Harmony in Every Bell: Sowing Seeds of Peace in a World of Change

NAPA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The "Cultivating Peace Through Agriculture Symposium" is set to shed light on the strength of agriculture as a lever for creating collaborative networks that foster ongoing dialogue to cultivate peace.

Each year in early November, distinguished experts from the US and other countries will convene in Napa at the Culinary Institute of America to educate, inform, and share best practices with the world in support of farmers as they strive to feed and nourish their communities in the face of expanding global challenges. Esteemed experts from various countries assemble with a mission to equip, enlighten, and engage audiences, backing farmers in their quest to sustainably nourish communities amid mounting global challenges. The symposium's multifaceted lens examines the intersections of Soil and Plant Health, Human Health, Environmental Health, Economic Health, and Post-conflict Health.

This year, the Symposium will be held at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia, located at 500 1st Street Napa, CA 94559 on November 3, 2023, between the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM Pacific Time.

Historically, bells have resonated across cultures, symbolizing both calls to action and harmonious instruments. Each culture has created bells that express their history and heritage, and the “Festival of the Bells” is a place of peace where “the bells” can come together to create a harmonious song. The "Festival of the Bells" not only celebrates these diverse cultural traditions but also serves as an annual cross-cultural beacon of peace and vital fundraising for farmers affected by conflict – “The harmonious nature of bells and the transformative power of agriculture to cultivate peace… Agriculture has the power not just to nourish but to unite and heal. As we gather at this symposium, let's cultivate peace one crop and conversation at a time." - Violet Grgich, President and CEO, Grgich Hills Estate.

This year's event boasts a formidable line-up of speakers. Opening the symposium is Heidi Kuhn, Founder of Roots of Peace, as she returns from the World Food Prize and Borlaug Dialogue held in Des Moines Iowa as the distinguished 2023 World Food Prize Laureate and recipient of the 2023 Mother Teresa Award for Social Justice. The stage will also be graced by Thomas Bensel, Managing Director at the Culinary Institute of America; and Violet Grgich, President and CEO, Grgich Hills Estate. "Agriculture is more than just sowing seeds in the ground; it's about planting the roots of peace, hope, and resilience. Through collaborative dialogue and sustainable practices, we can transform conflict-ridden soils into flourishing fields of prosperity. This symposium is a testament to our shared commitment to turning the tools of war into instruments of peace and nourishment." - Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO, Roots of Peace.

The symposium will delve deep into Environmental and Soil Health, emphasizing Carbon Sequestration, Water Usage, and Renewable Energy. Experts such as Dr. Daniel Kammen, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and expert in Renewable Energy; Paul Lightfoot, General Manager, Patagonia Provisions; Paul Alvarez, Program Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance; and Ivo Jeramaz, VP Viticulture and Wine Production, Grgich Hills Estate will share their invaluable perspectives. "We have witnessed the profound positive impact of regenerative organic farming practices on our land, and we are eager to share our knowledge and collaborate with other wineries," says Ivo Jeramaz, "Our goal is to unite the industry in a sustainable movement that not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality and resilience of our vineyards for generations to come."

A dedicated segment on Post-Conflict Agriculture will focus on collaboration strategies and effective execution, led by Tucker Kuhn, CEO of Roots of Peace.

Roots of Peace stands as a testament to the transformative power of agriculture. This humanitarian non-profit aids the world's most vulnerable farmers, facilitating the removal of war remnants and rejuvenating agricultural endeavors with an environmentally conscious ethos.

The event's luncheon promises a gastronomic journey, with dishes from six countries crafted by the Culinary Institute of America's master chefs. These will be complemented by Napa Valley's finest wines. A live auction for Roots of Peace will spotlight the luncheon, emphasizing the 2023 fundraising goal: to bolster Roots of Peace's impending mission to Ukraine, aiding farmers through initiatives spanning landmine removal, agricultural rejuvenation, and mental health support.

This event is sponsored by Grgich Hills Estate, Culinary Institute of America, Roots of Peace, Folio Wine Partners, Chappellet Winery, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

For more information, press details, or inquiries, please contact: Rene Mandeville, iVoice Communications, +1 (917) 833-4735, rene@ivoice.agency

About Grgich Hills Estate: Grgich Hills Estate was founded after Vintners Hall of Fame inductee Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first earned world-wide recognition when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France and drawing international attention to the Napa Valley. Mike then partnered with Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee family in the pursuit of creating the best wines in the world and chose Independence Day, July 4, 1977, to launch their family-owned-and-operated winery.
Today, Grgich Hills Estate is 100% estate grown and Certified Regenerative Organic through the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a leading force in the Regenerative Agriculture movement worldwide. Referred to as "Organic Plus,” regenerative farming is a science-driven approach focused on no-till soil management, building organic matter to sustain microbial life, incorporating livestock and biodiversity and caring for people who work in the fields and winery. It is a key component of combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas pollution. In 2022 Grgich Hills Estate was recognized as one of the world’s "Top 100 Wineries" by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

About Roots of Peace: Roots of Peace supports the world's most vulnerable farmers and traders, removing the remnants of war and restoring agricultural productivity and prosperity. Roots of Peace is a humanitarian organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and the subsequent replanting and rebuilding of war-torn regions. Founded in 1997 by Heidi Kuhn, the goal of Roots of Peace is to turn minefields into farmland and support victims of landmine accidents. For more information visit https://rootsofpeace.org/

About CIA at Copia: Hailed a “foodie wonderland” by The New York Times, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia is an epicurean destination in downtown Napa, where guests can immerse themselves in the past, present, and future of food. Located in the Oxbow District, CIA at Copia offers an array of enticing culinary experiences delivered by CIA chefs and experts, including hands-on cooking and beverage classes; lively public events and art exhibits; a signature garden-to-table restaurant; an exclusive 3D interactive dining experience; Lunch Box, a casual weekday eatery; Wine Bar, a self-service tasting experience; a culinary and lifestyle-themed marketplace; and The Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum. CIA at Copia is also a unique setting for weddings and private events. All proceeds from CIA at Copia benefit CIA student scholarships.

Rene Mandeville
iVoice Communications, Inc.
+1 917-833-4735
email us here

Festival of The Bells, "Cultivating Peace Through Agriculture"