PULLMAN, Wash. – From compost trials in orchards in the early 1990s to recent research on sustaining agriculture in Africa’s ancient soils, Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources has been on the cutting edge of science in the service of a sustainable future for 20 years. This science in action will be celebrated at a free, public symposium beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Ensminger Pavilion on the Pullman campus.
Created by the state Legislature with the mission of applying science to the challenges faced by farmers, families and communities, the symposium is focused on past results, current projects and future directions.
Participants will get an update on the recently dedicated Eggert Family Organic Farm, the largest organic teaching farm on a university campus in the United States, at 2 p.m.
Presentations of posters by faculty members, as well as graduate and undergraduate students, will inform attendees about WSU research efforts in support of sustainable ag and food systems. Participants will network with scientists, students and community members.
In the spirit of environmentally sound agricultural practices, attendees will be treated to locally sourced refreshments beginning at 4 p.m.
A panel discussion on creating a sustainable future for ag and food systems will begin at 4:30 p.m. The panel will feature Miles McEvoy, deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program.
The evening will wrap up with a keynote address at 5:20 p.m. by David Montgomery, author of “Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations.”
For details and more information, go to http://bit.ly/CSANRcelebration.