Tuesday, February 9, 2010

University of Minnesota Hosts Sustainability Programs

Source: Beth Mercer-Taylor
Sustainability Education Coordinator

The Sustainability Studies Minor at the University of Minnesota is excited to announce two programs at the Bell Museum this spring semester. They will focus on the topic of agriculture and sustainability. Both events will include panel discussions with farmers followed by interactive dialogue between the speakers and audience. In addition, the second event will include the short film A Farm for the Future. At the beginning of the events, the Museum's Hungry Planet exhibit about what people eat and where it comes from will be open. Programs are free for everyone, and the public is invited to join us! If you have any questions, feel free to email Lance Brisbois, student intern for the Minor.

Agriculture and Sustainability Panel with Minnesota Farmers

Tuesday, March 23
7:00-9:00pm
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota – Minneapolis campus
Why is sustainability important for land and for people? What is being done in Minnesota to help reduce environmental degradation? Why should we care?

Speakers: Jim Riddle, organic farmer and sustainable agriculture advocate, and other local farmers will share their stories of farming using organic and sustainable practices and tell us about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Agriculture
Thursday, April 8
7:30-9:00pm
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota – Minneapolis campus
Rural areas are experiencing significant population losses, and industrial farms are not sustainable in the long term. What can be done to revitalize rural communities and ensure environmental stewardship in farming practices?

Speakers: Kathy Draeger, Director of the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and Big Stone County farmer; Jim Kleinschmit, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Rural Communities program.

Film: A Farm for the Future 2009. Investigates how to transform a family's farm into a low-energy farm for the future, and discovers that nature holds the key. Originally aired on the BBC's Natural World series. 50-minute run time.

[where: Sustainable Food, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Minnesota]