IFT and FDA New Report on Food Product Tracing

A report summarizing the findings of a mock trace-back/trace forward exercise commissioned by the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition was released by IFT. “The mock trace-back/trace forward exercise was able to show there is potential to expedite trace-backs by visualizing supply chains to find points of commonality based on data availability, capture, and readiness.  The exercise also showed the value of collaboration to reach a shared goal and the need for standardization of data elements and interoperability necessary for trace-back/trace forward investigations.” The report and additional materials are accessible at www.ift.org/traceability.

 

Human health and climate change (1/14/2010)

On January 14, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station is sponsoring a seminar by Dr. Howard Frumkin, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, titled “Human health and climate change.” The talk is on Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at the Union Building, Michigan State University.  A networking reception will follow the talk.

Howard Frumkin, MD, DrPH, is Director of the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is an internist, environmental and occupational medicine specialist, and epidemiologist. Dr. Frumkin's interests include: building healthy communities, the health consequences of global climate change, and the mitigation of health disparities.

Please register for this talk at http://www.espp.msu.edu/reg/speakers.php or e-mail RSVPESPP@msu.edu.

Research-Based Effectiveness in Online Education (12/16)

Dr. Catherine Cavanaugh, College of Education, University of Florida, will present the seminar, “Research-Based Effectiveness in Online Education: Meta-Analyses and Implications for Practice,” on Wednesday, December 16^th, 10:00-11:30 am, in 133F Erickson Hall, Michigan State University.

Dr. Cavanaugh has been a national leader in research on online learning and has published influential meta-analyses on the determinants of quality in online education in K-12 and higher education. In this presentation she will discuss what her research has revealed about predictors of quality outcomes and discuss designs for research on quality in online learning. More information about her research and teaching is available at her website:

http://education.ufl.edu/faculty/cathycavanaugh/  and http://education.ufl.edu/faculty/cathycavanaugh/research.htm

Larry Busch presents: Standard & Society: Recipe for Reality (12/11)

Reminder…   Tomorrow, December 11, is Dr. Lawrence Busch’s, ‘Standards & Society: Recipe for Reality’ workshop at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in Conference Room 102. The morning will begin at 8:30 with coffee & tea then at 9:00, Dr. Busch will present an overview of his recent work on standards, along with an opportunity for discussion & a more in-depth engagement with a number of IFAS researchers.

Meeting the Demand for Biofuels: Implications for Land Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Seminar Dec. 3

The Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, And Resource Economics is sponsoring a seminar by Madhu Khanna, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, "Meeting the Demand for Biofuels: Implications for Land Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions".

When:  Thursday, December 3, 2009, 3:30-5:00 pm.

Where:  Room 75 Agriculture Hall

Speaker:  Madhu Khanna, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

A presentation abstract can be found at:  http://aec.msu.edu/seminars/seminar_list09_10.htm

M. Khanna's CV can be found at:  http://www.ace.illinois.edu/viewfaculty.aspx?netid=khanna1

Talking to F. Xavier Medina
(Click here for interview in Spanish)

Academic and program director of the Food Systems, Culture and Society program, International Institute of Graduate Studies of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Click here for English translation

Lawrence Busch, "Standards and Society: Recipes for Reality"

The Institute for Food & Agricultural Standards (IFAS) at Michigan State University presents Dr. Lawrence Busch giving a seminar titled, “Standards & Society: Recipes for Reality.”  This event will be held Friday morning, December 11 from 9:00-12:00 in the Kellogg Center, Room 102.  Coffee at 8:30.  Dr. Lawrence Busch is the Professor of Standards and Society, Lancaster University, United Kingdom, and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University.

What do apples, laptops, climate change, banking, surgeons, universities, automobiles, information technologies, and health care have in common?  They all involve the design, implementation, and enforcement of standards.  At first glance these standards appear to be technical details that, while essential, are of concern only to specialists.  But standards are also a form of power – the power to set the rules we must follow, or options among which we must choose.  Until a century ago, most standards were used to standardize, to make things the same.  Today, partly in response to the shift to neoliberal, market-based governance, standards are used strategically by nations, companies, and private voluntary organizations.  They are used in conflicting ways to differentiate among products, processes, and people. 

