Public symposium on Sustainable Agriculture and the Island’s Food System, November 14
The Island’s food system will be the topic of a public symposium to be held at UPEI’s Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre, Room 135, on Monday, November 14, beginning at 7:00 pm. In particular, the discussion will focus on a move toward a more sustainable agriculture, with a stronger emphasis on local food and food security.
This event is one of a regular series of public symposia sponsored by UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies, in conjunction with UPEI Research Services.
The main speaker will be distinguished author and public policy specialist Dr. Mark Lapping, long associated with the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Lapping has held many academic leadership posts, including that as founding dean of the prestigious School of Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong interest in land issues in Prince Edward Island and has published several papers and studies on the topic.
In recent years, Dr. Lapping has focused his work on food systems and has written extensively on the subject. He was the leader of an ambitious undertaking at the Muskie School, which developed a food plan and strategy for the state of Maine.
“To most people,” said Dr. Lapping, “food is about growing and consuming food. But a food system is a large set of processes, and it is critical to take a wider, systems perspective. Only then might we have a more robust understanding of the ways by which a sustainable agriculture can become part of a larger process of change toward a more nutritious and just life for individuals, families, and communities.”
Responding to Dr. Lapping’s talk will be a panel comprised of two Island farmers and a researcher in public health nutrition. Barry Cudmore, of Brackley Beach, farms seed potatoes, soy beans, and grains. A Nuffield Scholar and member of the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame, he is a proponent of seeking farm-sustainability in moving from commodities to branded products, and reconnecting consumers with producers.
Mark Bernard and his wife Sally operate Barnyard Organics in Freetown. As the fourth generation Bernard on this family farm, Mark has moved away from potato production. The objective of Barnyard Organics is “to bring the farm back to its original state as a self-sustaining mixed farm, using traditional methods combined with some of the efficient technologies of our time.”
The third Panelist is Dr. Colleen Walton, Associate Professor in Applied Human Sciences at UPEI. She has more than 20 years of working experience within the Island’s food system. Her research interests lie in the area of building capacity among groups and individuals toward strengthened livelihoods and greater household food security.
Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. Admission is free. Following the presentations, there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the floor.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
