News
White House chef to deliver OFA Short Course keynote

May 29, 2012, Columbus, OH — White House assistant chef and senior policy advisor on healthy food initiatives Sam Kass will deliver a keynote speech during the OFA Short Course.

On July 16, Kass will bring his enthusiastic message about gardening and planting home-grown fruit, herbs and vegetables to the largest all-industry event in North America.

There is a "… national conversation that has been started about the need for all of us to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and ensuring that everyone has access to fresh produce in their neighbourhoods – key components of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative, which is an effort to tackle the problem of childhood obesity in this country," said Kass.

This spring, several OFA member companies, including breeders and garden centres, launched new or expanded offerings in the edible plant category to meet the increasing demand by consumers.

"The horticulture industry can play an important role in helping to solve some of society's greatest problem," said Michael V. Geary, chief executive officer of OFA. "Plants are more than just pretty. Research has shown that plants, flowers and trees, are important to our health in a variety of ways."

Kass will be the second keynote speaker at this year's OFA Short Course. On July 15, Joe Lamp'l (a.k.a. joe gardener) will speak about ways to find and influence the ever elusive consumer in today's market.

The OFA Short Course runs July 14 to 17 in Columbus, Ohio.