This workshop will provide an overview of Dr. Lawrence Busch’s recent work on standards, along with opportunities for discussion and more in-depth engagement with a number of IFAS researchers. Larry’s forthcoming book “shows us how standards are recipes for reality that may lead us down another road to serfdom or enhance democracy and social justice.”  The workshop will begin with a presentation from Dr. Busch, summarizing some key elements of the book. After the break, short reaction presentations on the manuscript’s development of links to ethics and to social justice will kick off an additional hour of discussion and exploration of key themes. 

Dr. Busch has promised that he will not sing.

Funds for this workshop have been provided by the W. K. Chair in Agricultural, Food and Community Ethics at Michigan State University. There is no fee for attendance, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Mrs. Amy Rusnell, Institute for Food and Agricultural Standards, MSU: rusnell@msu.edu

Inside the FDA: Q&A With David Acheson

Conversations with Dr. David Acheson, former Associate Commissioner of Foods at the FDA by Helena Bottemiller (Nov 23-24, 2009).

PART I: On agency turf battles, the shift between the Bush and Obama administrations, and the politics of regulating the food supply.

PART II: On the pending food safety legislation, the impact on small farmers, and the agency's capacity to inspect the food supply.

 

Sustainability, Discounting and Cooperation: The Need for New Institutions

Simon A. Levin will present the Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 3:30 pm. The seminar is titled, "Sustainability, Discounting and Cooperation: The Need for New Institutions," and is located in the Michigan State University, Packaging School Building, PAC 100 (Auditorium). Reception follows.

Dr. Levin is an ecologist and environmental scientist. He is the George M. Moffett Professor of Biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Dr. Levin has received numerous highly prestigious honors and awards, such as membership of the National Academy of Sciences, Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, Dr A. H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences, first Okubo Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the American Institute of Biological Sciences. He is also receiving an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Michigan State University on December 11th.

The Rachel Carson Distinguished Lecture Series is organized by the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (www.csis.msu.edu), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife with support from the National Science Foundation; Office of the President; Office of the Provost; Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies; Graduate School; Environ-mental Science and Policy Program; College of Agricultural and Natural Resources; Michigan Agricultural Experimental Station; Center for Water Sciences; Sustainable Michigan Endowed Project; Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy Specialization; and Elton R. Smith Endowment.

Trade and the Environment

John Hoehn will present the seminar at the Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics (AFRE) Brown Bag at Michigan State University, Tuesday, December 1st, Noon - 1:00pm, 75 Agriculture Hall.  The seminar is titled, “Trade and the Environment.”

Google legal research is free!

Google launched a free online case law search system available through Google Scholar (select scholar as search option, then legal cases). Of course, it's not LEXIS or Westlaw, but it is surprisingly comprehensive and robust. Every citation is hyperlinked to the full text of the opinion cited. It looks like a great tool for preliminary research. One announcement is here.

Food Safety, Security and Sources

A Consumer Issues Conference was held September 24 & 25, 2009, titled, “Food Safety, Security and Sources: A Recipe for Tough Times” at the

University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. Audio recordings from Conference sessions are available here and on the University of Wyoming’s iTunes U section (reached by going here > public access > Cooperative Extension Service).

Are Cows Comfortable Being Milked by Robots?

Jackie Jacobs will present a seminar titled "Automatic Milking Systems Could be the Future of Milking for North American Dairy Farms:  But are Cows Comfortable Being Milked by Robots?" in 1310 Anthony Hall, Michigan State University, at 12:40 pm on Thursday, November 19. Come early (12:30) as snacks will be provided.  All are welcome.

