To Members of the NASULGC Family:
The New York Times Magazine carried an article in the October
12 issue entitled "The (Agri)Cultural Contradictions of Obesity."
The author of this piece, Michael Pollan, argues that the current
obesity epidemic has roots in America's farm support programs. The
BRT, working with BAC Chairman Tom Payne, prepared a response to
this article. Dr. Payne's response (not published) follows:To the Editor:
Member institutions of the National Association of State
Universities and Land-Grant Colleges have for years conducted
ground-breaking research that points to both social and genetic
drivers of obesity. So, to put it simply, we know that the factors
driving the obesity epidemic are much more complex than Michael
Pollan describes in his Oct. 12 article "The (Agri)Cultural
Contradictions of Obesity."
But Pollan is right about one thing -- obesity is a serious and
growing threat that needs more attention. Fortunately, there is a
strong university-based infrastructure that’s already well
positioned to deal with this issue.
Our research scientists are, for example, constantly improving
food plants and animals to address specific human health and
preventative medicine issues. In addition, we operate strong
community outreach initiatives (such as the Expanded Food &
Nutrition Education Program) that promote better eating and
nutritional literacy, particularly among lower-income people
disproportionately affected by obesity.
What’s urgently needed now is a greater level of support --
especially by the federal government -- for ongoing efforts that
integrate obesity research with teaching and extension. Such a
coordinated effort will go a long way to improve the quality of
life for millions of Americans and help stem the dramatic growth
in healthcare costs associated with obesity.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Payne, Chairman
Budget and Advocacy Committee
Board on Agriculture Assembly
National Association of State Universities
and Land-Grant Colleges
and
Vice Chancellor and Dean
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources,
Director, Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station
2-69 Agriculture Building
University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: 573-882-3846
Links:
 The (Agri)Cultural
Contradictions of Obesity
(removed for copyright reasons)
Jeff Weintraub
Fleishman-Hillard |
