Dr. David A. Harcharik, deputy director general of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will present a special seminar on Oct. 18 titled "State of the World's Natural Resources, Food and Agriculture."

The seminar will take place at 10:15 a.m. in the Walnut Room of the Talley Student Center, and is co-sponsored by NC State's College of Natural Resources and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The public is invited to attend.

Harcharik received his doctorate from NC State in 1985, and was named the 2002 College of Natural Resources Distinguished Alumnus. He began his international career serving in the Peace Corps in 1965. He first joined the FAO in 1972 as a forestry officer, then worked in many capacities with the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service between 1978 and his appointment as FAO deputy director general in 1997.

Founded in 1945 and now based in Rome, the FAO plays a key role in global efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition, and the pursuit of food security - defined as "the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life."

The FAO is one of the largest UN agencies, with more than 180 member countries. According to its Web site, a specific priority of the organization is "to meet the needs of both present and future generations by promoting development that does not degrade the environment and is technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable."

Following Harcharik's comments at the seminar, a panel discussion will be held. Panel members include moderator Dr. Fred Cubbage, head of the Department of Forestry; Dr. Erin Sills, assistant professor of animal science; and Dr. Gene Brothers, associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism management.

For more information on the seminar, contact Dawn Silsbee at dawn_silsbee@ncsu.edu.

Posted October 16, 2002

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