Panel discussion to explore farming and food production

salvetoday Posted On February 11, 2015
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Just as food is central to our daily lives, the production of food is central to our community and national life. When we sit down to eat a meal, the food is the product a chain of decisions with far-reaching implications.

To address questions about American food, agriculture and society, Pell Center senior fellow Joseph Grady will moderate a panel discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall.

Panelists include:

  • Charles Allott, executive director of the Aquidneck Land Trust
  • Courtney Bourns, senior program officer, Henry P. Kendall Foundation
  • Jameson Chace, associate professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences
  • Chuck Wooster, founder of Sunrise Farm and author of “Living with Pigs” and “Living with Sheep”

The panelists will explore the following topics:

  • Energy – What are the consequences of using energy to transport food across the country, or around the world?
  • Environment – What are the consequences of putting more fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals into our soil, water and air?
  • Health – Does the production of so much corn contribute to an obesity epidemic?
  • Land use – What happens when farmland is converted to housing developments?
  • Role of government – Should farm policy help promote healthier diets, or is that a matter of personal responsibility?
  • Cutting edge science – Do we understand the long-term consequences of genetically modified crops?

In addition to moderating the discussion, Grady will contribute additional perspectives on public dialog about the issue. Audience members will be encouraged to contribute questions and opinions.

For more information, contact the Pell Center at (401) 341-7462 or pellcenter@salve.edu. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP on the Pell Center’s Evenbrite page.