Economics of Home Grown Produce Lecture, Feb. 9
Locally grown produce is known for its high quality and fresh taste, but the business behind the crops is not as familiar. That’s why the Economics Department in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Economics Club invited Dr. John M. Halstead of the University of New Hampshire to discuss the “Economics of Locally Grown Produce: The Potential of Home Grown” on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. in the Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Center Presentation Room.
Dr. Halstead, a program coordinator and professor of environmental and resource economics, received a PhD in agricultural and applied economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He is the president of the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association and has conducted research in a number of related areas, including the study of infrastructure investment and its relation to rural economic development.
Matthew Edgar ’16, co-president of the Economics Club, said that Dr. Halstead’s discussion will present an under-considered look at economics. “This event is different in focus from previous events,” he said. “At a high level, it seems that economics students are largely interested in macroeconomics and financial economics; this event will offer perspective on a lesser-talked about side of economics.”
Besides focusing on the economics of locally grown produce, Edgar said that Dr. Halstead’s presentation will analyze its potential social and financial impacts. “As scrutiny on food production increases, and entities illuminate the ethics and chemicals employed by corporate producers, alternative methods must be tested and/or promoted,” Edgar said of current issues in the food market. “Professor Halstead is highly-respected in the specialized field of economics, and will surely highlight some of the industry dynamics as well as the critical issues with food production going forward.”
Professor of Economics and one of the event’s coordinators, Dr. Dina Franceschi is equally as excited as Edgar to host Dr. Halstead. ”His work on environmental and resources issues in the [New England] region is quite far reaching and the students love to engage and host a wide range of topics that have economic implications,” she said. “The Economics Club is so pleased to be kicking off its spring semester schedule with a visit from Dr. Halstead.”
By Nicole Funaro ‘17
