Food systems have impacts on, and reflect the impacts of, health: the health of Earth’s people, its animals, and the planet itself. While the food and agriculture industry makes up $7.63 trillion worldwide, it also accounts for 15 percent of fossil fuel use and one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, which makes the industry an essential component of the global economy and any climate solutions. Yet today’s food systems are largely funded by philanthropic grants, government subsidies, limited lending with high-risk loan funds, and investor tax credits. Defining food systems as an asset class would drive sustained and reliable funding for the transformation of food systems, which would promote economic and community development, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and improve population health. In this session, food systems and financing experts will discuss the investment case for food systems and how such investment can be a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient transformation. 

Moderator

Danielle Nierenberg

President, Food Tank

Speakers

Ertharin Cousin

CEO and Managing Director, Food Systems for the Future

Anna Lappe

Executive Director, Global Alliance for the Future of Food

Adam Waglay

Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Butterfly Equity

Craig Wichner

Founder and Managing Partner, Farmland LP