Zepeda to head ag center

Lydia Zepeda, an associate professor of consumer science, has been named director of the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

“We are extremely pleased that Lydia Zepeda will lead the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems,” says Elton Aberle, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

“During her academic career, Zepeda has shown consistent commitment to the study of sustainable agricultural systems,” Aberle says. “We look forward to the new directions and insights she will bring to the center.”

The center researches farming and marketing systems that contribute to the environmental, ecological, and social well being of farms, families, and communities. As Center director, Zepeda looks forward to strengthening existing linkages and developing new linkages with farmers, farm organizations, consumers, members of the business community, and faculty members.

Zepeda hopes to facilitate the development of sustainable food and farming systems. “There has never been a single, optimal way to grow, process, and market food,” she says. “Both farmers and consumers benefit from research and outreach on the diverse products and services that Wisconsin agriculture can provide. Farmers learn about innovative ways to keep their farms profitable, and consumers get the variety of food that they seek.”

While serving as center director, Zepeda will continue her teaching and research in the School of Human Ecology. Her research includes the economics and environmental tradeoffs of technology adoption, the role of women in farm decision-making, and the importance of children’s work on Wisconsin farms. She is particularly interested in the acceptance of genetically modified food by both consumers and farmers.

From October 1996 to December 1998, Zepeda served as staff economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Italy. Her research spans both hemispheres, including the environmental and economic tradeoffs of Latin American farmers’ production decisions.

Zepeda replaces former center director Rick Klemme, who accepted the post of associate dean of Cooperative Extension early in 2000.