Virtual Montana Organic Conference

What are linkages of agriculture to human and environmental wellbeing? Is organic produce more delicious and nutritious than conventional produce? A multifaceted challenge of the Anthropocene is supporting healthy diets while conserving ecological resources in socially acceptable ways. At present, poor diets are the leading risk factor of the global burden of disease. Concurrently, food production places greater stress on ecosystems than any other human activity while being critically dependent on multiple ecosystem services including water, soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation. These food system challenges are exacerbated by global change with notable consequences for human and environmental wellbeing. This presentation will outline global trends of food systems transitions and associated implications for sustainability. We will review the evidence of the implications of agricultural practices for planetary health with a focus on organic agriculture. Evidence will further be presented on the relationship of agricultural management, phytochemistry, and sensory profiles of crops.

What it is self-care? *The challenges we face as rural farmers and ranchers *How burnout impacts our lives and work *Touch on depression/anxiety *Strategies to immediately make a difference *Ways to reach out*