives from leading companies and academic institutions are scheduled to share insights into the latest developments and innovations shaping the future of the food industry.
In the AI & New Technologies track, Alexis Flores-Betancourt of Uncountable will discuss how AI can help operators create sustainable food and beverages. A debate featuring Professor Changmou Xu from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Kim Fisher from the Innovation Institute for Food and Health at UC Davis will explore the potential of AI to advance sustainability across the food sector. Maricel Saenz, Founder of Compound Foods, will illustrate how precision fermentation can make bean-free coffee and cocoa. Kara Leong from UC Davis will delve into the potential of cultivated meat and seafood, examining the regulatory framework and commercialization challenges, including USDA approval, with insights from Cecilia Chang of Mission Barns.
The Regenerative Agriculture track will feature a keynote session by Evan Harrison, CEO of Kiss The Ground, who will discuss regenerative practices and their impact on soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Virginia Jameson, Deputy Secretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, will outline California’s official definition of regenerative agriculture. Carolyn Gahn of Applegate Farms will share the company’s journey towards adopting regenerative agriculture practices.
In the Food Ingredients track, Debbie S. Yaver, Chief Science Officer at The Fynder Group, will detail how fungi-based proteins—originally discovered during a NASA research program in Yellowstone National Park—are being used in dairy-free yogurts. John Krzywicki, CEO of Checkerspot, will explore the growing need for sustainable fats and oils and how microalgae fermentation can provide a viable palm oil alternative. Felipe Arango, CEO of Fair Trade USA, will showcase the benefits of fair trade partnerships for producer communities. Francisco Martion-Rayo, CEO of Helios, will speak on the utilization of AI to assess supply chain risks. A panel with representatives from Ciranda, Kellanova, Seven Sundays, and Bonduelle Americas will examine the impact of tariffs on ingredient sourcing and strategies for mitigating rising costs and supply uncertainties.
The Marketing Insights track will feature June Jo Lee, the Food Ethnographer, who will explain how food culture can inspire shifts toward more planet-nourishing diets. Jessie Wright of SPINS will provide insights into consumer behavior towards sustainability issues. A panel with representatives from the Marine Stewardship Council, Real Organic Naturland, Alter Eco Foods, and Hower Impact will focus on changing consumer behavior and strategies to encourage greener choices and more responsible eating habits.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from leading verification programs, including Regenerative Organic Certified, Land to Market, A Greener World, and the Soil Carbon Initiative, who will provide updates on their standards and adoption rates. Presentations will include a case study on the sustainable sourcing of organic coconut sugar from Tradin Organic and a discussion on the evolving regulatory requirements for GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredients featuring Keller & Heckman.
WholeFoods Magazine and The Organic & Non-GMO Report are media sponsors of the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage and key insights from the sessions. As the summit progresses, stay tuned for the latest updates and takeaways from this pivotal gathering of industry leaders and innovators.