Water for Food Global Conference

The 2019 Water for Food Global Conference, “Water for a Hungry World: Innovation in Water and Food Security,” being held April 29 and 30 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The conference will convene leading international experts and organizations to discuss the next generation of research, smart technology, policy development and best practices that are achieving breakthroughs in the vitally important mission of improving our global water and food security. To build more resilient and productive agricultural and food systems, we need to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, government officials and nonprofit leaders who are at the forefront of change. The 2019 Water for Food Global Conference will spur conversations that bring together a spectrum of stakeholders who understand that feeding our growing world population requires new approaches to overcome a host of interconnected challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity and pollution, economic disparity, shifting food preferences, food waste, soil degradation, ecosystem threats and competing demands for resources. We need a focused commitment to developing sustainable solutions for water and food security, leveraging the skills and experience of a diverse and talented network of stakeholders. Collaboration ignites innovation.

Conference topics include:

Research and Technology

• Using satellite imagery to identify regions throughout the world with high potential for improving agricultural productivity
• Advancing drought management, including new technology to detect and predict drought and other climate extremes
• Sharing innovative technology to detect and analyze soil and water contaminants 
   

Policies and Best Practices

• Determining the value of water in agriculture and other sectors
• Developing water markets and other governance approaches to better manage competing demands for and access to water resources
• Transforming water policy to develop sustainable and equitable water management practices
   

Entrepreneurship and Business

• Supporting farmer-led initiatives to improve resilient production in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and underserved areas of Asia
• Engaging women and youth in water and agriculture sectors
• Exploring business models for improving sustainable agricultural production
   

Public Health and the Environment

Protecting freshwater and agricultural ecosystems and public health through education, tools and governance

Examining the effects of climate change on agriculture and public health

Protecting soil health, preventing soil degradation and mitigating soil and groundwater contaminants
 

The 2019 Water for Food Global Conference will also feature special events to encourage interdisciplinary discussions and learning among participants, including a student poster competition; welcome reception; entrepreneurship cafe; educational exhibit booths; and side events.