Interested in exchanging ideas to develop innovative, specialized food for urban consumers? Want to learn more about state-of-the-art innovations necessary to feed the world in 2020 and keep people healthy? Need to know the best ingredients to innovate?

Then we invite you to meet your American and Dutch peers in Chicago on June 3 for a conference, “Sowing Seeds of Innovation to Feed Cities Healthier Food.” This half-day conference is being organized by FME, the Dutch employers’ organization for the technological industry in cooperation with Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington, D.C., the Consulate of the Netherlands in Chicago, and the Dutch ministries of Economic Affairs and Foreign Affairs.

The conference is part of a Dutch economic trade mission that will take place during the official visit to the United States of His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Program
A strong economy, healthy consumer demand, and a facilitating government are important ingredients to develop new ways to feed the city and develop healthy, innovative food. Interest in local and regional production is increasing as consumers look for locally produced, fresh and healthier food. Government can either support or slow down these new developments. During keynote presentations, this issue will be presented by entrepreneurs who have recognized the “eat local” movement as a commercial opportunity.

The conference will include high-level keynote addresses from Simon Smits, General Director for the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Michael Bashaw, Vice President of Whole Foods, Midwest and ___ from Ahold.

The United States has a healthy business community that knows how to market and promote products in response to evolving consumer demands. The Netherlands fosters strong public-private partnerships between knowledge institutes, companies and the government — the so-called “Golden Triangle” — to improve efficiency and increase sustainability. When industry leaders from both our countries join forces to sow the seeds of innovation, our cities of tomorrow will eat well.

Following the presentations, an interactive panel discussion will take place. Topics will include the impact of changing market dynamics on sourcing and the supply chain, needs for innovations, opportunities for mutual cooperation between the US and the Netherlands, and the exchange of knowledge and experience between both countries. The conference will be followed by a coffee reception at Brooks College and a networking buffet lunch at Harborside International Golf Resort.

Location:
Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy
250 E 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
www.Brookscollegeprep.org