Water is the critical resource for food security. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water withdrawals globally. However, water is a finite resource that is over-allocated and poorly managed. That is why the agrifood industry has to come up with new ways to do more with less. Here is where water tech comes into play.
At the same time the world faces a major challenge in terms of water scarcity. If we continue the current trajectory, demand for fresh water will exceed supply by 40% in 2030. Game-changing solutions are essential to achieve an environmentally sustainable and economically viable water cycle. To make real progress on the world’s biggest challenges, business giants have to make the water transition a top priority and more air time must been given to the water topic.
This session will discuss the role of Agrifood corporates given their global supply chains and the sheer influence many of these brands have on production systems and consumers. Questions adressed will be: Is water the next big priority for climate action? What solutions are really needed and scalable? Are the current water KPIs of the sufficient looking at the negative aspects of climate change? What are the current investment trends in innovations and best practices in adapting water technologies within agrifood?
13.45 – 14.10
Presentations
Jan Burger, Senior Director Climate & Water Sustainability at Coca-Cola and
Truke Smoor, Global Water Lead at Cargill both share insights on how they work (together) to advance water stewardship across the value chain.
14.10 – 14.35
Insights
Menno Holterman, CEO of Nijhuis Saur Industries, will explain why water is the connector between all the different SDGs and the dire need for water to be revalued environmentally, socially, economically, and technologically. Also it will be highlighted why adaptation of game-changing innovations is needed to meet the ever-demanding water challenges.
14.37 – 15.00
Panel discussion
AgriFood Corporate: Truke Smoor, Global Water Lead at Cargill,
Water Solution Provider: Menno Holterman – CEO Nijhuis Saur Industries,
Water Investor: Bradley Jones, Investment Director Earth Capital.
This session is moderated by Annelies Schenk.
Stage 2 Auditorium
Annelies Schenk | StartLife, Bradley Jones | Earth Capital, Jan Burger | The Coca-Cola Company, Menno Holterman | Nijhuis Saur Industries, Truke Smoor | Cargill