A plentiful, safe, and accessible
food system of is one of the most important challenges we face
as we move into the 21st century. Issues such as hunger, food
safety, plant and animal agriculture, and environmental sustainability
affect us all. Engaging the educational system to address these
issues helps people to meet current challenges and prepare
for any new demands on the horizon. Our consortium is supported
by
colleges and universities, to dramatically improve the education
of food systems professionals now and in the future. |
November 20, 2008 Food Systems Consortium Steering Committee Meeting
Meeting held at the University Inn & Conference Center, New Brunswick, NJ and was convened by Mark Robson, Chair.
Program Updates and Project Development
N.J. Agricultural Leadership Development Program
Mary Nikola, the director, described the program and its recent history. Mark Robson suggested that the next N.J. leadership group consider a visit to Puerto Rico. Mark then described his and Dick Merritt’s recent visit to UPR June 2-5, 2008 hosted by the Executive Dean, John Fernandez. The program consisted of meetings to discuss mutually advantageous programs between the FSC institutions and UPR.
Development of Curriculum Learning Modules in Plants and Human Health
Tom Gianfagna is designing instructional tools for integration of learning materials connecting them to human nutrition and health into traditional courses in plant biology, horticulture, agronomy, and food science. NJAES has funded the development of one module “Theobroma cacao: Ancient Crop with a Surprising Future. The module will have 20 pages of text with illustrations and graphs.
FSC and the development of the Bergen Academy Center for Studies in Sustainability
Dick Merritt and Rod Sharp participated in a meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 convened by Daniel Jay, Principal, Rich Panicucci, District Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, faculty and representatives from the Bergen County Utilities Solid Waste Recycling Program. A.J. Both, Rutgers Extension Specialist, has been contacted by Rich Panicucci, District Supervisor of Curriculum in regard to improving their research greenhouse facility. Also discussed was the June 23, 2008 meeting attended by Terry Reagan, Rebecca Jordan and Rod Sharp (Rutgers) about the possibility of hiring a consultant/facilitator to provide an ongoing link between the Bergen Academy and the Food Systems Consortium.
New NRI and International Initiatives
Dan Rossi, Executive Director, Northeastern Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors,
reported on new funding opportunities from the USDA. As a result of the recent Farm Bill, the previous National Research Initiative (NRI) competitive grants program will become the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The new program will also support stand-alone Cooperative Extension and educational activities which may provide opportunities for the FCS. The Farm Bill also authorized funding for: specialty crops, organic agriculture, new farmers and ranchers, and bio-based products. Total funding over the five year life of the Farm Bill is $500 million. The Northeast Experiment Station directors established a Planning Grants program to support the development of teams of researchers and educators to respond to the new mandatory funding opportunities. The first round of planning grants were announced last summer and another round will be announced in January. The grants provide up to $10,000 to support the development of cross-disciplinary, integrated and multi-institutional teams.
Global Sustainable Schools
This initiative is expected to develop one or more Charter High Schools in NJ which focus on: Science and Math; Bio-Energy; Sustainable Food Production; Business and Entrepreneurship; Ethics; Social Justice; and Community Development. A meeting was held at Rutgers EcoComplex on December 16th convened by David Specca, EcoComplex Director and Richard Merritt, Director, Food Systems Consortium in regard to collaboration between Global Sustainable Schools Program and Bergen Academy with the Rutgers EcoComplex with attendees from Bergen County Tech, Rutgers and the FSC.
Workplus Programs
Ben Wood described and circulated materials regarding the FSC’s very successful Workplus program. Key components of the program are (a) developing basic job skills through curriculum materials and work experience for youth at the entry level, youth at risk, and older persons, (b) introducing students to a career ladder, and (c) modes of instruction to include written and on-line instruction. Ben Wood will meet with Mark McCormack at MCCC and Rick Novak at Rutgers to explore the development of Certificates of Achievement. Ben described Workplus programs in NJ, NY State and NYC and the interest in starting programs in several NJ counties. Ben Wood and Larry Katz, Director NJ Extension Service will meet about collaboration of FSC/Workplus activities with NJ Extension.
Alternative Energy Programs in NJ
Ben Wood described two pilot programs: (a) Pennsville H.S. Bob Belding and Amy Warren are developing and conducting a course this year on alternative energy, (b) Newark Renaissance Schools may offer a program next year with funding from the Nicholson Foundation.
The NY State Vocational education grant is currently on hold pending release of state funds.
Salem County, NJ – Health and Wellness and mentoring programs
Ben Wood described a 3 yr. program working with 50 students and the Big Brothers organization.
University of Delaware report
Carl German: “The www.agriculturehealth.com web site is alive and well. We recently completed a project on adding a section concerning an E-Commerce Strategy Plan for the Fresh Market Grower; Farm Retail Direct Market; and Agri-tourism business. Over the past year the site received another1,000,000 hits with another 60,000 pages viewed. Weare currently planning to submit another project or sofor further work that involves the web site.”
Wired Proposal Resubmitted to NJ Economic Development Authority
The project is entitled: Education, Workforce Development and Enhancement of Bioscience through development and dissemination of Educational Modules for the Translation of Natural Product Science to Life Science Applications.
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