How can we ensure everyone has long-term availability of clean water and nutritious food in the face of a changing climate? With a theme of “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” the Water for Food Global Conference tackles this critical question, convening global experts to explore innovative solutions and build a more resilient tomorrow.
The conference will be held April 28–May 2, 2025 and is hosted by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, bringing together leaders working to solve one of the world’s most pressing issues — feeding a growing planet while preserving our precious natural resources.
Experts and practitioners in global food and water security will share research results, case studies and perspectives on how to achieve improved water use in agriculture and increase productivity at a variety of scales. In addition to engaging educational sessions, the conference also includes field visits and research site tours so attendees can meet local growers and researchers to experience the knowledge firsthand.
The five-day conference is held in and around Lincoln, which is situated in the middle of a living laboratory of agricultural and water research and atop the vast Great Plains Aquifer. The event convenes 400 leading experts and organizations from around the globe to explore research, expand technologies and share relevant knowledge. Participants will engage with academia, government agencies, policymaking groups, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, water managers, growers, commodity boards, students and private industry partners.
Join a global conversation with leading experts as we explore:
- Water management for high-productivity commercial agriculture
- Smallholder agricultural water management
- Environmental and human health in agricultural systems
Attendees will be an active participant in:
- A rich variety of insightful conference sessions, technical seminars and workshops led by industry leaders from around the world;
- Invaluable networking opportunities with leading experts in food and water security;
- Interactive tours and side events that are both engaging and educational and dive deeper into solutions
- Interactions with companies and organizations active in the food and water security space;
- A renewed passion and sense of urgency for work in this field;
- Sharing of ideas, efforts and research to collectively solve immense problems
Join us if you are:
- A policymaker shaping the future of food and water security.
- A researcher or academic dedicated to finding solutions to this grand challenge.
- A water or agriculture professional driving innovation in this space.
- A farmer, entrepreneur or agribusiness leader committed to building a resilient future.
Registration rates, including for University of Nebraska faculty, staff and students, virtual registration and early registration, are below.
- $550 - General registration (March 4 or after)
- $450 - Early registration (Prior to March 3)
- $250 - Students and University of Nebraska Staff and Faculty
- $150 - DWFI Faculty Fellows and DWFI Supported Students
- $150 - Graduate Student Poster Presenters (upon acceptance)
- $100 - Virtual registration
In-person registration includes all plenary and concurrent conference sessions; breakfast and lunch all three days of the conference; two evening receptions with food and drink; immediate access to all archived conference sessions.
Virtual registration includes live streaming of all plenary and concurrent sessions, as well as immediate access to all archived conference sessions.
Register online now.
Learn more about the last Water for Food Global Conference, held in May 2023.
Conference sponsorships for the Water for Food Global Conference are available at all levels. Contact Frances Hayes, director of communications and public relations, to discuss opportunities.
