for immediate release

From Farm to Fork: An Agricultural Primer for Foodies

The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chicago Botanic Garden Present, October 3, 2009

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (August 27, 2009)—Join the American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chicago Botanic Garden for a unique all-day symposium exploring the factors influencing our food systems from five perspectives: economics, legislation, the environment, nutrition, and community development. Engaging experts from across the country will address agricultural topics that are at the top of the news cycle, including the impact of farming on global warming, rising food costs, and the organic farm at the White House. For those who are passionate about food, this event will broaden your view of the issues and how they intertwine to impact our lives.

Bill Kurtis, president of Kurtis Productions and founder of Tallgrass Beef, will speak on the history and geography that shaped our food systems. Ann Wright, senior agricultural policy advisor with the office of Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, will explain the impact of legislation on agricultural systems. Sandra Batie, Elton R. Smith professor of food and agricultural policy at Michigan State University, will explore the complex nature of food supply chains. Richard Manning, award-winning environmental author and journalist, will look at our agricultural footprint in terms of energy, emissions, water and waste. Chuck Hassebrook, executive director, Center for Rural Affairs, will discuss the changes in opportunities for small farmers and rural communities. Neil Levin, nutrition education manager and product formulator at NOW Foods, will talk about nutritional differences in organic, conventional and biotech foods.

As a special treat, Gale Gand of Tru and Bruce Sherman of North Pond Restaurant will give cooking demonstrations during the program.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The symposium will be followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Rose Garden and optional tours of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Registration is $125. Chicago Botanic Garden or American Institute of Wine & Food members pay $100. Cost for half-day is $80. Chicago Botanic Garden and American Institute of Wine & Food members pay $65. Morning coffee, lunch, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, parking and handouts are included. Final registration deadline is September 25. To register, or to request a brochure, call (847) 835-8261, or visit the Garden’s website at www.chicagobotanic.org/symposia.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.