PULLMAN, Wash. — Working seminars aimed at breaking free of chronic economic crisis in Northwest agriculture are scheduled September 13-14 in Moscow, Idaho and Pullman.
The September 13 seminar will look at how the conventional focus on bottom line profits has created the current situation and how the economics of sustainability can turn the crisis around. This session is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Palouse Room of the University Inn Best Western, Moscow. A reception follows.
The September 14 seminar will focus on things farmers can do to break out of the crisis and create a more positive future. This session is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whelan Grange, on the Palouse Highway just outside of Pullman. Lunch will be provided.
The seminars will be led by members of the Looking Glass Group. The Looking Glass Group is a group of agricultural and applied economists from throughout the United States. They are examining the limitations of current economic thinking in guiding decisions which affect the quality of life of farmers, rural residents, consumers and society in general, both for the present and indefinite future.
Both seminars are free and open to the public. They include a celebration of food and farming through feasting on creative local cuisine.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required by September 7. For more information, contact Colette DePhelps, program coordinator, in Newport, at (509) 447-0909 or by e-mail at dephelps@povn.com.
The seminars are sponsored by Rural Roots: The Inland Northwest Community Food Systems Association; the University of Idaho Sustainable Agriculture Team; the Washington State University Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources; and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.
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