Course: SAT 105 Urban Agricultural Issues

Reading and Multimedia Assignments

Reading Assignments
Reading Assignments
"About USDA - A Quick Reference Guide," publication by USDA, public domain
Review the guide to get an overview of the various services and responsibilities of the USDA. Note how some responsibilities could be in conflict with other responsibilities. Examine the areas of responsibility that pertain to transportation.

“Study of Rural Transportation Issues Chapter 2- Importance of Freight Transportation to Agricutlure,” publication by USDA, public domain
This reading introduces freight transportation as it relates to agriculture. Freight is not just as a food transport system, but a system that supplies inputs needed by current agricultural methods.

“A Policy Brief for the Center for Food and Justice, Urban and Environmental Policy Institute,” by Mark Vallianatos, Amanda Shaffer, Robert Gottlieb, Occidental College
This reading assignment addresses some of the concerns of small and family farms in gaining access to the transportation system.  It also discusses the issues of transportation for food consumers, particularly low-income consumers in areas not served by markets selling healthy food. Read the following sections.

- “Transportation and Food Access in Rural Areas”
- “Transportation and the Plight of Small Farmers”
- “Innovative Food Transportation Projects”