Kornelis ‘Kees’ Huizinga will be presenting on the topic "Healing After Conflict: Farmer Leaders' Essential Role in Recovering from War and Destruction" at the 2023 Borlaug Dialogue on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Since February 24, 2022, Kees has been farming in war-torn Ukraine. As the war rages, Kees has provided updates on Ukraine agriculture challenges on the ground and long-term, global implications to government and policy leaders across Europe--in person when possible--and through virtual interviews at every opportunity presented. The future is completely uncertain and there is little certainty that the farming company will survive. Read more about Kees: Abiding by Nature’s Rules in Ukraine, Huizinga tells Ukraine story in USA, Kees Huizinga: How a Dutch Native Started Farming in Ukraine. The 2023 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue has selected the theme Harnessing Change. On Tuesday, October 24, five GFN members will share their story of harnessing innovation, adaptation, and diversification during "Take It To the Farmer" programming:
  • Jose Gonzalez Chacon, Colombia
  • Marcus Holtkoetter, Germany
  • Kornelis Huizinga, Ukraine
  • Patience Koku, Nigeria
  • Rotimi Williams, Nigeria
Two additional GFN members are also presenting:  Guillermo Breton, Mexico and Maria 'Pilu' Giraudo, Argentina will be speaking on an October 24th panel: "MasAgro: Taking it to the Farmer." Event Dates  In-person in Des Moines, Iowa, USA: October 24 - 26, 2023 Virtual Only: October 16 - 20, 2023 Hybrid: October 24 - 26, 2023