The Future of Food and Agriculture Forum

Agriculture is emerging as a defining front in the global climate transition, under growing pressure to deliver across emissions reduction, supply chain resilience, and human health outcomes.

The Future of Food and Agriculture Forum, hosted by Newsweek during New York Climate Week, brings together the leaders deploying capital, shaping policy, and scaling solutions across food and agriculture. The focus is on moving from ambition to execution, turning food systems into investable, scalable climate solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Taking place on September 22nd at Newsweek HQ, 72nd floor, One World Trade Center, the forum convenes a curated, invitation only audience of C suite executives, policymakers, and investors in a closed door environment designed for high value engagement, partnership building, and real world implementation.

A closed-door New York Climate Week forum connecting capital, policy, and industry leaders to turn food and agriculture into scalable climate and investment solutions.

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Arrival and Networking

Registration opens. Grab and coffee and meet your fellow attendees!

4:15 PM – 4:20 PM

Opening Remarks

Amit Shah, EVP, Newsweek

4:20 PM – 4:35 PM

AFI Labs: Scaling Food Innovation from Concept to Reality

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

Eric Nakata, Vice President of Culinary Innovation, Alamance Foods

4:35 PM – 5:15 PM

Building Resilient Food Systems

This panel explores how the agriculture sector can strengthen food systems against rising climate, economic, and supply‑chain pressures. Leaders across farming, technology, and policy will discuss the strategies and innovations needed to ensure stability, adaptability, and long‑term food security. The conversation focuses on practical solutions that help withstand disruption while supporting sustainable growth.

Moderator:

Gabriel Snyder, Editorial Director, Newsweek

Panelists:

Alastair Child, CSO, Mars
Florence Henry, Global Head of Sustainability, Nestlé
Dominique Lawrie, Global Head of Sustainability, Bunge
Jay McEntire, CEO & Co-Founder, Arva

5:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Networking Break

5:30 PM – 5:50 PM

Transforming the Food Ecosystem Through Naturality and Innovation

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelist:

Yuvraj Arora, President, IFF Taste

5:50 PM – 6:30 PM

Turning Fields into a Climate Ally

Agriculture plays a critical role in climate mitigation. This session will explore practical ways to improve environmental performance and adopt regenerative methods, while also examining new programs that reward climate‑smart agriculture, highlighting how farmland can become a powerful climate ally. The conversation will show how everyday farming practices can evolve into long‑term positive climate, nature and business outcomes.

Moderator:

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Senior Editor, Newsweek

Panelists:

Michal Benmayor, Vice President Global Innovation & Sustainability Perfumery, dsm-firmenich
Allison Lin, Global VP of Healthy Planet and Chief Circularity Officer, Mars
Natasha Santos, Vice President, Head of Sustainability & Strategic Engagement, Bayer Crop Science

6:30 PM – 6:35 PM

Closing Remarks

6:35 PM – 7:30 PM

Networking Reception

We invite all attendees to stay for a drink and continue building meaningful connections!

Join us for The Future of Food and Agriculture Forum – NY Climate Week

Join Us!

The Venue

Newsweek HQ

Moderators

Speakers

Partners

Audience & Reach

Agenda

Speak to us about sponsorship and brand opportunities