The Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) is hosting a guest lecture with A.G. Kawamura. His presentation, Envisioning an Agricultural Renaissance, will be Jan. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Animal Sciences Building, Room AS0210.
Global food systems are changing in dynamic and remarkable ways. The nexus between food, water, energy and changing climate is forcing agriculturists to re-imagine how they will provide sustenance to a hungry world. The challenges and opportunities that are emerging with the advent of expanding knowledge, technology and information systems are forcing us to re-think all aspects of agriculture. In a complacent world of abundance, the urgency to adopt, adapt and transform the global food system may seem remote, more like an indulgence. However, the very real threats to food security that confront our attempts to manage life systems and resources in a sustainable way are revealing themselves in concerning, even alarming pathways. The global agricultural community must become united and aligned in both thinking and strategic intent. The need for interactive and collaborative work is vital. The capacity to share, learn and expand the general capability of farmers while enhancing the predictability of their agricultural activities on a planet with changing climate regimes has never been more exciting. As we begin to envision new ways of approaching and accomplishing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a new age of agriculture is unfolding as a necessary compliment to how we achieve those transformational aspirations!
A.G. is a third generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper from Orange County. He is the former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (2003-2010). He is co-chair of Solutions from the Land, a non-profit organization that is currently working to organize and convene the North American Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture.