WASHINGTON, DC, MAY 6, 2011-- Learn more about the impact that urban agriculture has on human health and food security at Bringing Urban Agriculture to Life, a briefing taking place on Monday, May 9. The briefings, sponsored by the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and the Council on Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics (C-FARE) will feature a panel of experts making significant contributions in the areas of urban agriculture, soils, economics, food systems, and nutrition.

Members of the media and public information officers are invited to also attend. RSVP by Monday, May 9, 12pm (EDT), to Caron Gala Bijl at cgala@soils.org.

The panel of experts includes:

• Dr. Katherine Alaimo: Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Dr. Jim Hanson: Extension Economist/Farm Management Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
• Kristen McIvor: Community Garden Coordinator, Tacoma/Pierce County, Cascade Land Conservancy, Seattle, WA

The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 250 million hungry individuals live in cities. These residents often rely on food sources that originate far beyond the city limits. However, urban agriculture programs, which cultivate, process, and distribute food in or around metropolitan areas, are now cropping-up across the United States. Urban agriculture increases the access that residents have to fresh fruits and vegetables, providing better nutritional options for city-dwellers and influencing food security.

While there are numerous advantages associated with urban agriculture, for there to be economic or nutritional benefits, program management must result in sufficient crop yield and empower urban farmers. By integrating materials and resources available to improve soil fertility and tilth into urban agricultural programs, assisting with land tenure issues, and increasing access to micro-lending, municipalities can positively impact the health and well-being of their residents.

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition research scientists and clinicians around the world dedicated to advancing the knowledge and application of nutrition to promote human health. For more information, visit www.nutrition.org. Contact: Sarah Ohlhorst, American Society for Nutrition, 301-634-7281, sohlhorst@nutrition.org.

The Council on Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics (C-FARE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the national presence of the agricultural economics profession. For more information, please visit www.cfare.org. Contact: Tamara Wagester, Council on Food, Agricultural & Resource Economics, 202-408-8522; tamarawagester@cfare.org.