The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) will host its Symposium on Agriculture, Food Systems and Climate Change on Thursday 11 August. CEFS hopes to use the event to highlight the research and farming practices that support resilient agricultural systems in North Carolina.
The symposium will feature researchers, decision-makers, farmers and community leaders who will discuss holistic, community-based food systems that contribute to climate resilience.
Speakers include Dr. Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation for the United States Department of Agriculture; Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences at Ohio State University and recipient of the 2020 World Food Prize; Karen Washington, co-owner and farmer of Rise & Root garden; Juanita Wilson, co-chair of the Nikwasi Initiative and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Danielle Nierenberg, president of the Food Tank; and more.
Topics of discussion include the link between soil health and climate resilience; the role of farmers in climate adaptation; community leaders transform food systems; and research, policy and government programs that can support sustainable agricultural practices.
According to Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Morena, interim co-director of CEFS and agroecology professor at North Carolina State University, addressing the climate crisis and food system inequities will require different perspectives.
“We need everyone at the table, literally, to develop new innovations, practices, policies and societal-level changes to address climate change in our food system,” Schroeder-Morena tells Food Tank. “My hope is that attendees walk away with a greater understanding of the diverse perspectives and work currently being done in our agriculture and food systems in North Carolina and a deep sense of feeling empowered to contribute to this work themselves.”
After the symposium, CEFS will conclude the evening with a networking opportunity, giving participants the opportunity to exchange ideas.
By bringing everyone together, Schroder-Morena hopes the event “plants a seed for new collaborations and ongoing communication between the speakers and attendees.”
The symposium will take place on August 11, beginning at 1:00 PM EDT. To learn more about the event and see the full agenda, click HERE. To register for the event and purchase tickets, click HERE.
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Photo courtesy of Roger Darnell, Unsplash