Ensuring Global Food Safety

Ensuring Global Food Safety: Exploring Global Harmonization, edited by Christine E. Boisrobert et al., is now published. Professor Fortin, Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR), wrote a chapter in the book. You can find out more here.

Using Loopholes to Reveal the Marginal Cost of Regulation

Soren Anderson will present the seminar at the Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics (AFRE) Brown Bag at Michigan State University, Tuesday, November 17th, Noon - 1:00pm, 75 Agriculture Hall.  The seminar is titled, “Using Loopholes to Reveal the Marginal Cost of Regulation: The Case of Fuel-Economy Standards”

Researchers in economics sought for "Fiscal Federalism" and "Cities and Innovation"

At IEB (Institut d’Economia de Barcelona), the research programs “Fiscal Federalism” (Heads: Albert Solé-Ollé & Núria Bosch-Roca) and “Cities and Innovation” (Heads: Prof. Elisabet Viladecans-Marsal & Prof. José García-Quevedo) at the IEB, we are seeking 3 junior researchers in economics.  The concrete tasks associated to the positions are: (i) Writing and publishing her own research papers; (ii) Support in the management of the IEB’s events and publications; (iii) A limited amount of teaching. Web Site:  http://www.ieb.ub.edu

Obama in Asia: The First Pacific President Attends APEC Summit

From Obama Foodorama, a nice report on President Obama’s arrival last night in Singapore and attendance at the Gala Dinner at the APEC Summit. “Last night, President ending leaders were given traditional garb for the dinner, and had a choice between red shirts and blue. President Obama, of course, chose blue. APEC is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and has 21 member countries. One of the primary goals of this week's meeting is the development of a region-wide free trade area, which would account for half the world's imports and exports if it becomes a reality. During meetings over the past few days, leaders have been discussing ending all restrictions on food trade, which is a huge percentage of the economic pie. It's also something that is problematic, in part due to food safety problems . . .”

Above, at dinner: President Obama with, from left, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, China's President Hu Jintao, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, Mexico's President Felipe Calderon

Making it in Michigan conference

The third annual Making It in Michigan Conference, hosted by the Michigan State University Product Center, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 11 at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing.

 

Founded in 2003, the MSU Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture, natural resources and bioeconomy sectors. The center’s statewide network of innovation counselors provides business counseling support to Michigan residents interested in starting or expanding a business or product line

This is how Europe operates when it comes to food safety

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published an EU Food Safety Almanac, which briefly describes the state structures of food and feed safety in 30 European states. "Smooth cooperation between the state players in Europe strengthens food safety. If the stakeholders and structures in the European countries are known to all those concerned, then we will be able to work together even more effectively and avoid the duplication of work", says Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel.

The EU Food Safety Almanac (German and English) can be downloaded free-of-charge here on the BfR website.

Seminar: "The Partnership Solution to the Common Property Problem: An Experimental Test of the Theory"

Stephen Salant, Professor of Economics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, will be speaking on Friday, November 6, 2009, 3:30-5:00 pm, in the Koo Room, Marshall-Adams Hall, Michigan State University. The title of his talk is  "The Partnership Solution to the Common Property Problem: An Experimental Test of the Theory”.

 

 

Thesis Defense: "The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population"

On Tuesday, November 3rd, Natalie Stein will present her thesis defense entitled, “The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population,” at 12:40 pm in room 206 Trout Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Seminar: Competency-Based Training Programs for Global Food Safety Professionals, October 27

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University is sponsoring a seminar by Les Bourquin, "Competency-Based Training Programs for Global Food Safety Professionals,” in room 206 Trout Building, Michigan State University, on Tuesday, 12:40-1:30 PM, October 27.

Other upcoming talks in this series include the following:

·         November : 3    Natalie Stein, “The acute effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function and brain activation in an aging population." (Thesis Defense)

·         November:  17  Kate Claycombe, "Obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation: Role of anti-inflammatory nutrients"

·         November: 24   Norm Hord, “Nitrates and nitrites in plant foods:  physiological rationale for potential health benefits”

"Biofuels and OPEC"

A seminar by David Zilberman, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California at Berkeley, Biofuels and OPEC, will be presented Friday, October 16, 2009, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm., Room 75 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University. Dr. Zilberman's bio information can be found at:  http://www.professorzilberman.com/. Sponsored by the Michigan State University Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics.

