This month, the ̽̽ Food Systems Research Center hosted the Food Systems Summit, convening over eighty researchers dedicated to advancing the field. This event was inspired by the Food Systems Summit which ran from 2012-2016 and contributed to ̽̽’s standing as a leader in the food systems research space.
The Summit's primary goal was to nurture collaboration and community among food systems researchers in the Northeast. Given the transdisciplinary nature of food systems research, spanning disciplines from soil science to social science and biology to data science, the event posed the overarching question, "Can Collaborative Research Save Food Systems?"
The Summit kicked off with poster presentations from FSRC’s Ph.D. Fellows and a welcome address from Leslie Parise, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Polly Ericksen, Director of the Food Systems Research Center introduced the Center which formed in 2019 as the first USDA-funded research station to study the interconnectedness of all parts of a regional food system. The day was packed with speakers from research institutes, government, and NGOs from the Northeast and beyond. Speakers delved into discussions on regional food systems, addressing their challenges, and proposing solutions to pressing issues. In the afternoon, attendees joined breakout sessions to debate hot food systems controversies around technology, “healthy” foods, and self-sustaining regional food systems.
A highlight of the day was the ribbon cutting for the Patrick Leahy Building, an event attended by retired Senator Patrick Leahy, his wife Marcelle, Senator Peter Welch, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott. The USDA has contributed over $29 million to the renovation of the Leahy building and it will house the FSRC, the USDA-ARS Food Systems Research Unit, and the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships.
The Summit concluded on a high note with a reception featuring a musical performance by "The Davis Center String Band," a bluegrass group comprising ̽̽ students, faculty, and staff.
“As we debrief on this exceptional event, we look forward to next steps,” says Ericksen. “The planning for next year has already begun.”