MEETINGS, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

COMING UP:

RESPONDING TO THE INCREASING GLOBAL DEMAND FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTS
November 12-15, 2002

This meeting is being organised to address the issue of responding to the global demand for an increase in animal products and the effects of this on livestock producers in developing countries.

This International Conference is organised by the British Society of Animal Science, the American Society of Animal Science and the Mexican Society of Animal Production. It is hosted by the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, University Cultural Centre, UADY, Merida, Mexico.

Theme 1
How do trade agreements make livestock producers vulnerable?
* Marginalisation of the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers
* Socio-economic impacts
* Marketing: Global and domestic markets, subsidies, pricing
* Consumer preferences (global and local)
* Trade issues:
Biotechnology & welfare regulations, national and international transmission of animal disease
* GM Crops as animal feeds
* Animal breeds - indigenous v exotic
* Food security
* Government polices


Theme 2
What is the ecological impact of production systems (small holder, intensive and extensive)?
* Ecological/environmental impact
* Animal welfare
* Sustainable systems for small holders
* Effects of new technologies: Biotechnologies
* Pollution, soil erosion Biodiversity
* Nutrient cycling Food safety
* Silviculture Integrating crops and animals


Theme 3
What is the role of animal science research?
* What research and intervention methodologies are required?
* How do you improve adoption?
* Systems that create opportunities to take up new knowledge
* Participatory research
* The roles of commercial, public organisations, civil societies & NGOs
* Social structure; Risk; Institutional reform
* Cross sectional alliances


Call for papers: Deadline 30th June. For more information visit the conference website at http://www.asas.org/merida02. Information is also available on the BSAS website at http://www.bsas.org.uk.


SMALL FARMS IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD: MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND FOOD SECURITY IN DIVERSE RURAL COMMUNITIES
November 17-20, 2002

The International Farming Systems Association (IFSA) is the only worldwide professional organization that links researchers of several disciplines engaged in agricultural research and rural development, especially in developing countries. IFSA symposium participants include farming systems practitioners including those associated with universities, government agencies, and non governmental organizations interested in agricultural development around the world. This year, the symposium rotates to the United States. At the forthcoming symposium to be held in Orlando, Florida during November 17-20, 2002, scientists and development specialists will focus on challenges facing small farmers.

The overarching theme is: Small farms in an ever-changing world: Meeting the challenges of sustainable livelihoods and food security in diverse rural communities. Sub themes cluster around categories of: small farm diversification and competitiveness; engaging diverse stakeholders in support of small farms; farming systems knowledge and information; farming systems education and training; and food security and safety.

The call for posters (in English and Spanish) can be found on the web site http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ifsa.