Cities face rapid urbanization, climate change and other stresses that make our food supplies vulnerable. The Dallas InnerCity Growers’ (DIG) Summit, sponsored by the city of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, will take place on October 6 and 7 at the Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom on the Southern Methodist University campus. It will bring together producers, food system stakeholders and change-makers from diverse backgrounds to address critical challenges within our urban food system.

Extreme weather, labor shortages and a lack of diversified production are causing disruptions, with food traveling farther to reach consumers. Although 80 percent of our food will soon be consumed in cities, many lack the mechanisms to support urban agriculture networks. The Summit will address these challenges by providing a platform for collaboration, sharing research, tools and resources to find solutions for a resilient food system. The Urban Regenerative Food Collective is DIG’s mission to give food system stakeholders a voice and reconnect urban and environmental systems.

The summit will host a collaborative network of food system stakeholders, including growers, academics, nonprofits and government representatives trying to improve the way our region feeds itself; increase understanding of food-system-related challenges facing North Texas and exposure to current initiatives creating resiliency in our region; and develop the means to challenge existing models, push boundaries and create solutions to the obstacles within our urban food system.

Participants will learn how to improve the way our region feeds itself, address rising costs and climate disruption, and enhance the health and wealth of our cities. Highlights include networking sessions to connect with fellow practitioners, academics, activists and funders; expert speaker sessions discussing best practices, innovative solutions and regenerative approaches; and interactive workshops covering urban agriculture, soil health and community resilience.

Scholarship opportunities are available. Location: 3300 Dyer St,. Dallas. For more information, call 214-671-8980, email [email protected] or visit DigSummit.org.