Keenum presents views on world food needs

by For the MBJ

Published: June 8,2011

Tags: agriculture, education, food, higher education

WASHINGTON — Joining former U.S. cabinet officers, international agency representatives and other policy makers, Mississippi State University president Mark E. Keenum is part of an effort to assess strategies to deal with world food needs.

The university’s chief executive was among invited panelists at a recent Washington, D.C., symposium convened by the Global Agricultural Development Initiative, a part of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Keenum is serving a three-year appointment on the council’s advisory group.

“We are addressing the progress of U.S. leadership on issues related to global food security,” Keenum said, observing that the group is on record in support of Congressional funding “to help those most in need around the world, especially innocent children.”

He was the sole U.S. university representative at the event chaired by former agriculture secretary Dan Glickman.

During his presentation to approximately 300 participants, Keenum outlined the unique contributions land-grant institutions make to research, outreach and product development that target both domestic and international hunger issues.

“I see a great opportunity for our faculty, staff and students to be involved in an effort that has global implications and global benefits,” Keenum said.

A former USDA undersecretary, Keenum recently launched the International Institute at MSU to coordinate and focus university involvement in academic, research and outreach opportunities around the world.

Under his leadership, Mississippi State has established formal ties with the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization to collaborate on issues related to food safety and nutrition, and he said he is seeking additional opportunities through non-government agencies and foundations.

Source: MSU