Seminar: Gregory Jaffe, “Who's Watching What You Eat? Domestic and International Challenges to Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods”

Gregory Jaffe

Director, Biotechnology Project

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Washington, DC

“Who's Watching What You Eat? Domestic and International Challenges to Regulating Genetically Engineered Foods”

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Castle Board Room
MSU Law College Building

3:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Faculty, Staff, Students, and Guests

Welcomed to Attend – No Charge

Sponsored by the

Michigan State University

Journal of Medicine and Law and

Institute for Food Laws & Regulations

Symposium: Navigating the Global Food System in a New Era

June 19 - 22, 2010, in Boston USA, will be the 20th Annual World Forum and Symposium of the International Agribusiness Management Association, “Navigating the Global Food System in a New Era."  More information is available here.

MSU's new Michigan Export Growth Program helping companies go global

Michigan Export Growth Program Kick-Off
October 13, 2009 - Michigan State University

Local companies are invited to a breakfast meeting to learn more about the Michigan Export Growth Program (MEGP), and how they can benefit from this innovative new program.

Location: Henry Center
Cost: Free
Contact: Sarah Singer, singersm@msu.edu

MSU’s new Michigan Export Growth Program helping companies go global

New International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) Website

IFPTI has launched a new website at www.ifpti.org to provide information about IFPTI, training information and course announcements, a calendar of events, links to our partner organizations, and a blog which features the latest news featuring the Institute.

Seminar: Evaluation of a mouse model to predict allergenicity of food protein

Dr. Venu Gangur will present the seminar entitled “Evaluation of a mouse model to predict allergenicity of food protein” on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at 12:40pm in room 206 Trout Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University. Refreshments at 12:20pm.

Hungry for Change

Neal Fortin is quoted in the September 2009 Issue of ABA Journal in the article, “Hungry for Change. You can read the article here. The article by Kristin Choo is subtitled, “The feds consider a steady diet of stronger regulation to help fix the U.S. food safety network.”

Educational experts' advice on how to get the most out of college classes

The Sunday New York Times Opinion section featured advice from several leading educators on how students can get the most from their college experience.  Although written for undergraduate students, there is  good advice here.

Michigan Eats Exhibit

Earlier this year, "Michigan Foodways" traveled with the Smithsonian's "Key Ingredients: America by Food." The Smithsonian's exhibition has left the state, and "Michigan Foodways" has returned to Michigan State University Museum. This transformed exhibit, renamed "Michigan Eats: Regional Culture through Food," is now at the Michigan State University Museum, Heritage Gallery, and will begin touring elsewhere in the state in the fall. For more information: email pr@museum.msu.edu or phone (517) 355-2370.

21st G. Malcolm Trout Annual Lecture-Dr. Keith West-Sept. 14

Please join the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition for the 21st G. Malcolm Trout Annual Lecture on Monday, September 14th.

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

21st ANNUAL

G. MALCOLM TROUT

LECTURE

Presents

Keith P. West, Jr, Dr.P.H., R.D.
George G. Graham Professor of Infant and Child Nutrition
Director, Program and Center for Human Nutrition
Department of International Health
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Johns Hopkins University

“Vitamin A Deficiency:
Evidence, Public Health, and Politics”

________________________________________

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

MAIN DINING ROOM, UNIVERSITY CLUB

3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48909

6:00 PM RECEPTION

6:45 PM PROGRAM

Speaker bio is available at: http://fshn.msu.edu

Multitaskers Can Have, Uh, Cognitive Problems

From the Law Librarian Blog, “A series of tests show that people who multitask the most have a hard time concentrating and avoiding distractions compared to those multitasking the least. . . . Multitaskers consistently had performance problems when tested. I'd tell you more but I can't remember much about it having checked my three email accounts for the 30th time in the last five hours. Luckily I can remember where the citation is from. Read about it in Wired, here."

