From environmental sustainability to GMO safety and animal welfare, consumers increasingly want to know if the methods used to grow and raise food are impacting their long-term health or that of the planet.

These topics and more will be the focus of an August 11 panel discussion featuring local representatives from across the food value chain. The event, titled, "Farm to Consumer: Bridging the Gap between Consumer Concerns and Food Production and Sourcing Decisions," is part of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance's Food Dialogues series, and is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and Nebraska Soybean Board. 

This event will be moderated by Minnesota native and Bloomberg agriculture policy journalist, Alan Bjerga, and will feature panelists including local farmers and food executives, including:

"We're excited that this panel line-up includes diverse and local perspectives on food production and sourcing," said Randy Krotz, CEO, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). "By bringing together voices from across the spectrum to a local setting, the discussion will dive deep into consumer concerns and what local food companies, large corporations, organizations and Minnesota farmers are doing to better adapt and communicate."  

The Food Dialogues: Minneapolis is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council,Nebraska Soybean Board and the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. The August 11 event will be held at the Mill City Museum, with check-in and a networking reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussion will begin at 7 p.m. For more details on the event, panelist bios and to register to attend, visit http://www.fooddialogues.com/events/fd-minneapolis. Follow the event online on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD. A full-recording of the event will be available for viewing online at www.fooddialogues.com on Thursday, August 13.