Editor,
As a young organic farmer in Albuquerque's South Valley, I am impressed with the strong leadership that UNM's Sustainability Studies Program has demonstrated with regard to healthy, sustainable and local food.
Three of this program's numerous accomplishments are organizing the first-ever farmers' market on campus, supporting the development of Dragon Farm at South Valley Academy charter high school and initiating a statewide alliance of diverse stakeholders to cut greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and create a carbon-neutral local food shed.
Yet, the existence of the Sustainability Studies Program is in doubt because the University administration has failed to fund the program for the 2008 academic year and beyond. Undergraduate students are in danger of losing their ability to pursue a minor degree in sustainability studies, and the program's many innovative initiatives could be eliminated.
I urge the University to show support for the health and environment of New Mexico by ensuring permanent funding for the program.
If funding is not restored, not only will UNM students suffer from the loss of an opportunity to gain green job skills and help build New Mexico's growing sustainable economy, but local organic farmers and other sustainable businesses will lose a valuable advocate and ally.
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Ethan Genauer
Daily Lobo reader
