Sustainable Food Systems Seminar Series

The Robertson Collaboration Fund and Dr. Elizabeth Shay of the Institute of the Environment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Dr. Deborah Rigling Gallagher of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, in partnership with the student organizations Farmhand of Duke University and FLO (Fair, Local and Organic) of UNC-CH, announced the schedule for a six part Spring '09 Seminar Series discussing Food Systems.

The seminars showcase the theory and practice of sustainable agriculture and food production and supply – key elements for sustainable community development and a rapidly evolving sector of sustainable enterprise.

Presentations will be made by leaders in the movement for food systems that are secure, efficient, just, and health-promoting. They will share

  • The facts about the operations and products of their enterprises
  • Their motivation for pursuing sustainable models
  • The barriers they face
  • Their views on how their industries fit into the local and regional food systems and how they are evolving.

Seminar locations and speakers are subject to change; the conference organizers ask that you please RSVP here to ensure you are notified of any changes. Please email foodseminar "at" gmail.com with question, comments or concerns.

Schedule

Emerging Industries
January 21st, 2009, 7PM
Duke University, Love Auditorium in LSRC

Learn about local producers using the natural advantages of the Piedmont region to produce value-added products.  Speakers include Benjamin Wineries, Sari Sari Sweets, and Chapel Hill Creamery.

Retail
February 4th, 2009, 7PM
UNC-CH, Murphey Hall 116

Retail food outlets striving to provide a dining experience that benefits and nourishes community in ways beyond the diner's plate. Speakers include Mez, Coon Rock Farm, and Chipotle.

Producers to Consumers
February 18th, 2009, 7PM
Duke University, Hug Commons in LSRC

Learning how to bring consumers in contact with local producers for a meaningful relationship with those who grow and produce our food..  Speakers include Carrboro Farmer's Market, Chatham Marketplace, and SEEDS

Food Security
March 4th, 2009, 7PM
UNC-CH, Murphey Hall 116

 Learn how food providers can be made more accountable and food systems more resilient to external shock and change.  Speakers include FoodLogiQ, and UNC-CH Gillings School of Global Public Health Dr. Steven Wing. Dr. Wing is an expert on rural health, nutrition, and food security.

Education & Outreach
March 18th, 2009, 7PM
Duke University, Von Canon A in the Bryan Center

 Disseminating knowledge and building a network committed to constructing a more sustainable food systems through education and outreach.  Speakers include:  Central Carolina Community College, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, and Professor Alice Ammerman.

Campus Concerns
April 1st, 2009, 7PM
UNC-CH, Murphey Hall 116

 Bringing socially responsible food production to university campuses and providing healthy food options for students.  Speakers include Bon Appetit, and other UNC/Duke food service providers.