PRINCESS ANNE — A new center on the UMES campus has a vision to bridge the gap between agriculture and applied economics to benefit the agriculture community on the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond. In honor of its launch, the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development will host a symposium Wednesday, Oct. 12 to discuss key topics related to agriculture, business and research.

“This Center will be a key link between federal agencies, agribusiness firms and educators,” said Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Moses Kairo. “Center faculty and staff will not only conduct vital research on globally relevant issues such as hunger and food security, but will also provide logistical support for cooperative education programs on campus and in the community.”

The daylong symposium brings federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to campus for learning and discussion with SANS faculty and administrators. The Center, which is housed in the School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (SANS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, aims to conduct economic development research, facilitate communication across business, academic and government communities, and educate stakeholders on agribusiness and economic development issues.

The symposium agenda includes a welcome from UMES President Juliette Bell and presentations on hot topics such as “Agriculture, Environment and Sustainable Development: Political Economic Perspectives,” by David Spielman of the International Food Policy Research Institute and “Political Puzzles of the GMO: It’s not about the science,” by Ron Herring of Cornell University. Sahara Moon Chipotin, Ph.D., Deputy Assistant Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will deliver the keynote address.

For more information, visit www.umes.edu/sans or contact Dr. Stephan Tubene, associate professor and small farm specialist at 410-651-7577 or sltubene@umes.edu.