Location
Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light
600 Pleasant Valley Dr
Little Rock, AR, 72227
Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/11/2021
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Category(ies)
TOPSOIL TUESDAY!
Join us by zoom for a rare opportunity to discuss critical issues with leaders in the slow food movement.
Tuesday, May 11, Regenerative Agriculture Sessions
Join five panelists by zoom for two follow-up sessions to the online “Kiss the Ground” Documentary in April.
zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88226725832?pwd=bFI5RWExcUo5N1Z1ZGg1aU4rUSt6dz09
7 – 7:45 p.m. Central Time with Q&A
SOIL HEALTH
What is the connection between soil health, soil microbiome, gut microbiota, diets, obesity, and chronic disease development?
- Reza Hakkak, Ph.D., has been a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences faculty member since 1990. He is a nutritionist, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in the College of Health Professions, Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, and Professor of Department of Health Policy and Management in the College of Public Health.
- Elain Ingham earned a B.A., Biology and Chemistry, St. Olaf College; a M.S., Microbiology, Texas A&M University; and a Ph.D., Microbiology, Colorado State University. After discovering the Soil Food Web Approach (Nature’s Soil Operating System) nearly four decades ago and pioneering research in the field, Dr. Ingham is recognized as the foremost soil biologist in the world. The Soil Food Web Approach is the key to rapid and effective soil regeneration. Only with the complete soil food web in place, can the ecological functions of the soil be restored, protecting and purifying the world’s waterways, reversing climate change and providing super-nutritious foods.
- Chris Hiryak is an expert in the design, development and management of small scale diversified food production models, specifically in urban environments. He owned and operated the first USDA certified organic urban farm in the state of Arkansas and is the founder of The Southern Center for Agroecology, dedicated to creating a strong local food system. Most recently, Chris managed one of the largest Community Supported Agriculture programs in Colorado for the Denver Botanic Gardens. Chris and his wife Sally recently moved back to Little Rock and look forward to putting down roots. Chris completed a triple major as a Donaghey Scholar at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and holds B.A. degrees in Spanish, International Studies and History.
- Read Admire will facilitate. Read is the founder and executive director of The Urban Food Loop Project, Little Rock.
BREAK
8 – 8:45 p.m. with Q&A
CONSCIENTIOUS COMPOSTING
What are the basics of composting? What is the difference between home and large-scale composting? What can we learn about compost microbes and produce safety?
- Eric Simon is Program Associate at the University of Arkansas System, Little Rock, Division of Agriculture. Eric attended Central High School and graduated with B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. He worked at the CTEH (Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health) in North Little Rock for 5 years. He currently works for the University of Arkansas Extension Service Biology and Agricultural Engineering Department. He also has worked on grant funded projects on: composting, manure/litter/mortality management, and cover crops. Eric is an avid home gardener and composter.
- Read Admire is the founder and executive director of The Urban Food Loop Project, Little Rock. He earned a Master of Public Service from the U.A. Clinton School of Public Service. He has held positions as a culinary apprentice, certified yoga teacher, private home chef, and permaculture apprentice in Costa Rica. In recent years, The Urban Food Loop has diverted more than 2 million tons of food waste from local landfills and earned the “Sustain the Rock Award” for Most Sustainable Small Business in Little Rock in 2020.
