Boozman, Mercier part of Oct. 12 event highlighting role of policymaking as a key to global food security
By Mary Hightower
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Oct. 12 event highlights importance of policy in global food security
- Lineup features U.S. Sen. John Boozman; Dr. Stephanie Mercier of Farm Journal Foundation
- RSVP is required for attendance; for more info call Tonya Renee Foster at trfoste@uark.edu or 479-575-2258.
(331 words)
Boozman, Mercier part of Oct. 12 event highlighting role of policymaking as a key to global food security
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Feeding a growing universal population with the challenges of climate extremes and expanding urbanization requires agricultural policies to ensure food security around the world.
Several political and food industry leaders will be at the University of Arkansas on Monday, Oct. 12, to speak on current issues regarding global food security.
“Preparing for 21st Century Policy Choices” begins at 5 p.m. in Hembree Auditorium in the Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Building. The discussion focuses on the changing landscape of United States agricultural policy and its effect on global food security issues. The event is sponsored by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, and the Farm Journal Foundation.
“While agriculture researchers work hard to increase yields, an often overlooked area is how government policies affect trade, food production and distribution, and critical decisions made by industry leaders,” said Steve Halbrook, department head of agricultural economics and agribusiness. “With all the economic, population and natural pressures on agriculture, intelligent policy can help lay the groundwork for a globally secure food supply.”
Featured presenters include:
- U.S. Sen. John Boozman, “Agricultural and Food Policy – the Art of the Possible”
- Dr. Stephanie Mercier, senior policy and advocacy adviser, Farm Journal Foundation, “Developing a Policy Framework – the Farm Team Experience”
- Dr. Ed Fryar, CEO, Ozark Mountain Poultry, “Adapting Business Strategies to Today’s Policy Realities”
AEAB faculty members will lead discussions on:
- “Filling the Knowledge Gaps – Policy Oriented Research”
- “Preparing Students for Policy Analysis and Industry Leadership”
A question and answer session is also scheduled with Wesley Ward, Arkansas secretary of agriculture; Rodney Baker, executive vice president of Arkansas Farm Bureau; John Paul Pendergrass, director of Innovative Livestock Services Inc. and co-owner of Pendergrass Cattle Company; and Nathan Reed, owner of Reed Farms and winner of the 2015 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award.
The public is invited to attend, but registration is required by Oct. 6. To register, go to: http://uark.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6KK5tZUQ0WxQgAJ.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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