As consumers, we want our food system to be many, often contradictory, things: cheap, abundant, local, nutritious, and varied, with year-round availability. Conscious consumers are also increasingly looking for climate-friendly, pesticide-free, organic, and cruelty-free practices.  Less environmental impact, and better animal conditions — but more protein. Less genetic science and modification — but more climate science, which is often best solved with better genetics.

What trade-offs are implicit in the food choices we make? How might new technologies and consumer trends change the food system going forward? This salon will explore some of the tensions that exist in the system that is far from perfect, but maybe not so bad.

Mareese Keane has 16 years of experience in the environmental sector, working for government, private sector consulting and industry. She is currently the Director of THRIVE Corporate Innovation at SVG Ventures, the leading agri-food innovation ecosystem, including top agriculture, food & technology corporations, universities and investors.

This salon took place January 17, 2020.