August, 2014

Greetings VLS Community!

Welcome!

We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Although we will miss the abundance of local produce, afternoons visiting farmers' markets, and lazy Sundays on the White River, we are looking forward to the beginning of the academic year. We hope you enjoy the August News Bite!

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: THE BEE PROTECTIVE CAMPAIGN

VLS' THE FIRST UNIVERSITY IN THE NATION TO OFFICIALLY BECOME NEONIC FREE & BEE FRIENDLY

We are happy to announce that through our participation in the BEE Protective Campaign, the Vermont Law School campus is the first university campus to become officially neonicitonoid free. Our participation in this project was motivated by VLS' strong commitment to promoting environmentalism, and CAFS mission to support sustainable food and agricultural systems. Becoming a more bee-friendly environment, and our commitment to maintain this status, means that VLS is doing its part to protect the health and safety of the pollinators that play an integral role in our agricultural systems.

BEE Protective is a national campaign founded by Center for Food Safety and Beyond Pesticides aimed at protecting honey bees and other pollinators from pesticides and contaminated landscapes. The campaign focuses on public education and provides concerned citizens with numerous educational materials and advocacy tools to take action and effect positive change for pollinators. BEE Protective works with municipalities, campuses, and homeowners to adopt policies that protect pollinators from bee-toxic pesticides. Pollinators are a vital part of our environment and a barometer for healthy ecosystems. Let's all do our part to BEE Protective of these critical species.

NEW FOOD SYSTEM INFOGRAPHIC FROM CAFS!

Creating a Better Food System: The How and The Why

Food security is a global issue. This new infographic from CAFS shows why we need to create a stronger food system and how we can achieve it!

SUMMER CLASS SPOTLIGHT:

THE LAW OF ANIMALS IN AGRICULTURE With Professor PAMELA VESILIND

Students in Professor Vesilind's course took a trip to Shelburne Farms to learn about the husbandry practices at the farm's calf barn.

The course covers the evolution and regulation of animal agriculture in America, contrasted with farmed animal welfare policies in other developed nations, and evaluates the long-term sustainability of CAFO food production specifically and animal food production generally. Students taking the course also explore emerging conflicts and policy debates, such as pharmaceutical use, non-point source water contamination, international trade disputes, and the industry's role in mitigating climate change.

NEWS & EVENTS:

SUMMER ACADEMY IN GLOBAL FOOD LAW & POLICY

Professor Beyranevand is currently in residence at the Summer Academy in Global Food Law and Policy in Bilbao, Spain. She'll be presenting on the Food Safety Modernization Act and its potential impacts on the global food supply. Follow CAFS on Facebook for updates and pictures from the conference!