2027 Keynote Speakers
Beyond the Headline: Food Policy, Politics, and the Future of Agriculture
Helena Bottemiller Evich
A fireside chat with Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix, a must-read newsletter about food policy in Washington and beyond.
Most recently, she led coverage of food and agriculture issues at POLITICO for nearly a decade, winning numerous awards for her work, including a George Polk Award for a series on climate change and two James Beard Awards for features on nutrition and science. In 2022, she was a James Beard Award finalist for a deep dive on diet-related diseases and Covid-19.
Before launching POLITICO’s food policy coverage in 2013, Helena was the Washington correspondent for Food Safety News where she covered deadly foodborne illness outbreaks and the run-up to Congress passing the most significant update to food safety law in a century.
Helena is a sought-after speaker and commentator on food issues, appearing on CNN, MSNBC, CBS, BBC and NPR, among others. Her work is widely cited in the media and has also been published in the New York Times, the Columbia Journalism Review and NBC News.
Born and raised in Washington state, Helena attended Claremont McKenna College, where she studied government. She now lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and two kids.
Your USDA Connection: Resources, Opportunities, and Answers for Illinois Growers
Join USDA leaders for a moderated panel discussion focused on the programs, resources, and partnerships available to support Illinois specialty crop growers, farmers market vendors, and local food businesses. Panelists will share insights on funding and grant opportunities, risk management and crop insurance, conservation programs, and technical assistance designed to help farms and food enterprises succeed.
Whether you are a long-time USDA participant or exploring these resources for the first time, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from agency experts, gain practical guidance, and learn how to navigate available programs. Through a moderated discussion and audience Q&A, attendees will leave with valuable contacts, a clearer understanding of USDA services, and actionable next steps for accessing support that can strengthen and grow their operations.
Bring your questions and join the conversation. This is your opportunity to connect directly with the people and programs that can help move your business forward.