Lorain County, Ohio, in partnership with Lorain County Community College, the Center for Food Innovation is hosting a six-part webinar series on the potential for the region to gain $126M in incremental local and state taxes in Northeast Ohio through food innovation. The Webinars are held on consecutive Thursdays from June 16 to July 21, 4-5 pm est.
How? Local food production in Northeast Ohio provides up to 5% of the over $15B food consumed. Research shows that if NEO were to produce 25% of demand, we would create significant new jobs, generate $4.2B in annual regional output, and produce up to $126M in annual state and local taxes. Research also shows that the total value of the Agtech market (Agricultural Technology) will reach $22.5 billion by 2025, rising from $9 billion in 2020. This represents a growth rate of 150% over the next five years. (Juniper Research)
The series is designed for entrepreneurs, public and private funders; farmers of both seasonal and controlled environmental agriculture (vertical, hydroponic, aeroponic); educators and researchers; economic development specialists; technology leaders in IoT, robotics, sensors, water systems, and energy; public and private funders; investors and environmentalists.
June 16: Why should Northeast Ohio become a leader in food innovation?
Renowned authorities present their research on agriculture and farming with a focus on the opportunity to increase local foods through expansion and innovation. They will share current developments and the future of agriculture and what it means for our region.
*Casey Hoy, Retired Professor and Kellogg Endowed Chair in Agricultural Ecosystems Management at Ohio State University
*Hans Riensche, Intelligence Analyst at Aimpoint Research®
June 23: Going local – Why do groceries, hospitals, restaurants, and others want more local food
A panel of executives representing organizations purchasing some of the largest quantities of local foods will talk about the growing demand and the broad advantages these foods bring to consumers.
*Jeff Heinen, Heinen’s Grocery
*Chef Vincent Gaikens, Bon Appetit, Executive Chef at Case Western Reserve; lead sustainable purchases
*Cullen Naumoff, Co-Founder at Farm Fare LLC
*Lisa Roberson, Cleveland Clinic
June 30: How can we increase local food production?
A panel of farmers and industry experts engaged in traditional and controlled environment agriculture (i.e., hydroponics, vertical) talk about the opportunities and challenges to sustainably provide more local year-round fresh, diversified plant and animal-based food.
*Larry Klco, Owner Rainbow Farms
*Adele Flynn, A Flynn’s Farm; Regional Representative for the Ohio Farm Bureau
July 7: Innovation in agriculture and food – what are the opportunities ahead?
Richard will talk about how technology is creating new startups, attracting capital, and building markets with the potential to upend conventional agribusinesses’ stranglehold on the food systems of today. Learn what technologies are leading the way and what that could mean for NEO.
*Richard Munson, author of Tech to Table
July 14: What are investors looking for?
A panel of Agtech investors will share how they see this market progressing and what they are looking to fund and why.
*Speakers Being Finalized
July 21: How can NEO harness new policy, research, and funding to accelerate our food economy?
Visionary leaders engaged in regional policy, research, and investment will discuss the emerging opportunities that can catalyze a robust food economy in northeast Ohio.
*Brandon Kern, Senior Director, State and National Policy at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
*Bara Watts, CEO of Center for Food Innovation
*Chieri Kubota, Director of Ohio Controlled Environment Agriculture Center at the Ohio State University
For more information:
Center for Food Innovation
foodinnovationneo.org