The original study is, “Cognitive control in media multitaskers.” By Eyal Ophira, Clifford Nass, and Anthony D. Wagner. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 106 No. 33, August 25, 2009.

Seminar presentation by Dr. Peter Kareiva of The Nature Conservancy

On Tuesday, 9  a.m., September 8, 2009, Dr. Peter Kareiva, Chief Scientist and Director of Science, The Nature Conservancy, will present, The Work of The Nature Conservancy and the role for University-TNC Partnerships” at the Kellogg Center Auditorium, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

Dr. Peter Kareiva moved to TNC after 20 years as a university professor and three years working on salmon conservation for NOAA Fisheries. His past publications and research have concerned such diverse fields as mathematical biology, fisheries science, insect ecology, risk analysis, genetically engineered organisms, agricultural ecology, population viability analysis, behavioral ecology, landscape ecology, and global climate change. For publications and more details: http://www.nature.org/tncscience/scientists/misc/kareiva.html.

New Global Agricultural Trade System Database

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) recently launched an enhanced U.S. foreign agricultural trade searchable database called the Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS).  The GATS database, which replaces the current U.S. trade data system, will provide users with U.S. agricultural data not previously available from FAS, including U.S. Customs District trade data, monthly and annual trade data going back to 1967, and U.S. state export data. Users will also be able to use GATS to produce charts and graphs. GATS may be accessed at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gats  and includes an on-line user help manual.

Emerging Issues in Food Litigation Webinar

On September 30, 2009, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) will present a three hour webinar that explores emerging issues in food litigation, with a special focus on issues related to outbreaks and recalls. Participants will learn about recent developments in:

 •            Food safety legislation and its impact on food litigation

•             Criminal implications when outbreaks and recalls occur

•             Crisis management during outbreaks and recalls  

More information is available here.

 

Making it in Michigan Conference

The MSU Product Center presents, the "Making it in Michigan Conference" on November 11, 2009, at the Lansing Center. The conference for food entrepreneurs and includes a great speciality food show. Visit www.makingitinmichigan.msu.edu for more information.

Dr. P. Vincent Hegarty Lecture on International Food Law

A streaming video presentation from the Michigan State University's International Short Course on Food Safety, July 27, 2009. Dr. Hegarty is Professor and Director Emeritus, Institute of Food Laws and Regulations, College of Agriculture and Natural resources, Michigan State University.

Lecture: Harnessing Science and Technology for Africa’s Development

New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD): Harnessing Science and Technology for Africa’s Development by Prof. Diran Makinde and Prof. Aggrey Ambali, NEPAD Office of Science and Technology.

Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m., Room 201 International Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

Hosted by MSU African Studies Center in Collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).

HACCP Development and Implementation Training at MSU Aug. 24-26

The Food Science HACCP team at MSU invites you to attend a 24 contact hr. HACCP certification August 24-26, 2009. The workshop will cover the basic considerations for developing HACCP plans. The class will be in room 1320 Anthony Hall on the MSU campus. Attached please find a Brochure with map and parking information. More information is available from Dr. Alden M. Booren, Professor & Extension Specialist, Departments of Food Science & Human, Nutrition, and Animal Science, Phone (517)355-8452/Ext. 205; e-mail: booren@msu.edu.

IFLR Mentioned in Food Productivity Today

http://tinyurl.com/qa47nt The IFLR online international food law courses start on either August 31 or Jan 11 and last 12 to 15 weeks.

Distinguished Faculty Award

Neal Fortin received the first Master of Science in Food Safety Program Distinguished Faculty Award. He is Professor and Director at the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations at Michigan State University.

