The L.A. Food Dialogues Moves the Conversation Forward With Second Panel Discussion

June 12, 2012 by USFRA

Panel examines how all types of farming play an important role in food production

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance continues to move the dialogue forward between key influencers, consumers, farmers and ranchers, answering questions and bringing to light how food is grown and raised. On June 20-21, 2012, farmers and ranchers will head to Los Angeles – the entertainment capital of the world – for the second Food Dialogues event. Four separate discussions – held over two days – will bring together entertainment movers and shakers, chefs, academics, large restaurant operators, journalists, local leaders, farmers and ranchers for an in-depth conversation about food. 

On Wednesday, June 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, the second scheduled discussion, entitled, “Meeting of the Minds: Touring Hollywood’s Urban Farm” at The Food Dialogues will examine how all types of farming play an important role in food production. Whether organic, small or large-scale farm, pork, beef or dairy operation, all farmers and ranchers are a pivotal part of how food is grown and raised. This discussion, which includes a tour of Wattles Farm in Hollywood, will take a look at best practices and shared techniques, no matter the farm size, and the role that urban farms/community gardens play in feeding the stomachs and souls of American communities. Discover how rural and urban farmers can work together to provide healthy choices for people everywhere.

The line-up of expert panelists includes:

• Michael Olson – (urban farm expert and host of the syndicated Saturday Food Chain radiotalk show) – moderator
• Michael Dimock (Roots of Change) - panelist
• Kelly Dugan (dairy farmer) – panelist
• Jacki Easter (Farm Service Agency [FSA] State Executive Director) – panelist
• Dr. Rachel Surls (community agriculture, LA County Extension Service) – panelist
• Paul Wenger (farmer) – panelist

Make plans to join us on Wednesday, June 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, for live tweeting, pictures and online discussion during the tour – use #FoodD to follow. Video from the event will be posted on FoodDialogues.com at a later date. Also, if you have questions you’d like to ask the panel, send them to us at info@fooddialogues.com. To view the lineup for all four panel discussions, visit: http://www.fooddialogues.com/la-event