Brief

<p>Lynda Daekin, partner and managing director of IDEO San Francisco, started the session by highlighting the major challenges facing food industry. She stressed that as food problems are increasing, so are their technological solutions. She said that there is an urgent need to increase production, enhance better use and provide safe food access to people worldwide. She introduced what she considered three cultural shifts that are meant to revolutionize food landscape, namely: the demand for safer and healthier food, increased food system awareness, and provision of technology-enabled food experiences.</p> <p>A panel session followed moderated by Greg Shewmaker, founder of Future + Food. He posed several questions related to food scarcity, food security and technological solutions. In an attempt to answer this question, Dan Gkickman, Former US Secretary of Agriculture, said that the most important step is to build trust between consumers and farmers on one hand, and the government on the other. CEO of Aerofarms David Rosenberg said that using in-store vertical farming and encouraging home-growers present a big part of the answer. Such methodologies ensure less water consumption, zero pesticides usage, less food contamination and better products. For his part, Marc Zornes, CEO of WINNOW, highlighted how limiting food waste might be the answer. His company already achieved great results in the region yet more data is needed, especially regarding household waste.</p> <p>The speakers concluded the session by highlighting the importance of government investment in agricultural research, pointing out the link between health and food sectors, raising the awareness of individuals about healthy diets, finding the means to implement technological solutions in the real world, and controlling and reducing food waste. They further pointed out that the UAE holds a great potential to achieve this advancement given its low energy prices and increased interest in innovative solutions. The challenge we face now, according to them, is how to &ldquo;provide safe, natural food from the farm to the table for the masses&rdquo;.</p>

Speakers

Mr. Daniel Glickman

Former US Secretary of Agriculture and Director of the Aspen Institute

Mr. David Rosenberg

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. John Shewmaker

Founder

Mr. Marc Zornes

Chief Executive Officer

DU HALL

February 13, 2017 - 11:10 - 11:45

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