Re: ag education

dsc17@cornell.edu
Sat, 6 Feb 1999 13:45:02 -0500 (EST)

I am having a similar experience at Cornell U. I am in the PhD program in
Ag Econ, and find particular resonance in Peggy's comment about
researchers with thier hands in the corporate pockets
However, if all of us "organic" types stay away from Ag schools, how will
we ever sway the agenda their to a more balanced view of sustainable ag?
I was told here that if I plan to be an ag economist and work in Sus.
ag., I will be an outcast
I prefer to think of myself as a visionary...delusions of granduer,
perhaps, but I believe such work needs to be done. Economics is a crucial
part of sustainability
I guess it boils down to the age old argument of "can you do more good
inside or outside of the system??" I've been outside. now I'm trying it
from the inside
Comments?

David

On Fri, 5 Feb 1999, Peggy Adams wrote:

>
>
> Eric,
>
> My experience at the University of Idaho was similar, only far worse.
> There was general, and occasionally extreme, animosity toward anyone or
> anything that was remotely related to "sustainable" agriculture".
> Organic farming was considered an "extremist fringe group of hobby
> gardeners" by much of the faculty in the college of agriculture. Since my
> graduation I've been working with a non-profit to promote sustainable and
> organic farms and to move WSU and UI, both land-grant universities, to
> adopt a more inclusive attitude. We've had some success but they are so
> deep in the pockets of the ag chemical and biotech industry that movement
> is minimal.
>
> Although I stuck with it and graduated with a degree in Ag Economics, I've
> encouraged other students to go into Environmental Science and stay away
> from the college of ag altogether.
>
> I believe our experience is not at all uncommon. Let's hope more people
> continue to push these schools until some enlightenment occurs.
>
> P.
>
>
>
>
>
>
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