Mini Conference on Local Food Systems in Old Industrial Regions

Posted by on April 19, 2010

International Geographical Union Commission on the Dynamics of Economic Spaces
Mini Conference on Local Food Systems in Old Industrial Regions: Challenges and Opportunities
Toledo, Ohio
August 3-7, 2010

The conference aims to bring together both academics and practitioners to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise with regard to developing and maintaining local food systems in old industrial regions.  While this conference is sponsored by the International Geographical Union we are particularly interested in participation from individuals in a variety of academic disciplines (including, but not limited to, geography, planning, public policy, public health, environmental science, horticulture, women and gender studies, sociology, anthropology, and economics.)

We invite contributions to the conference on the following topics:

•       Definitions of local food
•       Structure and nature of supply chains/dominant and alternative
•       Implications of local food systems for family, neighborhood, urban, and regional economies
•       Food safety and security
•       Individual and public health issues
•       Environmental impact of local food systems
•       Issues surrounding environmental justice
•       Equity, access, and social justice issues
•       Impact of local, national, and international policies on local food systems
•       Best practices and success stories
•       Issues associated with access to finance, trade credit and contractual inequalities/limitations

Please submit your 300 word abstract to Dr. Neil Reid at neil.reid@utoledo.edu.

More information about the conference can be found at the conference website:

http://uac.utoledo.edu/igu_commission/ToledoMC2010-Home.htm.