University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems celebrated its 25th anniversary Wednesday evening with a panel discussion led by Odessa Piper, founder of Madison restaurant L’Etoile.
The panel centered on what it means to eat well and featured Wisconsin farmers Jim Munsch and Tony Schultz as well as UW-Madison professors Jonathan Patz and Monica White.
CIAS began in 1989 with a focus on the growth of sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin. The center continues its work through several programs, including support of organic farmers, managed grazing and farm-to-school programs, according to the center’s website.
“This is a vision that, since then, spread throughout our campus, throughout our state, throughout our country and, of course, throughout our world,” Director of CIAS Michael Bell said.
Piper said she appreciated the community she found during her time in Madison, especially that of CIAS.
“Through all the years that I was in Madison, I felt so grateful that I was able to participate in the center’s programs as a member of the larger community it serves,” Piper said. “I always felt that CIAS had my back as a small businessperson and the backs of the farmers that I worked with.”
On UW-Madison’s campus, some students have found an outlet to appreciate food through Slow Food UW, an organization founded in 2009 which aims to make local food accessible to the community.
Claire Jones, the Cafe Director of Slow Food UW, said part of what makes the organization stand out is the sense of unity it fosters.
“When I first started Slow Food, it was for sure the first time since coming to Madison I really felt like I found a really nice community to be a part of,” Jones said.
The organization also works to increase awareness about Wisconsin’s food system, according to Jones.
“I think we’re really lucky to live in Wisconsin,” Jones said. “It is just such a bountiful state on all fronts, from meats to cheeses to vegetables.”
The sustainable agriculture movement has substantially grown over the last 25 years and is still evolving, Piper said.
“We continue to make connections between the health of the land and the health of the people,” Piper said.
