"How do we make the act of asking nature’s advice a normal part of everyday inventing?"
–Janine Benyus
The Hudson Valley Food Systems Summit is a transformative gathering that invites farmers, policymakers, researchers, food entrepreneurs, and community leaders to reimagine the region’s food systems through the lens of biomimicry. This summit is not simply a meeting—it is an opportunity to realign our work with nature’s wisdom and embrace a new paradigm where humans and ecosystems thrive together.
The day unfolds as a journey through three interconnected themes: Ethos, Reconnect, and Emulate, culminating in a collective vision of Emergence.
- Morning: Ethos
Begin the day by grounding in values. Explore how gratitude, responsibility, and respect for nature can guide food systems transformation. Through storytelling and shared reflections, participants connect with the moral foundation of their work, inspired by nature’s generosity and interconnectedness. - Midday: Reconnect
Shift focus to relationships—between people, communities, and nature. Through interactive exercises like mapping networks inspired by mycorrhizal fungi or ecosystems, participants deepen their understanding of collaboration. This session fosters radical partnerships that mirror nature’s mutualism and adaptability. - Afternoon: Emulate
Dive into the brilliance of biomimicry as participants explore nature-inspired strategies for food systems innovation. From aquaponics mimicking aquatic ecosystems to regenerative farming modeled on forest cycles, this session celebrates the creative potential of learning from nature’s playbook.
Finally, the summit culminates in Emergence, where participants synthesize insights from the day to envision a resilient food system rooted in biomimicry principles. Together, they explore how asking nature’s advice can become integral to every decision—whether designing equitable policies or creating regenerative practices.
This summit is more than an event; it is a reminder that nature already holds the solutions we need. By learning from their patterns, principles, and genius, we can transform the Hudson Valley’s food systems into models of sustainability, equity, and abundance for generations to come.
For more information about The Hudson Valley Food Systems Coalition (HVFSC) Summit, visit hvfoodsystem.org.