On March 21, UC Riverside is hosting the 3rd annual GrowRIVERSIDE conference, which is devoted to local food systems, generating economic and community development and advancing public policy related to sustainable food and agriculture.
The conference is an opportunity for consumers, community advocates, policymakers, students and educators, foodies, entrepreneurs, farmers, health care providers and anyone interested in local food systems.
Keynote speakers include: Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Glenda Humiston, vice president of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Michael Shuman, an author, attorney and expert on community economics.
There will be a break-out sessions on the following topics: Farming the 21st Century, Securing Capital to Grow Agribusiness, Connecting Local and Health, Resources for Food & Agriculture Production, GIS Mapping to Connect Growers and Landowners, Community Engagement Workshop, Farming on Less than 10 Acres, Ag Land Lease Agreements, Local Food Procurement Policies, and Career Opportunities in Food & Agriculture.
The conference is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 at UC Riverside’s Highlander Union Building.
It also includes a Citrus Circle Farm-to-Fork Dinner catered by UC Riverside’s Dining Services from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at UC Riverside Alumni & Visitors Center. A separate ticket is required to attend the dinner. Former Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura, who is a third-generation urban farmer, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner.
In addition, there is a tour of the Riverside’s agricultural assets on March 22. Tour sites include: the Arlington Heights Greenbelt and Gage Canal, UC Riverside's R’Garden and Agricultural Operations, Fox Farm, Unity Farms and Eastside HEAL Zone project.
New to the conference this year is the student poster presentation for undergraduate and graduate students to present projects and research in areas related to food and agriculture.
Ticket prices for the conference range from $55 to $90. They can be purchased at http://growriverside2016.com/growriverside-3rd-annual-conference.
For information: e-mail questions@growriverside2016.com or call (951) 826-5265.
