As an editor, I have the privilege of traveling in different food circles. I attend more industry standard tradeshows from the wider-known associations, but I also make it a point to go to more fringe conferences just to hear different voices. A few months ago, I attended a summit put on by Food Tank, a nonprofit focused on food system issues such as hunger and obesity.

It was an interesting mix of food companies, policy wonks, new entrepreneurs and specialty farmers. The event was sponsored in part by Organic Valley and included food executives from Cargill and Clif Bar, who talked about their efforts to source more organic ingredients.