

Scaling Resilience through Whole-System Innovation
Transitioning to a resilient food system requires a fundamental shift in managing agricultural landscapes, particularly as we look to do so within planetary boundaries.
This session explores how California’s almond farmers use whole-system thinking to scale regenerative and climate-smart practices. We’ll examine perennial orchards as biological anchors for soil health, water stewardship and carbon sequestration. Beyond harvest, we’ll highlight circularity and co-product innovation, moving toward a zero-waste, upcycled future. We’ll touch on using data-driven insights to help ensure on-the-ground feasibility and de-risk farm transitions.
Join us and panelists from Simple Mills, Upcycled Foods, Inc., and sustainability digital creator @ReLauren to see how evidence-based, community-led action provides a scalable blueprint for shaping climate-smart agriculture and ensuring long-term supply chain resilience.
Danielle Veenstra, Third-Generation Almond Farmer, Veenstra Farms and Senior Manager, Global Stewardship & Impact, Almond Board of California
Olivia Whitener, Senior Associate, Sustainability & Mission, Simple Mills
Daniel Kurzrock, Co-Founder and CEO, Upcycled Foods, Inc
Lauren Bash, Sustainability Creator and Eco-Communicator, @ReLauren