Oct. 11: Food and Agriculture at a Generational Crossroads

It wasn't that long ago that grocery store shelves were consistently full, prices were relatively predictable and supply chains were reliable. But our world has changed. For the first time since World War II, food security is once again national security. Climate change and severe weather events make agriculture production less predictable, creating unprecedented market volatility and a demand for more resilient crops and livestock.

According to Jason Clay of the World Wildlife Fund and Charlie Arnot of The Center for Food Integrity, we are living in a time of volatility that presages even more radical changes to come. How will we respond to these great challenges and opportunities? Will we be able to anticipate them rather than just react to them?

On Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, Clay and Arnot will keynote University of Missouri System Extension and Engagement Week 2022. They will share five realities you may not know and five opportunities to make a difference in the future of food and agriculture.

With thanks to the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture for its generous support and to silver sponsor FCS Financial.

Charlie Arnot is CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today's food system. He is also the author of the 2018 book "Size Matters: Why We Love to Hate Big Food" and founder of Look East, an employee-owned consulting firm. He has spent 10 years as a corporate officer for a leading food company, was an award-winning radio journalist and worked in video and film. He grew up in southeastern Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Journalism degree.

Jason Clay is senior vice president for markets at the World Wildlife Fund, working with companies on more sustainable supply chains. His career has ranged from running a family farm to working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and he has spent more than 35 years with human rights and environmental NGOs. He helped create Ben & Jerry's Rainforest Crunch plus more than 200 other products with sales of $100 million. He has a Ph.D. from Cornell University and has taught at Harvard and Yale.

UM System Extension and Engagement Week, Oct. 10-13, includes a variety of online and in-person sessions as public, private and university leaders explore new ways to improve our food system to provide vital nutrition and a healthy planet for all. Learn more at community.umsystem.edu/eew2022.