Sociologist Douglas Jackson-Smith Delivers Final Kiger Hour of 2012-13 Year

Douglas Jackson-Smith, a professor of sociology at Utah State University, will deliver the final Kiger Hour talk of the 2012-13 academic year April 18. His timepiece, “The Hands that Feed Us,” will focus on the role hired farmworkers and immigrant labor plays in the United States farm and food system.

Jackson-Smith studies the sociology of agriculture, food and natural resources.  He was invited to participate on a recent National Academies of Sciences committee comprised of scientists tasked with reviewing the science behind sustainable agricultural systems. The group called for the adoption of national policies and changes that go beyond producing the most for less. He currently serves on a scientific research advisory board to the AGree Initiative — a national coalition of foundations, farm, food and labor interest groups working to generate innovative food and agricultural reform policies.

While more and more Americans have begun to take notice of where their food comes from and how it is produced, much of the conversations regarding food issues are devoted to environmental and health issues. Jackson-Smith suggests discussions should also address the hired workers who play an increased role in the country’s agriculture and food system and the working conditions they endure.

Agricultural workers perform demanding physical labor for low wages and with considerable health risks. According to the National Farm Worker Ministry, farm workers earn, on average, between $11,000 a year for individuals and $16,000 for a family. Many are subjected to health problems resulting from exposure to pesticides and poor living conditions, yet only 10 percent report having employer-provided health insurance. Furthermore, many workers live apart from their families. Among all crop workers in the United States, more than 70 percent are foreign born, and nearly 50 percent do not have authorization to work in the United States, according to findings from the National Agricultural Workers Survey.

Learn more about the impact of hired farmworkers and immigrant labor forces on the American food and farm systems at Kiger Hour. The series is presented by Utah State University and sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Caine College of the Arts. The event will be held Thursday, April 18, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Café Sabor, 600 West Center Street, Logan.

A buffet with appetizers, desserts and soft drinks, iced tea or coffee is available. Cost is $6.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and billed on an individual basis. Guests will also be able to order off the regular menu if desired.  A cash bar is available.

For planning purposes, RSVP to Natalie Archibald Smoot in the college office, 435-797-2796, or email, natalie.archibald@usu.edu.

This is the final timepiece of the 2012-13 academic year.

Related links:

USU Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology

USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Source: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Contact: Natalie Smoot, (435) 797-2796, natalie.archibald@usu.edu