First Annual Wisconsin Forum on Rural and Urban Agriculture!

• What are the realities of Wisconsin farming today?
• How did we get to this point where policy supports an unsustainable model of agriculture?
• What are the public health implications of our agriculture and food systems in both urban and rural areas?
• What’s the link between farm quality and food quality?
• What can you do about the factory farm near you?
• How do we make our voices heard?

These questions and more will be discussed!  Join us as we build a broad inclusive movement to promote sustainable and safe food systems in Wisconsin and beyond.

Fri. Nov. 11^th UW-Madison Memorial Union, Tripp Commons

5:00 pm Registration

6:30 pm Welcome and Introduction by John Kinsman, organic dairy farmer and President of Family Farm Defenders;

7:00 pm Keynote Address by John Ikerd, Prof. Emeritus of Agric. Economics – Univ. of MO  “How Did We Get Here?  Where Are We Going?  Growing Together in Strength”

Sat. Nov. 12^th UW-Madison, Pyle Center

8:00 am Registration; 9:00 am Welcome and Introduction by Edie Ehlert, Crawford Stewardship Project Coordinator and Prof. William Tracy, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), UW-Madison

9:45 am First Break Out Sessions

1.) Farm/Food Economics – Moderator: Jim Goodman, Dairy Farmer; Panelists include :  John Ikerd, Prof. Emeritus of Agric. Economics – Univ. of MO; Sarah Lloyd, Wisconsin Dairy Farmer; Tony Schultz, Wisconsin CSA Farmer

2.) Food Quality/Farm Quality – Moderator, John Peck, Exec. Dir. Family Farm Defenders; Panelists include: Valerie Dantoin Adamski, Dairy Farmer and Teacher; Debra Pearson, D.C. PhD Nutritional Sciences; Bob Wills, Cheesemaker and President of Cedar Grove Cheese

3.) Citizen Science/Air and Water Issues – Moderator, Russ Tooley, former president of Centerville Cares; Panelists include:  Bill Hafs, Brown County conservationist; Tarah Heinzen, attorney with Environmental Integrity Project; Miriam Ostrov, attorney with Midwest Environmental Advocates

4.) The Power of the Message: Communicating with the Public, Media and Legislators – Moderator, Spencer Black, former WI Assemblyman and current Adjunct Prof., URPL – UW-Madison; Panelists include:  Patty Lovera, assistant director of Food and Water Watch; Ron Seely, reporter for the WI State Journal

12:00 noon  Lunch & Keynote Talk:  Tony Schultz & Kat Becker, Stoney Acres CSA

1:30 pm  Repeat of Earlier Break Out Sessions

3:45 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up Session – Building Solidarity and Taking Action

For more info and to register, visit:  http://sustainruralwisconsin.net/