U.S. Joins Milan's Global Food Expo With 'American Food 2.0'

On March 28, President Obama announced that the United States has joined Milan Expo 2015, a global conference that aims to address issues like food quality and security, food technology and research, and sustainable methods of agriculture for society as a whole. As of now, 147 countries (out of 196) have joined the Expo, which will take place in Rome from May 1st until October 31st of 2015. The theme of Expo Milan 2015 is "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life."

Together with the James Beard Foundation and the International Culinary Center, the United States' presence in Milan will be organized by the Friends of the U.S. Pavilion Milano 2015, which will launch a year-long series of programs dedicated to food security and sustainability. During Milan Expo 2015, the U.S. Pavilion will focus on 'American Food 2.0.'

"America has long been known as a mixing pot of culture, making it natural for American chefs to draw upon flavors and inspiration from across the world," said Dorothy Cann Hamilton, CEO of the International Culinary Center. "Couple that DNA with remarkable creativity and you  can see how their explorations and innovations have tremendous global impact. The goal of American Food 2.0 at the Milan Expo is to reflect the innovation and diversity you find across America, which can be found everywhere from a food truck to a fine dining temple."

The U.S. Pavilion will be sponsored entirely by the private sector, with patrons like DuPont, McKinsey, the James Beard Foundation, and the International Culinary Center. During the conference, participating countries will begin to address the major challenges associated with feeding nine million people by 2050.

"We all share one global food system," said Mitchell David, executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation. "Let's come together to figure out how we want it to work."

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.