Summary
This talk will provide an enlightening discussion on the critical intersection of soil health, food system resilience, and the future of agriculture. Explore how regenerative agriculture, emphasizing soil regeneration, offers a powerful solution to sequester carbon, address biodiversity loss, and tackle water crises while providing nutrient-rich food production. Unpacking the innovative practices involved, we'll delve into the necessity of increased adoption, the role of bold government policies, and the creation of ambition loops for innovation and investment.
Discover why soil health matters profoundly and how regenerative farming practices contribute to environmental and rural socio-economic sustainability. Drawing from the U.S. agriculture policy study groups Dr. Burkart led at Harvard Kennedy School, insights will be shared on the hurdles to adoption, challenges to measure impact, and proposed actionable steps to overcome them. Learn about the outcomes of the study group and find out how you can play a vital role in supporting regenerative agriculture—whether through influencing the farm bill, choosing regenerative products, or spreading awareness. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the solution and invest in a sustainable agricultural future.
Speaker
Dr. Ashlie L Burkart, MD, is the Chief Scientific Officer at Germin8 Ventures, a venture capital firm and thought-leader in the field of food and agriculture innovation. She also holds the position of Associate in the Environment and Natural Resources Program at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. In this role, she has spearheaded Harvard study groups and organized events focused on advancing innovation, investment, and policy in regenerative agriculture.
In addition to her roles in venture capital and academia, Dr. Burkart is a practicing gastrointestinal pathologist and a grant-funded researcher focusing on gut health. Her expertise in anatomic and clinical pathology, particularly in gastrointestinal and liver pathology, not only supports the portfolio companies of Germin8 Ventures but also contributes to the scientific advancements reshaping our health and food systems.
Dr. Burkart holds a B.A. in biology from Brown University, graduating magna cum laude with honors in neuroscience. She obtained her M.D. from McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and completed residencies in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology at John Hopkins Medical Institutions. Her fellowship in Gastrointestinal/Liver Pathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania further solidified her expertise. Additionally, Dr. Burkart was a Technology and Public Purpose Fellow at Harvard's Belfer Center under Secretary Ash Carter.
Dr. Burkart's commitment to teaching and compassionate patient care has earned her prestigious awards, including the Dean's Award for Distinguished Teaching and the National Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.
