Potato Sustainability Alliance Summer Symposium Registration Open

Published online: May 16, 2024 Articles
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Meet us in Chicago. PSA is hosting its 3rd annual Summer Symposium in Chicago on July 9-11 and hope that many of you are planning to join them.

A big thank you to McDonald’s for hosting the event and allowing PSA to hear from their sustainability team and learn more about the sustainability activities at McDonald’s. 

Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to tour McDonald’s one-of-a-kind, LEED-certified sustainable headquarters.   

Review the Full Agenda Here

Why Is It Important For You To Attend This Year’s Symposium? 

Collaborate For Potato Sustainability 

PSA was founded to bring together all sectors of the potato industry. PSA CEO John Mesko is excited to kick off the Symposium by revisiting the goals of the organization, the value PSA aims to provide as an alliance, and why it’s important to have all sectors of the supply chain involved in discussions aimed to achieve a more sustainable potato industry. 

PSA will also share important updates about the PSA Program, including key takeaways from its 2023 assessment report. PSA will also:

  • Introduce the Water Stewardship Framework and how it can be implemented to create value across our value chain.
  • Learn more about biodiversity and pollinators from Dr. Russell Groves, University of Wisconsin.
  • Hear about what’s next for growers who participate in the PSA Program, including the value of continuing education in the industry and its role in the PSA Program.

Gain Valuable Insights

In the keynote address from Dr. Wayne Honeycutt of Soil Health Institute, attendees will hear about the impact of soil health on regenerative agriculture. We will then expand on his presentation with a panel discussion that dives even deeper into what’s happening in regenerative ag. The panel will answer questions about what’s happening throughout the industry, what kinds of commitments are being made, and how they are measured. The panel will discuss ‘regenerative’ vs. ‘sustainable’ agriculture, and how involvement with PSA impacts their viewpoints. 

Panel members include: 

  • Derek Herman, PepsiCo
  • Spencer Karabelas-Pittman, McCain Foods
  • Liz Hunt, Syngenta
  • Walther Farms

Foster Connections 

This event is designed to give the potato community a chance to come together to focus on defining and delivering sustainability across the supply chain. 

  • Sector breakouts will provide time to collaborate within your specific area of the supply chain.
  • The PSA-hosted happy hour and networking breaks will give you ample time to connect with other attendees. 

Make An Impact 

Each grower and organization has a sustainability story to tell. The group will spend time in concurrent breakout sessions providing tools, resources, and tips to help each of you tell that important story. PSA is dedicated to supporting the industry in this way and providing resources that are specific to the needs of each supply chain group. 

Register before the ticket price increases at midnight on Friday.

Helpful Links

Accommodations

A room block is available for July 8-10 at:

The Hoxton Chicago

200 North Green Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607

Booking Link: https://thehoxton.com/chicago-groups

Group Access Code: 2024PSA

Become A Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, as well as for meals, breaks, happy hour, and welcome bags. Visit our website, or contact John Mesko at mesko@potatosustainability.org to learn more.

Don't wait to register! Reserve your spot today!