NASDA panelists to lead discussion on “Farm to Table: Women Powering the Future of Food”

Media Advisory

WHO: In recognition of the International Year of the Farmer, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Board President and agricultural, retail and culinary leaders will join NASDA's panel to discuss how women are shaping resilient, market-driven food systems from production through consumption.

Panel Participants:
Amanda Beal, NASDA Board President and Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Meghan Diaz, Senior Director of Produce - Strategic Sourcing and Innovation, Sprouts Farmers Market
Tania Harris, South Carolina Department of Agriculture Chef Ambassador Alum, James Beard Award Semifinalist and Chef and Owner, Azucar Skull
Aida Mollenkamp, California Grown Creator and Founder, Salt & Wind Travel
Panel Moderator: Megan Weeks, Senior Director, International Trade Programs, NASDA

WHERE & WHEN: The panel will be held Saturday, May 16, from 12 to 12:45 p.m. CT at The Culinary Experience, booth 12448, Lakeside Center, McCormick Place, Chicago, during the National Restaurant Association Show.

HOW: Media interested in attending or scheduling interviews, please email Derrek Miller ([email protected]) and Lauren Zajicek ([email protected]) by 5 p.m. CT, Friday, May 15.

WHAT: NASDA will convene a timely panel bringing together leaders from agriculture, retail and culinary to examine how women are driving innovation and shaping resilient, market-driven food systems from production through consumption. The discussion will explore market access and visibility for women across the supply chain, opportunities to strengthen collaboration between producers, buyers and chefs, innovations advancing more responsive food systems and strategies to elevate women leaders in agriculture and global food markets.

Follow NASDA Trade Shows on Instagram, X and Facebook to follow along with the NASDA panel as they discuss women powering the future of food.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA and its trade programs and trade policy, visit www.nasda.org.

"A Taste of the States: Miami" connects U.S. food and beverage suppliers with buyers and partners from around the world. The pavilion helps meet the rising international demand for high-quality U.S. agricultural products by showcasing innovative companies from across the country. NASDA collaborates closely with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and its global network to recruit qualified international buyers representing sectors such as foodservice, distribution, retail and manufacturing. The pavilion serves as a key element of NASDA's broader strategy to increase U.S. agricultural exports, diversify market opportunities and strengthen rural economies through international trade. To learn more, visit nasda.org/tradeshows.