Oral Presentations: UC 326
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
William McLauchlan
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Political Science
Abstract / Artist's Statement
This research project addresses the issue of consolidation in the American food system through a case study of corn production. This research describes the status quo of corn production in the United States, focusing particularly on the role of the federal government and producers in identifying the causes and influences leading to the consolidation of corn production. This project also describes the effects of the consolidation of corn production on producers, consumers, citizens, and the environment. Beyond identifying the influences contributing to the consolidation of corn, and the impacts of consolidation on people and the environment, this research project investigates the issue of consolidation through the “wicked problem” framework. While the wicked problem framework has frequently been applied to issues such as climate change and poverty, it has not been adequately applied to agricultural issues such as the consolidation of corn production. By including the wicked problem framework, this project intends to not only educate its reader with a holistic understanding of the consolidation of corn in America, but it aims to empower readers looking to take action on this issue or similar challenges.
Category
Social Sciences
The Consolidation of Corn: A Case Study to Inspire Design for the Wicked Problems of Our Time
UC 326
This research project addresses the issue of consolidation in the American food system through a case study of corn production. This research describes the status quo of corn production in the United States, focusing particularly on the role of the federal government and producers in identifying the causes and influences leading to the consolidation of corn production. This project also describes the effects of the consolidation of corn production on producers, consumers, citizens, and the environment. Beyond identifying the influences contributing to the consolidation of corn, and the impacts of consolidation on people and the environment, this research project investigates the issue of consolidation through the “wicked problem” framework. While the wicked problem framework has frequently been applied to issues such as climate change and poverty, it has not been adequately applied to agricultural issues such as the consolidation of corn production. By including the wicked problem framework, this project intends to not only educate its reader with a holistic understanding of the consolidation of corn in America, but it aims to empower readers looking to take action on this issue or similar challenges.