Lead Instructor Opening for OIE Course

The Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR) at Michigan State University is seeking a lead instructor for a course on the OIE and world animal health. This is a three credit course is taught completely over the Internet and is designed for those interested in the global animal health and its relationship to international trade in animals and animal products.

For more information on the opening, visit here.

How Consumers View Food News, Labels, and Other Food Information

July 2009

Upcoming Events from the IFIC Foundation

Upcoming Educational Web Casts:

Confused and Conflicted: How Consumers View Food News, Labels, and Other Food Information The Second in 2009 Food & Health Survey Web Cast Series Wednesday, July 29 2 p.m. EDT/11 a.m. PDT Join the International Food Information Council Foundation for the second of a series of Web casts based on the findings from the 2009 Food & Health Survey on Wednesday, July 29 at 2 p.m. EDT/11 a.m. PDT. This edition focuses on consumers' views of the food label; news related to food and health; dietary guidance, including MyPyramid; and other food information resources. Get tips on how to better communicate with consumers about searching for and using food information. Visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/671256362 to register. Space is limited.

The Effectiveness of Online Education

Online students perform better than students receiving face-to-face instruction

A systematic search of research literature by the U.S. Department of Education identified more than a thousand empirical studies of online learning. Analysts screened the studies and then conducted a meta-analysis. One important finding of the study was that, “on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”

This report holds special interest because online learning is one of the fastest growing trends in educational uses of technology. Other conclusions of the study include the following:

• “The effectiveness of online learning approaches appears quite broad across different content and learner types.”
• “Inclusion of more media in an online application does not appear to enhance learning.”
• “Online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with media and prompting learner reflection. Studies indicate that manipulations that trigger learner activity or learner reflection and self-monitoring of understanding are effective when students pursue online learning as individuals”
• “Providing guidance for learning for groups of students appears less successful than does using such mechanisms with individual learners. When groups of students are learning together online, support mechanisms such as guiding questions generally influence the way students interact, but not the amount they learn.”

The entire U.S. Department of Education report, Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Leaning (2009) is available here.

Call for Proposals: Ag & Food Policies on Health and Diet in Latin America

The Pan America Health Organization (PAHO) is seeking proposals that aim to show how existing or potential agriculture and food policies or technological innovations (e.g., biotechnology) can make a contribution to population health and diet with focus on obesity and non-communicable disease in Latin America and the Caribbean. Proposals that incorporate issues of agriculture sustainability, preservation of culinary traditions or promote collaboration between agriculture and public health professionals are particularly encouraged.

The policies under scrutiny are expected to show potential or actual population impact on health/nutrition by way of modifying one or some of the following aspects: agriculture and trade policies, food security, food and nutrition policies and consumer behaviors (e.g. food-purchasing behavior and food consumption patterns).

The deadline for the submission of proposal is September 4, 2009. More information is available here.

Webinars: "Agriculture in Uncertain Times"

A series of webinars on “Agriculture in Uncertain Times” will be offered by the North Central Risk Management Education Center between June 9 and December 16 , 2009. Participation is free and open on a first come, first served basis to the first 500 participants in each session.  Sessions will also be recorded for later viewing.  Details. 

New Online Food Studies Program

The UOC International Graduate Institute is now offering an online master's program in Food, Society, and International Governance. The program is designed for individuals interested in enhancing their understanding and analysis of agriculture and food policy, and increasing their understanding of the social, cultural and economic factors that influence and shape the development and enforcement of agriculture governance. This combination presents an opportunity to explore connections between the historical, political, scientific, strategic and ethical considerations involved in the organisation of food policy and agriculture internationally.

This program is designed to prepare people to meet the demand for knowledgeable and well-trained food systems leaders and analysts by fostering practical and critical learning with an international perspective.

Starting in October, UOC will be offering innovative online courses:

* Masters in Food, Society and International Governance (2 years, part time, €4,200)

* Postgraduate Diploma in Food Systems and Governance (1 year, part time, €2,300)

* Short course in Food systems Analysis (4 months, part time, €1,200)

Is this programme for you?

