A Message from the Dean
Rickey Yada
Thank you for taking a break and browsing through the fall issue of ReachOut magazine.
Like everywhere else, at UBC we are working through unusual times in COVID-19. We’ve had to investigate ways to deliver the quality teaching and research we are renowned for; it’s brought many challenges, but I never cease to be amazed by the way our faculty and staff have stepped up to support our students.
You can read about how we transitioned very quickly to delivering online support for our newest students at UBC and LFS. Also, how we created a new, hyflex learning model in one of our professional master’s programs. In addition, I want to thank Alan and Christina Eastwood, LFS donors who have stepped up to provide extra student support during these times.
With challenges come opportunities. The need to build resiliency in our food system is on the radar of many people. You can read about how Sean Smukler has been tackling food resiliency starting at the farm level, and what he says lies ahead to address this issue from a multi-stakeholder lens that involves policy makers and consumers, in addition to farmers.
Speaking of farmers, I’m very excited for the launch of a new technology called LiteFarm, developed with a great deal of input from ecologically-minded farmers. LiteFarm just launched and has the potential to improve the income and welfare of small-farm holders and the sustainability of food systems.
We also highlight people in our community – alumni and longest-serving Richmond City Councillor Harold Steves, who announced this year he will not run again in 2022; our three newest LFS faculty members; and, we talk to the new directors of UBC’s Wine Research Centre.
Stay safe and I hope you enjoy this issue!
Sincerely,
Rickey Yada
Dean and Professor, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
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