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2005 Conference Calls

February 18: Leveraging Public/Private Opportunities On this call, funders explored the potential leveraging opportunities for funders partnering with three key programs within the US Department of Agriculture. Find out more about Community Food Projects, Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. This call built on conversations begun at the November 30th, 2004 Ag Policy Briefing in the hope that it might help generate ideas about how a small investment from a foundation can help move the field.
March 15: Getting Mercury out of the Environment: State-based Coordinated Efforts to Eliminate Intentional Uses and Releases of Mercury Among the many challenges posed by the current administration, making headway on mercury pollution may be one of the few environmental/health issues where progress can be made. In December 2004, a Mercury Summit was convened with over 40 participants representing 32 grassroots and national advocacy organizations from 17 states to develop a collective strategy for getting mercury out of the environment. The Mercury Summit focused on “intentional” uses of mercury – mercury that is still used in commerce even though far less (or non-) toxic alternatives exist. Considered the “low hanging fruit” for making progress toward ending mercury pollution, participants determined where the greatest gains can be made in the short-term, and how to effectively coordinate between states and with other organizations.  A collaborative, strategic plan for a campaign has developed, the ultimate goal of which is to eliminate the market for the intentional uses of mercury permanently.