We Are What We Eat

Dr. Fagan shares his knowledge of sustainable agriculture.
In the recent years, Thacher has made increasing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and making the most of the world's limited resources. The student and faculty led Environmental Action Committee (EAC) has brought focus to many different areas underneath the "sustainability" umbrella including—but not limited to—the conservation of energy and water, waste management, and full-circle agriculture with pigs (and chickens coming soon!). 

Recently, the School welcomed a leading expert in sustainable agriculture and GMOs to broaden our understanding of these important topics. Dr. John Fagan, executive director of Earth Open Source—a non-profit advancing the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of the food and agricultural system—delivered a lecture to interested faculty, students, and townspeople targeting the importance of how our food is grown. 

Thacher's Sustainability Coordinator Juan Sanchez commented, "Dr. Fagan has a broad understanding of how sustainable agriculture can help people live healthier and more prosperous lives around the world. His work touches on all aspects of true sustainable food production, even incorporating the cultural and indigenous knowledge that has been broadly replaced and diminished by industrial and technological agriculture, including GMOs."

Dr. Fagan's message was largely a hopeful one—sustainable agriculture has a chance! As consumers become more informed, they have higher expectations and make greater demands regarding the quality of their food. There is an increasing awareness and concern toward GMOs, and consumers are capable of holding the industry accountable. The message was clear: We all can help change the current industrial agricultural system by demanding local, fresh, and natural foods.  
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