The Food Systems, Culture and Society programme attracts students and people who work across the agri-food sector. Many of our students already have work experience and are looking to broaden their knowledge and skills so as to advance their careers.

The courses are specifically geared towards:

- Individuals working in the agri-food sector

- Public administrators

- Policy analysts

§ Consultants

- Lawyers

- Journalists specializing in food politics

- Professional organizations, NGOs or international cooperation projects that address issues linked to food and agriculture

- Students wishing further education on issues of agri-food governance

This programme will prepare people to meet the demand for knowledgeable and well-trained food systems analysts and leaders, by fostering practical and critical learning with an international perspective.

Note that to apply for the programme, you do not have a university degree. Please submit a CV and letter of interest to foodsystems@uoc.edu.

About the UOC

The UOC is a leader in e-learning and we are progressive in our determination to champion open education that integrates new ideas and new technologies. The UOC is a 100% internet-based, fully accredited university operating from Barcelona. We champion multilingualism and hold the UNESCO chair in e-learning.

To find the program on Facebook, search "food systems, culture and society"

Check out the blog

Find out more online

Singletasking for Productivity Gains

Multitasking can make it difficult to get done the things that matter most. Productivity weblog WebWorkerDaily takes a fresh look at singletasking:

Singletasking is just what it sounds like: approaching and tackling one task at a time, sequentially, instead of trying to do a whole bunch of things at once, as has become de rigeur in our modern multitasking age. If you’re like me, the thought is probably at least a little refreshing, and maybe more than a little appealing right off the bat.

The principle is sound. Take on one task at a time, and don’t begin another until the one you’ve already started is complete. It sounds simple, but you know as well as I do that actually implementing that kind of thing in real life will take a lot more effort than you might first think. For one, it means ignoring any urge to procrastinate, and making sure that you prioritize very carefully in advance, lest you realize too late that what you thought was most urgent actually could’ve taken a back seat to something else.

. . . .

Ironically, multitasking may be the ideal way for the brain to procrastinate. Singletasking means have the discipline to focus on what matter most.

The hardest discipline of all may be using just one screen.

Let go of Ctrl+Tab and achieve more!

Singletasking: The Next Trend in Web Working? [WebWorkerDaily]

Call for Abstracts: 2010 Food Safety Education Conference

You are invited to submit abstracts on evidence-based food safety initiatives that address an aspect of consumer food safety education or education within the food service industry that focus on one or more of the following themes: Causes and Casualties: Attribution of Foodborne Illness Behavioral and Attitudinal Research Social Marketing Trends and Consumer Outreach Tapping the Medical Community Role of Food Service and Retail Role of Technology in Consumer Education and Risk Communication Partnerships and Collaborations For more information, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/Atlanta2010 or email us at Atlanta2010@nsf.org. Hosts Sponsors   Key Dates Submission deadline: July 1, 2009 Notification of acceptance: September 1, 2009 Final presentation due: March 15, 2010

Unable to view this invitation for the 2010 Food Safety Education Conference?
Visit www.fsis.usda.gov/atlanta2010

Food Safety and the Way Forward: The Robert Leader Endowed Lecture

A lecture by Frank Yianna, Food Safety and the Way Forward:  High Tech or High Touch?, will be presented on June 18, 2009, 4:00 p.m., at the University Club, Michigan State University.  For more information, visit here or here.

IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo

The Institute for Food Laws & Regulations (IFLR) will be at the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo June 6-9. Stop by and see us at booth #602.

Thousands of food industry professionals from around the globe convene at IFT to learn about the latest developments in scientific research, technologies, new products, food law, and consumer trends. The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo brings together decision-makers from all of the many disciplines involved in food science, technology, law, and more. The meeting packs in tremendous educational sessions as well as offering great networking for professionals in R&D and other scientific/technical positions, as well as in corporate management, purchasing, consulting, academia, government/regulatory, and technical sales and marketing.

Hope to see you in Anaheim!