Title: The Future of Food and Farming: A California Perspective
Date: November 2
Time: 12:10-1:30 pm
Place: Rec Pool Lodge, UC Davis Campus
Speakers: John Ashby, Grant Lundberg, and Jim Rickert
Moderated by Diane Barrett, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, food
science
This year the annual UC Davis Campus Community Book Project focuses on
Michael Pollan's /The Omnivore's Dilemma/, a best-selling investigation
of food culture and food production in the U.S. and their environmental,
ethical, and health implications. The project explores these topics
through two months of programs, including an art exhibit, speakers,
panels, films, book discussions, a tour of local farms, investigations
of local food growers and providers, and local farmers markets on campus.
On *November 2*, the project brings together a panel of innovators in
new and sustainable food production to discuss future trends in food and
agriculture. Panelists include *John Ashby* of California Natural
Products, which produces a broad range of food ingredients from both
conventional and organic rice; *Grant Lundberg *of Lundberg Family
Farms, a producer of organic and eco-farmed rice products; and *Jim
Rickert*, ranch manager of Prather Ranch, a sustainable, 34,000 acre
grass fed cattle operation focused on a low-stress approach to animal
handling.
The discussion will reveal a very inside perspective on the current and
future food industry, natural and organic foods particularly, from
people who not only were a part of it, but are a part of creating the
future of it. Jim Rickert, his wife Mary, and son James operate Prather
Ranch, a 34,000 acre operation located Northeast of Mt. Shasta in
Northern California. The Rickerts, all graduates of Cal Poly, come from
a long line of farmers and ranchers.
Prather Ranch raises natural and organic certified beef from a closed
herd in open rangeland. "We're doing a lot of the same things that my
grandfather did clear back in the 1920s and '30s. He raised livestock a
lot like this. This is more of a traditional way of raising beef cattle."
Yes, indeed, but at the same time much is new at Prather Ranch: USDA NOP
Organic certification, many significant academic research projects, and
multiple awards for ecological soundness and sustainability.
"At Lundberg Family Farms, we don't grow commercial rice. All our
organic and Eco-Farmed rice is grown with a concern for the environment.
We treat the soil, air and water as a sustainable unit, respecting the
delicate balances of nature. We use sustainable growing practices on all
our fields and call it Eco-Farmed!"
The Lundberg family came to Butte County, Northern California in 1937 to
grow rice. Grant Lundberg, the CEO since 1997 and Board Member with
other members of his family (three generations serve on the board), is
also a graduate of Cal Poly who continued with a Masters in Agricultural
Economics from Ames, Iowa in 1987.
The Lundberg's natural and organic rice products sell internationally in
both co-ops and Safeways, and range from rice to ready-to-cook seasoned
rice mixes, to rice cakes, rice chips and more.
John Ashby, general manager/ingredients for California Natural Products,
produces natural and Organic Certified ingredients for use in natural
and organic processed foods.
A graduate of Brown and the University of Pennsylvania, Ashby has 20
years experience developing food products in the natural and organic
food segments, and has been a contributing editor to many food industry
magazines.
Moderator Dr. *Diane Barrett* has been with the University of California
since 1992. Her research focuses on the effects of handling and
processing on color, flavor and texture of fruits and vegetables. She
has worked with both conventional and organic farmers and processors.
Her extension activities include developing strong alliances with
California fruit and vegetable processors, associations, commodity and
advisory boards, state and federal government personnel, and farm and
home advisors.
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