Fulbright conference focuses on farms, food, human health 

Raising awareness of the impact of farming practices and food processing on human health is the focus of a day-long conference Oct. 19 at the University of Maine, organized by the Maine chapter of the Fulbright Association.

“From Farm to Healthy Body: A Sustainable Model for the Planet and the Individual” will be held from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. in Wells Conference Center. Registration is required by Oct. 1 for the free public event by contacting the conference organizer Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, UMaine professor of clinical nutrition, dorothea@maine.edu. Klimis-Zacas also is the contact to request a reasonable accommodation.

Conference speakers include Sarah Alexander, executive director, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, speaking on “Local Food Systems, Sustainability and Human Health”; John Jemison, University of Maine Cooperative Extension soil and water quality specialist, “Soil Management for Healthy Food and a Healthy Planet”; Balunkeswar Nayak, UMaine associate professor of food science and human nutrition, “How Do Post-Harvesting and Processing Methods Influence Food Safety?”; and John Navazio, manager of plant breeding, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, “Breeding Cold-Hardy Leafy Green Vegetables for Winter Production in Colder Temperature Climates.”

The conference is part of the annual meeting of the Maine chapter of the Fulbright Association.