Leaders Unite for 1st Annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit

A significant gathering of chefs, farmers, policymakers, and innovators will take place on October 28, 2025, at the Jack Morton Auditorium in Washington, D.C. This event marks the inaugural Food and Agriculture Policy Summit, organized by Food Tank, the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, the Culinary Institute of America, and chef José Andrés. The summit aims to address pressing issues within the food system and promote solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.

Summit Objectives and Focus Areas

The summit presents a unique opportunity for diverse leaders to engage in dialogues that foster a more equitable food system. Attendees will explore actionable policies aimed at enhancing procurement practices, advancing nutrition, promoting climate resilience, and reducing food waste. The event will also focus on reimagining global food aid, among other critical topics.

Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, emphasized the importance of civil discourse in rethinking food and agriculture systems. “We are living in turbulent times—it’s more important than ever to have non-partisan discussions about the future of our food and agriculture systems,” she stated. Nierenberg highlighted that food encompasses more than mere sustenance; it is about empowerment and community building.

José Andrés, Founder of the Global Food Institute at GW, echoed this sentiment, urging participants to rethink how food is grown, valued, and shared in America. He remarked, “Now is the moment to be building longer tables where we put food at the center of solving our greatest challenges.”

Collaborative Efforts for Change

The summit is not just a meeting point; it serves as a pivotal moment for stakeholders in food, agriculture, health, and justice to come together and share ideas. Stacy Dean, Executive Director of the Global Food Institute at GW, elaborated on the summit’s role in sparking dialogue and advancing policies necessary for transforming the food system.

Robert E. Jones, Vice President of the Culinary Institute of America, emphasized the importance of training future culinary leaders. “This summit is an invitation for chefs, policymakers, and food producers to work together to identify levers that deliver unapologetically delicious, healthy, and durable changes to our food system,” he said.

Organizations involved in the summit, such as Driscoll’s and Oatly, also highlighted their commitment to change. Jenet DeCosta, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Driscoll’s, stated that meaningful change requires collaboration across the food system. “Together, we can build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future,” she asserted.

Sara Fletcher, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Oatly, pointed out that consumers are increasingly demanding transparency from their food systems. “This summit is an important opportunity to ask those questions directly of decision makers and coalesce around policy solutions to the nutrition and environmental crises we face,” she added.

Confirmed speakers and moderators include prominent figures such as Casey Aden-Wansbury from Instacart, Allison Aubrey of National Public Radio, and members of the U.S. House of Representatives, among others. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise to enrich the discussions at the summit.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what this summit will achieve in shaping the future of food policy. With a focus on collaboration and actionable solutions, the first Annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit aims to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

For further inquiries, please contact Bernard Pollack at 312-843-8612 or email [email protected]