11:00am

Registration Open

Location: North Registration Counter

11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Lunch & Opening Keynote Speaker

How to Turn Scrap into New Shoppers
Sponsored by Bayer

Brody Slacer, Head of Partner Growth & Impact, Flashfood Inc.

1:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Carbon Emissions: Seeking a Smaller Footprint

Combating climate change was the No. 1 reason consumers call for sustainability, according to The Packer’s 2022 Sustainability Insights report. As carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, companies throughout the fresh produce supply chain are looking to decrease their carbon footprint. This panel will gather leaders in farming, retail and biotechnology on an ambitious path to zero emissions.

Moderator: Jennifer Strailey, Editorial Director, Produce, Farm Journal

Scott Dray, Senior Director of Sourcing and Produce, NW, Walmart

Josh VanDeWalle, North American Lead of Global Food Chain Partnerships, Bayer

Gina Colfer, Key Account Agronomist - Organics, Wilbur-Ellis

Kabir Tumber, Senior Manager of Membership Development & Sustainable Agriculture, Blue Diamond Growers

1:40 pm - 1:50 pm

Table Discussions

1:50 pm - 2:30 pm

Packaging: Unpacking the Sustainable Packaging Story

The pursuit of sustainable packaging in fresh produce is a complex one — and not just for produce companies. Consumers say they want recyclable, compostable and bio-based packaging, but their purchasing habits can tell a different story. A panel of experts will discuss the latest innovations, challenges and triumphs on the road to sustainable solutions.

Moderator: Thaddeus Barsotti, Farm Fresh to You

Todd Somers, Emerald Packaging

Marco Bini, CEO, NEXXTPack

Jonathan North, VP of Sustainable and Core Solutions, Rehrig Pacific

Brady Matoian, OK Produce

Kelly Morris, WestRock

2:30 pm - 2:40 pm

Table Discussions

2:40 pm - 3:00 pm

Break

3:00 pm - 3:40 pm

Food Fight: Reducing Waste Through Sustainable Solutions

The majority of consumers polled in The Packer’s 2022 Sustainability Insights report indicated that reducing food waste in their life was “extremely important.” And they’re looking to retailers and food suppliers, especially in fresh produce, to help them achieve their goals. This panel will explore how technology and innovation is driving change in the fight to reduce food waste.

Moderator: Sherri Atwell, Commodity Director, Produce, Feeding America

Matt Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer for Verdant Technologies

Adam Preslar, CTO, Hazel Technologies

Lisa Johnson, Independent Food & Agriculture Consultant

Evan Ehlers, Founder, Sharing Excess

3:40 pm - 3:50 pm

Table Discussions

3:50 pm - 4:30 pm

Environmental, Social and Governance: How ESG is Transforming the Fresh Produce Industry

Increasingly, stakeholders across the fresh produce supply chain are considering their responsibilities around Environmental, social and governance (ESG) in their pursuit of a sustainable future. An engaging conversation on ESG reporting, milestones and making lasting change.

Moderator: Roberta Anderson, EVP GLOBALG.A.P. North America

Steven Ward, Deloitte

Kieran Ficken McNeice, Director of Sustainability Programs, Measure to Improve

Jay Guzman, Fair Trade USA

Thaddeus Barsotti, Farm Fresh to You

4:30 pm - 4:40 pm

Table Discussions

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm

Appetizer, Beer & Wine Reception

Enjoy food samples, beer and wine while networking with our sponsors

6:00 pm

Adjourn - Dinner on your own