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Join the American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chicago Botanic Garden for a unique all-day symposium exploring the factors influencing our food systems from five perspectives: economics, legislation, the environment, nutrition and community development. Engaging experts from across the country will address agricultural topics that are at the top of the news cycle, including the impact of farming on global warming, rising food costs and a proposed organic farm at the White House. For those who are passionate about food, this event will broaden your view of the issues and how they intertwine to impact our lives.

Bill Kurtis, President of Kurtis Productions and Founder of Tallgrass Beef, will speak on the history and geography that shaped our food systems. Ann Wright, Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor with the Office of Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, will explain the impact of legislation on agricultural systems. Sandra Batie, Elton R. Smith Professor in Food and Agricultural Policy at Michigan State University, will explore the complex nature of food supply chains. Richard Manning, award-winning environmental author and journalist, will look at our agricultural footprint in terms of energy, emissions, water and waste. Chuck Hassebrook, Executive Director, Center for Rural Affairs, will discuss the changes in opportunities for small farmers and rural communities. Neil Levin, Nutrition Education Manager and Product Formulator at NOW Foods, will talk about nutritional differences in organic, conventional and biotech foods.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The symposium will be followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Rose Garden and optional tours of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Full Day: $100 AIWF and CBG members/$125 non-members

Half Day: $65 AIWF and CBG members/$85 non-members

Click here to register

Deadline is September 25

­Click here to download the Farm 2 Fork Brochure.­­­­­­