$835
billion
In 2019, the U.S. agricultural sector contributed $835 billion to the economy.
18,000
farms
In the US, there are currently over 18,000 urban farms, covering over 100,000 acres.
We’re bringing impactful change in our farming & food systems
The Systems Change Conference brings together our farming community and discusses topics surrounding Regenerative Farming, Sustainability on a Corporate and Government level, and the Food is Medicine initiative. This conference delivers a platform for the philanthropic community to understand where future investments are needed in order to make an impactful change in our farming and food systems. In partnership with executive leaders, we can deliver a commitment to pursue efforts from this conference.
Conference Speakers
Seth Watkins
Blake Vince
Adam Chappell
Jimmy Emmons
Ray Archuleta
Richard Lackey
Russel Hendrick
More Speakers/Panelists To Be Announced Soon
Key Discussions at the Conference
The State of Agriculture in the United States
Speakers will highlight the vital role of the US agricultural sector in the economy. With over 2 million farms, the sector contributed $835 billion in 2019. They will also discuss the latest statistics on US agriculture, including the increasing trend of local food sales and sustainable farming practices.
Impact of Foreign Ownership of US Farmland
The ownership of US farmland by foreign entities has been steadily increasing, reaching nearly 30 million acres by the end of 2020. This trend has notable implications for the US agricultural sector, with potential impacts on farm production, agricultural prices, and food security.
Agricultural Diversity: Western Hemisphere
Amidst global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and food security, sustainable and equitable practices in agriculture have become increasingly vital for small farms in the US, the organic market in Canada, and the potential for increased food production in Latin America and the Caribbean.
How Urban Farming Is the Change we need
Supporting urban farming initiatives can have a significant impact on local communities and the environment, promoting economic development, food security, and environmental sustainability. Businesses can contribute to these initiatives and help create positive change in their communities.
The State of Agriculture in the United States
The US agricultural sector is a crucial part of the economy, with over 2 million farms contributing $835 billion in 2019. This section highlights key statistics on the state of agriculture in the US, including the rise of local food sales and sustainable agriculture practices.
Impact of Foreign Ownership of US Farmland
Foreign ownership of US farmland is on the rise, with nearly 30 million acres owned by foreign entities as of the end of 2020. This trend has significant implications for US agriculture, including potential impacts on farm production, agricultural prices, and food security. Here are some key statistics on foreign ownership of US farmland and its potential consequences.
Agricultural Diversity and Foreign Investment in the Western Hemisphere
From the small farms in the United States to the organic market in Canada, and the potential for increased food production in Latin America and the Caribbean, these statistics shed light on the diverse landscape of agriculture in the region. Additionally, the section highlights the growing trend of foreign countries owning farmland and water rights, with staggering figures that emphasize the need for sustainable and equitable practices in global agriculture.
Who should attend?
The Farming Community
Attending the Systems Change Conference as a farming community member can offer valuable insights on addressing major systematic issues that impact daily operations, such as using data and technology for innovative solutions, soil health, and farmland preservation, as well as networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and potential partners to enhance farming practices.
The Corporate Community
Attending the Systems Change Conference can equip your company with the tools to make informed decisions that benefit your bottom line, the environment, and society. You’ll learn how to approach decision-making with an economic and financial suitability lens, gain insights on bridging the urban-rural divide, and explore government efforts on addressing food, water, and agriculture challenges, building valuable connections, knowledge, and showcasing your commitment to sustainability.
The Philanthropic Community
Attending the Systems Change Conference can offer philanthropic organizations valuable knowledge on supporting local food systems and community thriving. Learn about the positive impact of urban farming, building bridges between urban and rural communities, and collaborating with governments and corporations for greater impact, while networking with other philanthropic organizations and potential partners.
The Government Community
Attending the Systems Change Conference can provide valuable insights for government organizations to address food, water, and agriculture challenges. Learn about farmland preservation, soil health’s impact on environmental and mental health, and ways to support local food systems, while connecting with like-minded individuals and potential partners to create actionable plans for your community.
Win $10,000 for Your Conservation Efforts
The Leopold Conservation Award® is coming to the Carolinas to recognize agricultural landowners who demonstrate ethical land, water, and wildlife habitat management.
The award is open to owners of farm and forest land in North Carolina and South Carolina, who can apply themselves or be nominated by another party before the July 1, 2023 deadline. An independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders will review the applications, and the recipient will receive $10,000 and be featured in a video and other outreach.
The winner will be announced at the conference.
