
Food consists not just in piles of chemicals; it also comprises a set of social and ecological relationships, reaching back to the land and outward to other people.
—Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food
For twenty years, the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) has facilitated cutting-edge research and outreach on on the social, ecological and economic relationships that shape our food system. Our staff members and faculty associates can help inform your discussion of In Defense of Food. We work closely with farmers and food entrepreneurs who can provide insight into putting Pollan’s ideas into practice. We also work with nonprofit groups and farm associations that can provide you with valuable resources and perspectives.
The links at the top of this page—Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants—connect you with people who are happy to talk with you about ideas and issues in In Defense of Food. These people can also link you to research and resources on topics ranging from grass-fed animal products to the food served in our public schools. Many are available to speak informally with groups or give formal presentations.
CIAS is part of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, where you will find more people and research to help you incorporate In Defense of Food into your classroom or discussion group. We are also closely affiliated with UW-Extension.