Northern Arizona University

 

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Research

The Center for Sustainable Environments is involved in a number of projects and collaborative initiatives which focus on increasing food security and agricultural sustainability on the Colorado Plateau, sometimes taking it a step further to incorporate social and cultural ties to food as well. While some of these projects are focused on individual communities, the vision, ideas, and practical solutions of these projects can be applied to a broader audience. Our goal is to promote sustainability on the Colorado Plateau and beyond.

Here are some of our projects in sustainable food and agriculture:

Renewing America's Food Traditions
Today, two-thirds of the distinctive seeds and breeds which traditionally fed America have vanished and many of the remaining ones are at risk. With these losses has come a decline in traditional ecological, culinary and cultural knowledge. To reverse such losses, the RAFT Coalition formed in the fall of 2003 and continues to gain momentum.

Canyon Country Fresh
Since its inception, the Center for Sustainable Environments has been working with local farmers, ranchers, markets, and restaurants to promote local food production and use. CSE has been implementing strategic marketing practices to help promote local farm products, from a food directory to development of an eco-label and local advertising.

Tasting Arizona
“Tasting Arizona” began as a series of workshops across the state in the spring and early summer 2007, and is now expanding to pursue new initiatives that were proposed during those workshops.  Among other activities, we are seeking funds for new local and heritage foods programs in the White Mountains and the Tucson area.

Fair Trade Sonoran Oregano from the Seri Indians
Sonoran oregano is hand-harvested from the Gulf of California region by the Seri Indians, an endangered people. The Seri have long used this oregano for its culinary, medicinal, and ceremonial properties. It is now one of the few sustainably harvested products they can market directly to chefs, shops and enlightened consumers in the U.S.  Please note:  Mesquite will be available in early October.

Flagstaff Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture is a direct connection between local farmers and the people who eat their produce. At the core of CSA is mutual commitment: communities of eaters commit to supporting a local farmer for a season. In return, CSA participants receive fresh, seasonal produce—sharing in the risks and bounty of farming.

Flagstaff Community Farmers Market
The 2007 Flagstaff Community Market will run from 8 a.m. until noon June 10 to Oct. 7, 2007, every Sunday. All markets are held on West Phoenix Avenue just east of Milton Road and west of South Beaver Street, in the city-owned lot behind Home Alternatives.

Arizona's Food Security, Safety and Sustainability
Weighing the Risks of Bioterrorism, Contamination, Drought, and Farmland Loss to Urban Growth. By Gary Paul Nabhan. Read the entire report: Download the PDF

Marketing for Land Stewards
A working paper created to inform western land stewards of the opportunities and challenges associated with direct marketing during a time of drought and changing consumer preferences.

Flagstaff Wild Foraging
This former CSE project worked with communities, farms, ranches, and foragers to encourage sustainable use of wild foods for ecological protection and economic benefits. The page continues to offer Web-based resources.

 

   

CSE is proud to be in our new home in the Applied Research and Development Building - one of the most efficient buildings in the world!  The ARD building has been granted the US Green Building Council's LEED "Platinum" certification, the highest level attainable.