![]() ![]() |
![]() |
UFDC Home | Search all Groups | Sciences | Food and Agriculture | International Farming Systems | | Help |
Material Information
Subjects
Notes
Record Information
|
Full Text |
Report on formation of a North American Regional Division of the Association for Farming Systems Research/Extension (AFSR/E) TO: David Norman George Axinn FROM: Richard R. Harwood Michigan State University September 21, 1992 Charge R. Harwood was asked by David Norman and George Axinn prior to the September 13-18, 1992 12th annual symposium to facilitate discussion during appropriate sessions of the symposium. Process The discussions were open to all, without regard to AFSR/E membership, country of residence or interest area. In all sessions more than half of the participants were long-term AFSR/E participants from North America (NA). Several student members actively participated. Consensus was reached on most major points, all of which were summarized on flip charts posted in the discussion rooms. Reports were made to the assembled AFSR/E global group. The process was open and highly participatory. This summary deals with the several topics that were subject of extensive discussion. The need for NA organization For 12 years U.S. institutions have coordinated annual FS/AFSR/E symposia with global participation. The needs of North American scientists were at least partially met through these meetings, their published proceedings and the many publications evolving from the AFSR/E network. The majority of AFSR/E members have been North American. With the globalization of AFSR/E, regional organizations are organizing and growing in their activities. As the symposium leaves NA, and possibly convenes less frequently, a vacuum is seen likely in NA without more frequent and active involvement. Secondly, the North American needs are not being adequately addressed through global meetings. Global meetings are primarily structured for interchange of ideas among active participants in FSR/E. It is their only forum for doing so. They do not provide a forum for education nor inclusion of those not actively working and familiar with the voluminous literature. Such persons wanting to learn of AFSR/E through participation in global symposia become frustrated and are invariably dissatisfied with the process. Global meetings cannot and will not meet these needs at a global level, as they must serve a different purpose. There is also a growing need to network more broadly with the increasing number of organizations in NA that are using a systems approach. Knowledge transfer and adaptation from the global forum and between North American groups is essential to reduce the current reinventing of the wheel. North American needs for networking *Educational at the university level -provide contacts, materials for instruction -orient faculty -orientation, training for graduate students *Farmer groups, NGO information flow multidirectionall) -many new farmer research groups forming -NGOs have broad social mandates--will add dimensions to FSRE/E *Provide a broad multidisciplinary forum--(not now available) *Influence direction of NA research toward systems (help to add momentum to systems research movement) *Provide a purposeful blend of international and domestic (Much discussion took place on this issue, but no consensus was reached). AFSR/E (global) definitely does not have enough North American coverage. Forum probably should be at least half North American for 1993. The NA committee should discuss and offer guidelines. *The collaborative dimension should be broadened to include a greater representation of farming systems-involved institutions and disciplines. *The AFSR/E/NA must be a stand-alone body, linked to societies (disciplines) and groups, but not dominated by any single discipline or philosophy. Objectives for NA annual meeting and other activities *Reach and include a broad NA constituency *Encourage interaction among systems-oriented people *Demonstrate what AFSR/E has to offer *Document role and value of international-domestic information transfer *Further participation in systems science *Expand the horizons of AFSR/E by enhancing NA input *Offer training-workshops on interdisciplinary approaches *Create a systems mandate back to institutions Form of NA organization *Create an interim steering committee for 1993. *Accept University of Florida offer to host a NA symposium in October of 1993. *For 1993--will not have stand-alone status, but will operate as a Division of AFSR/E. *Will not have dues-paying membership, but will encourage continued paying of dues and maintaining individual membership in AFSR/E (at least through October 1993). *Have modest expansion of a NA mailing list, with mailings (and communication costs) advanced by University of Florida and covered as part of the registration fee for the Fall 1993 symposium. Steering Committee The following guidelines were set forth for an interim steering committee: (to serve through October 1993) *Chairperson should be from University of Florida *At least half of membership be AFSR/E members *Should represent range of disciplines *Include -grower groups -NGO (ex-Rodale, Center for Rural Affairs) -Centers for sustainable agriculture -Countries: U.S., Canada, Mexico (if Mexico has interest) Membership (as nominated) AFSR/E members Anita Spring (Chairperson) accepted Ray William accepted Peter Hildebrand accepted Chuck Francis not yet contacted Josh Posner not yet contacted Sandra Russo not yet contacted Neal Flora not yet contacted Adrian Johnson (Canada) accepted Institute for Alternative Ag. person not yet contacted Center for Rural Affairs person not yet contacted Three farmers: Practical Farmers of lowa person California farmer group (Liebhardt/UCD contact) Florida Farm Bureau farmer Possible contact in Mexico: Dr. Herminio Navarro Colegio De Postgraduados Monticello, Mexico (for Mexican FSR network) Charge to the Steering Committee 1. Make contacts to complete committee membership. 2. Continue the evolution of the NA organization, with recommendations on structure, purpose and function to the October 1993 symposium. 3. Provide strategic guidance for the 1993 symposium. Provide input on structure, focal areas and participation to a University of Florida-organized symposium committee. 4. Make recommendations and start contacts for a 1994 symposium venue. 5. Confirm (or replace as desired by the committee) the representative to the Global AFSR/E Board. Chris Andrew was selected to represent NA for the September 18, 1992 Board meeting. 6. Assemble a NA mailing list (using the Michigan State and Arizona lists as a starting point). 7. Survey NA members on interests and needs as deemed appropriate. 8. Report to an assembled NA regional membership at the October 1993 symposium. Attendees at discussion sessions (This list is not complete, as some individuals came in and out or attended only briefly. It should not be implied that every person endorses this entire report. There was much debate on some issues. This report does represent broad consensus.) Chris Andrew George Axinn John Caldwell Michel Cavigelli Abby Eaton Tim Eisenbeis Tim Finan Tim Frankenberger Barry Grace Richard Harwood Peter Hildebrand Adrian Johnson Sue Ellen Johnson Harold McArthur David Norman Josh Posner Mike Powers Anita Spring Lisette Staal Martha Tomechek John Weise Stephan Weise Ray William |