Diversified Farming Systems Roundtable

Roundtables on Diversified Farming Systems*
Fall 2009 and Spring 2010

   

Summary: The Berkeley Institute of the Environment (BIE) will host Roundtables on Diversified Farming Systems (DFS), a series of eight interactive sessions that brings together an interdisciplinary group of researchers, writers and practitioners focused on the efficacy and complexities of multi-functional agriculture. The goal is to engage in incisive dialogue on the current scientific understanding of the ecology, sociology and economics of diversified farming systems, and to identify knowledge gaps leading to development of research proposals and new scholarly work.  By exploring the private and social costs and benefits of multi-functional DFS, the intent is to identify new pathways for redirecting agricultural development toward greater ecological and social sustainability.  All interested members of the community are invited.

Third session – Tuesday, Nov. 17 (12:30 - 2:30 PM) –
‘Public and Farm Worker Health: Costs and Benefits of Diversified Farming Systems.’

Discussion leaders: Brenda Eskenazi, Ph.D., Professor of Maternal and Child Health and Epidemiology and Director, Center for Children’s Environmental Health Research, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
Ron Strochlic, Executive Director, California Institute for Rural Studies
Christy Getz, Ph.D. UC Berkeley Cooperative Extension Specialist (moderator).

Location: Morgan Hall Lounge, UC Berkeley.
RSVP to Albie Miles: albiemiles@berkeley.edu

List of suggested readings for session 3

Fall 2009 Topics:
  • Dec. 8 (12:30 - 2:30 PM) - Diversified Farming System and the Urban-Rural Interface. Sibella Kraus, President, Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE), Berkeley, California.
Spring 2010 Topics:
  • Grower Perspectives on Diversified Farming Systems: costs, benefits and obstacles
  • Diversified Farming Systems and Consumer-Producer Alliances
  • Economics of Diversified Farming Systems: market and non-market values

Save the dates for future roundtables: January 26, February 23 and March 16 (12:30 - 2:30 PM)

*Note: Please bring your own lunch.

Click here for information on past events

*This Roundtable is funded by The Neckowitz Family Foundation