Meet our 2026 Speakers & Panelists
Bertrand Weber
Farm to School Innovator & Former Director of Culinary and Wellness Services for Minneapolis Public Schools
Bertrand Weber is a nationally recognized leader in school food system transformation with more than 40 years of experience across hospitality, large-scale food operations, and public education.
In 2004, he launched one of Minnesota’s first Farm to School programs, helping connect schools with local farmers and seasonal foods. From 2012 until his retirement in 2026, Bertrand served as Director of Culinary and Wellness Services for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), leading a return to scratch cooking and positioning MPS as a national model for high-quality, sustainable school meals.
He has held leadership roles with national school nutrition and Farm to School organizations and has received numerous honors, including the IFMA Silver Plate Award and multiple FAME awards.
Bertrand is a true Farm to School pioneer, and we’re honored to welcome him as this year’s Conference keynote speaker!
Farm to School Director
Shelburne Farms, Vermont FEED
Sijè sesyon an: Cultivating Farm to School with Staying Power in the Classroom, Cafeteria, and Community
Chief School Food Operations Officer
Chef Ann Foundation
Sijè sesyon an: The Promise of Scratch Cooking in Schools
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Sijè sesyon an: Bringing the Farm to School: A History of Movement, Leadership, and Opportunity for Producers
Food Service Sales Director
R.C. Hatton Farms
Sijè sesyon an: Farming with Schools
Co-Owner
R.C. Hatton Farms
Sijè sesyon an: Farming with Schools
Food & Nutrition Specialist/District Chef
Columbia County Schools Food & Nutrition Department
Session Topic: Jump In, The Product Is Fine!
Program Manager
Eat Real
Sijè sesyon an: How Real Food Standards Showcase Commitment to Nutrition and Farm to School Success
Prezidan ak ko-fondatè
Locally Grown
Sijè sesyon an: How Real Food Standards Showcase Commitment to Nutrition and Farm to School Success
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
National Center for Appropriate Technology (ATTRA)
Sijè sesyon an: Fungi Foundations: Hands-On Mushroom Growing for Educators
Estratejis Jaden Lekòl
School District of Palm Beach County, Food Service Department
Sijè sesyon an: School Gardens with Purpose: A District-Wide Approach