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The Agri(Cultural) Contradictions of Obesity
The New York Times Magazine carried an article in the October 12 issue entitled "The (Agri)Cultural Contradictions of Obesity." The author of this piece, Michael Pollan, argues that the current obesity epidemic has roots in America's farm support programs. The BRT, working with BAC Chairman Tom Payne, prepared a response to this article. Dr. Payne's response follows:
To the Editor:
Member institutions of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges have for years conducted ground-breaking research that points to both social and genetic drivers of obesity. So, to put it simply, we know that the factors driving the obesity epidemic are much more complex than Michael Pollan describes in his Oct. 12 article "The (Agri)Cultural Contradictions of Obesity."
But Pollan is right about one thing -- obesity is a serious and growing threat that needs more attention. Fortunately, there is a strong university-based infrastructure that's already well positioned to deal
with this issue.
Our research scientists are, for example, constantly improving food plants and animals to address specific human health and preventative medicine issues. In addition, we operate strong community outreach initiatives (such as the Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program) that promote better eating and nutritional literacy, particularly among lower-income people disproportionately affected by obesity.
What's urgently needed now is a greater
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level of support -- especially by the federal government -- for ongoing efforts that integrate obesity research with teaching and extension. Such a coordinated effort will go a long way to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans and help stem the dramatic growth in healthcare costs associated with obesity.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Payne,
Chairman, Budget and Advocacy Committee Board on Agriculture Assembly, NASULGC and Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Director, Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Missouri- Columbia
Multistate Cooperation Conference, October 7-8, 2003
Many of you expressed an interest in the above conference held earlier this month in Chicago, under the sponsorship of the Farm Foundation. I am attaching some minutes from the presentations as prepared by Dr. Harrington, Executive Director of the Western Region AES office.
2004 NRI - RFA Release Date and Application
Just another update on the status of the NRI - RFA. The NRI-RFA remains under review by the Office of the General Council as they carefully examine the legal issues related to the dual funding authority (research and integrated accounts) provided by Congress. As soon as OGC completes the review and provides CSRES with their decision, there should be some
movement and the release of the RFA for this year's competition. Program deadlines (Continued on page 2)
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