In disputes where the winner takes all, both sides will fight desperately to the end, creating conflicts that may require litigation, legislation or regulation to resolve. A May 12 conference in Sacramento offers an alternative model for conflict resolution in agriculture.

"From Farm to Table: Animal Husbandry and Public Health" will help people and groups with opposing interests and perspectives shift their focus from points where they disagree to their shared values.

"By identifying the core values we share, we establish a common language than can help us communicate and take actions that reduce conflict and create mutually beneficial solutions," said Desmond Jolly, director of the UC Davis-based Small Farm Program and a conference organizer. "While we'll be talking specifically about animal husbandry and property rights at the conference, these techniques can be used to resolve conflicts about many different agricultural issues."

The rights of individuals to raise animals on their private property and the public health impacts those animals pose have given rise to contentious disagreement recently in areas where agricultural operations share borders and resources with the broader public. The conference's opening speakers provide a philosophical and historical overview of the values associated with property use in California and the ethical basis for these values. An afternoon panel of speakers discusses animal husbandry and public health from the viewpoint of agricultural producers, agricultural processors, regulators, consumers and extension educators. This panel is followed by large and small group discussion sessions.

Participants will analyze a case study that illustrates a conflict between private and public interests, identify the values that are shared in common and those that are not, and discuss how the conflict might be resolved.

Speakers and panelists include Carolyn Richardson, environmental attorney, California Farm Bureau; Barbara Schneeman, professor and dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis; Darrel Sweet, livestock producer and vice president of California Cattlemen's Association; Dan Beneditti, chief administrative officer, Clover Stonetta Dairy; Richard Breitmeyer, director and state veterinarian, California Department of Food and Agriculture; and Deanne Meyer, livestock waste specialist, UC Davis.

All participants must pre-register before May 1. There is no registration fee. Lunch is $25. The conference will be at the Sierra Health Foundation, 1321 Garden Highway in Sacramento. Directions will be mailed with a confirmation letter upon receipt of registration.

For more information, call Angela Moskow, University of California Small Farm Center, at (530) 752-7779, or e-mail almoskow@ucdavis.edu.

Jeannette Warnert
Public Information Representative
UC Regional Office
550 E. Shaw Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710