Keynote Speaker Jennifer Lester Moffitt

KEYNOTE TOPICS WILL INCLUDE

• Importance of regional food systems
• Role of usda in supporting regional food systems
• Critical role of small scale producers in regional supply chains

BIO
Jennifer Lester Moffitt is the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture, the first woman to serve in this position. At USDA, she provides leadership for the Agricultural Marketing Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working to build a more reliable, resilient, and equitable food system by strengthening agricultural markets and ensuring the health and welfare of animals and plants. Prior to joining USDA, Under Secretary Moffitt worked for the California Department of Food and Agriculture where she championed the critically important work of farmers and producers in her roles as Undersecretary and Deputy Secretary. A 5th generation Californian, Under Secretary Moffitt has deep roots in agriculture and ran her family’s organic farm and processing operation for 10 years, expanding domestic and international markets, and implementing climate smart agricultural practices. As a former farmer and now policymaker, Under Secretary Moffitt believes in the importance of engaging agricultural stakeholders and working collaboratively to sustain our environment, strengthen our rural economies, and support new and better markets for producers and consumers.