KINGSTON, R.I.\u2013Jan. 8, 2024\u2013The changes in our climate not only impact human and environmental health and safety\u2013but also food security worldwide. Climate change can affect crops, livestock, soil and water resources. At the same time, about one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions is linked to the agriculture sector. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on improving soil health through practices such as crop rotation and reduced or no-tillage, is seen as one way to reduce these impacts and may even help to fight climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Weds., Jan. 17, at 9 a.m.,<\/strong> state government, academic, business, and community partners will come together virtually for the 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s eighth annual Rhode Island Food System Summit to discuss regenerative agriculture and how we can employ other innovative practices within our food system to support greater environmental stewardship in Rhode Island and beyond. The state\u2019s food sector is one of its largest\u2013representing nearly $4.5 billion in aggregate economic output and supporting 70,000 jobs\u2013yet Rhode Island still imports approximately 90% of its food. Rhode Island was no stranger to the impacts of this summer\u2019s extreme weather\u2013from record temperatures and drought to wild fires and flooding. This forum, which will delve into how we can work to secure the global food chain and build a more resilient food system for our state, couldn\u2019t come at a more important time. The three-hour event will be live-streamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The summit, \u201cFrom Seed to Shore: Powering Environmental Stewardship Through Innovative Food System Practices<\/a>,\u201d will feature a keynote address by Janet Coit<\/strong>, assistant administrator for fisheries at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, <\/strong>who will discuss implementing a national seafood strategy and NOAA\u2019s work to sustainably manage marine fisheries. Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Director of Food Strategy Julianne Stelmaszyk<\/strong> will discuss building resilience with Rhode Island\u2019s food strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Panels will cover: Exploring the Intricate Relationship Between Farming Practices and Long Term Ocean Health; Regenerative Agriculture: Our Role in Supporting Environmental Stewardship; and Solving the Challenges Facing Sustainable Seafood Production. Follow-on events that will provide opportunity to dive deeper into issues important to our food system and the topics discussed at the food summit are also planned. Information and registration details on those events will be available following the food summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This 2024 Rhode Island Food System Summit is free and open to the public. <\/strong>Advanced registration<\/strong><\/a> is required.<\/strong> Those attending the summit are also invited to register separately (by Jan. 15)<\/a> for an in-person networking reception at Narragansett Brewery in Providence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rhode Island Food System Summit is sponsored by the 溏心vlog免费B站 Business Engagement Center and the Rhode Island Food Center at 溏心vlog免费B站. For more information, contact: Katie McGwin at kmcgwin@uri.edu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHO:<\/strong> 溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange; U.S. Senator Jack Reed (recorded remarks); Elizabeth Tanner, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce (recorded remarks); Janet Coit, assistant administrator for fisheries, NOAA; Julianne Stelmaszyk, director of food strategy, Rhode Island Commerce; along with 溏心vlog免费B站 researchers and experts; local industry leaders and community partners; and many more. Visit the Rhode Island Food System Summit for a full agenda and speaking program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WHAT: <\/strong>The eighth annual Rhode Island Food System Summit, From Seed to Shore: Powering Environmental Stewardship Through Innovative Food System Practices<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n