Esau Lecture Series - How We Grow, Share and Eat: Moving Towards Just and Sustainable Food & Farming
The Menno Simons College (MSC) Esau Lecture Series explored the topic “How We Grow, Share and Eat: Moving Towards Just and Sustainable Food & Farming Systems.”
Experts in the fields of sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and agro-ecology were invited to address the topic of the imbalance in today’s global food system that sees many people face a scarcity of food while many others face an overabundance of it.
“The Esau Lecture Series this year has brought six international experts from across Canada and the US to speak about cutting edge issues that can help move farming and the food system to a more sustainable footing,” says Jerry Buckland, MSC Dean.
“Our students and the community have been enriched by presentations by Martin Entz, Shirley Thompson, Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Nettie Wiebe, and Kirit Patel.”
Speakers identified a reliance on ever expanding scale, modern agricultural technologies, and, perhaps most importantly, a lack of clear vision for a secure and sovereign farm and food system as major obstacles to sustainability.
Relying on ecosystem friendly agricultural practices, supporting community development and local agriculture, and engaging in ethical reflection were some suggestions for addressing the imbalanced system.
Approximately 30 students enrolled in three undergraduate courses that offered students the opportunity to learn about the tangible connections between what they study in the classroom and how that knowledge can positively impact the world around them.
Associated events included six public lectures and several smaller events such as a panel forum at the Free Press Café. Approximately 450 people attended the public lectures to date. Videos of the six public lectures and the Free Press Café panel discussions, as well as additional resources are available at mscollege.ca/foodsecurity.
Ellen Paulley is the Writer and Social Media Coordinator for Menno Simons College
Faculty: In Their Own Words
Karen Ridd, Teaching Associate Professor, Conflict Resolution Studies
Dr. Jonathan Sears, Associate Professor of International Development Studies
Dr. Jodi Dueck-Read, Assistant Professor of Conflict Resolution Studies
Dr. Jerry Buckland, Professor of International Development Studies
