Luther College to host discussion exploring links between soil and food health

Luther College is making significant strides in addressing critical issues that intertwine soil health, food production, and public well-being. On September 9, 2023, the college’s Center for Ethics and Public Engagement, in collaboration with the Regenerating Soil and Community Project, will host an engaging event titled "The Ground We Share: Conversations on Soil, Food, and Health." This initiative is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the relationships between soil quality, food systems, and health, making it a vital topic for discussion in today’s agricultural landscape.

The event is designed to be an immersive experience for attendees, starting at 6:30 PM in the Center for Faith and Life. It features various interactive exhibits that delve into soil testing and regenerative agriculture—methods that have gained traction in recent years due to their potential benefits for both nutrition and the environment. Visitors can also enjoy samples of locally sourced foods, educational books on the intricate correlations between food and health, and a dance performance by the Luther College Orchesis, further enriching the multidisciplinary approach of the event.

Keynote speaker Anne Biklé, a well-respected science writer and advocate for environmental health, will take the stage at 7:30 PM for an important discussion on the connections between soil health and food quality. Biklé, co-author of the books "What Your Food Ate" and "The Hidden Half of Nature," is known for her compelling insights into how the soil microbiota affects our ecosystems and health. Her research underscores the urgency of addressing global soil degradation, a problem that is increasingly affecting food production and human health. Jodi Enos-Berlage, a professor of biology at Luther, will host a Q&A session after Biklé’s presentation, facilitating a deeper dialogue between the speaker and attendees. Enos-Berlage emphasizes the pressing need to view soil health through the lens of public health, noting that “there is no greater motivator for caring for the soil than seeing this act through the lens of our own health.”

Following Biklé’s talk, a panel discussion titled "Soil, Food, and Health Conversation" will feature a diverse group of experts, including Iowa organic farmers and medical professionals. This inclusive approach acknowledges that both farmers and healthcare providers play crucial roles in public health, a perspective that is especially crucial in the context of contemporary challenges such as food insecurity and chronic diseases related to diet. Panelists include:

• Wendy Johnson: Winner of the 2024 Iowa Aldo Leopold Conservation award and owner of Joia Food and Fiber Farm.
• Robby Jewell: A sixth-generation farmer and co-owner of Jewell Enterprises, recognized for his contributions to sustainable agriculture.
• Carly Zierke: Co-owner of Sweet Season Farm and advocate for organic farming methods.
• Jake Larkin: A physician assistant who co-founded a rooftop garden initiative aimed at promoting health through sustainable practices.
• Erin Meyer: Executive director of Basil’s Harvest and a nutrition expert focused on integrating culinary medicine into public health.

This extensive panel provides a rare opportunity for attendees to engage directly with individuals who are at the forefront of both soil management and healthcare, fostering a holistic understanding of the complex systems that influence human health.

In addition to this key event, Anne Biklé’s visit coincides with her nine-day tour across Midwestern farms and organizations focusing on these pressing issues. Another notable event during her visit is a book reading and signing of "What Your Food Ate," scheduled for September 8 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah. Sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, this event aims to promote discourse on the importance of sustainable food practices.

The collective efforts of organizations like Luther College and their community partners underscore a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of soil, food systems, and public health. The collaborative nature of these events, backed by sponsors such as Davi Design Co., Decorah Bank & Trust, and the Oneota Community Food Co-op, highlights the importance of community support for initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and health outcomes.

As we navigate complex environmental issues in an increasingly urbanized world, discussions such as those at Luther College are crucial. They encourage community engagement and foster sustainable practices that can lead to healthier food systems. By elevating the importance of soil health through education and advocacy, this initiative aligns closely with the broader global movement toward sustainable agriculture and public health improvement.

In summary, Luther College’s upcoming event represents a critical convergence of health, agriculture, and environmental ethics, driving forward the conversation on how better soil management can lead to healthier food and, ultimately, healthier communities. By exploring the connections among these domains, participants can gain deeper insights into sustainable practices that support the well-being of both people and the planet.

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