Microbes are everywhere in our food system, inhabiting biomes from soil to human – for better or worse. In recent years, research has shed much light on how these tiny organisms can be better understood and controlled to ensure healthy, safe food for everyone. This year's Healthy Foods Summit considered the intersection of microbes and our food supply, with eminent thinkers and community partners presenting a wide range of perspectives. The agenda for the first, on-campus day at the Commons Hotel included cutting-edge research and policy perspectives. The second day focused on practical applications and was held at the Landscape Arboretum.
The Healthy Food Summit is an annual event of interest to food science and production researchers, healthcare professionals, public health professionals, environmental and natural resource professionals, dietitians, food producers and processors, grocery and farm co-op members, agribusiness professionals, community farm participants, school administrators, students, and concerned citizens.
Day 1: Food, Microbes, and Health
Thursday, October 27, 8:00am-5:30pm
Commons Hotel, Minneapolis
Day 2: The Minnesota Response – Working For and Against the Microbes in our Food System
Friday, October 28, 8:00am-4:00pm
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Healthy Foods, Health Lives Institute; Landscape Arboretum; and Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.
Image: Paenibacillus vortex, a species of pattern-forming bacteria