Media Advisory: Colorado State University to host AgInnovation Summit Sept. 6-7

Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences will host a summit to discuss how innovation in the industry can lead to a global impact in the way that populations farm, feed, eat and grow crops.

WHEN/WHERE:

AgInnovation Summit 2.0: Innovate Locally. Impact Globally. is a two-day conference being held Sept. 6-7 at the Lory Student Center on campus. The summit will convene leaders from across the innovation community in Colorado and the Intermountain West to catalyze opportunities for advancing the regional and global agricultural economy.

 DETAILS:

Tom Vilsack, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will deliver the opening keynote of the event. Vilsack now serves as CEO and president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and as part of the CSU System as strategic adviser of Food and Water Initiatives at the National Western Center. Vilsack’s keynote address, “The Pillars of Food Policy,” aims to inspire a student-led movement in food and agriculture.

The summit will feature other industry and university leaders, including Archer Daniels Midland President and CEO Juan Luciano, Mars Inc. Chief Agriculture Officer Howard-Yana Shapiro, and Kroger Co. Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Chris Hjelm.

Featured speakers and panelists will delve into the most pressing issues driving and shaping innovation.

Topics to be explored include:

  • What’s next in the agricultural supply chain
  • Human capital and innovation – crossing the generational divide
  • Financing the future of ag innovation in Colorado

“This year’s summit will convene thought leaders and innovators in the agricultural industry, government and higher education,” said Ajay Menon, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. “Without question, agricultural technology and business models are poised to enhance food systems; ensure that food is safe, secure, and available; and improve resource stewardship through new, sustainable practices. Gathering this group together cultivates the significant opportunity to grow the innovation ecosystem in Colorado and make this state a global leader at the intersection of business entrepreneurship and agricultural invention.”

Menon will join the conversation to discuss how Colorado State is encouraging the process of agriculture through education, awareness and action within the university.

CSU President Tony Frank will share his vision for the National Western Center as a both a global destination for agricultural heritage and innovation and a catalyst for statewide prosperity.

 CONTACT:

Jennifer Dimas at (970) 988-4265 or Jennifer.Dimas@colostate.edu.