GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) is now hosting a monthly webinar series called “Easy as PIE.”

The series provides opportunities to learn about critical agriculture and natural resource issues in an interactive online environment. Speakers include experts and practitioners who share their relevant research, practical experiences and research-based recommendations.

Webinars provide a convenient and free professional development option for people who want to learn new strategies and tools without taking time off work and paying travel expenses. All you need is internet access to participate in the live session. Each hourlong session is recorded and available on our website to view whenever you’d like.

The next session is Buying Local Food: Beliefs and Impacts, scheduled for March 20, 2-3 p.m. Join us to learn about research aimed at better understanding consumers’ food purchasing behaviors and patterns, the economic impacts of local food, and consumer perceptions. Learn what Floridians buy, as well as the branding potential for businesses of all sizes and commodities. This moderated panel of three guest speakers provides an opportunity to explain the study’s implications for Florida communicators, policy makers, and growers.

Speakers will include: Alan Hodges, extension scientist, Food and Resource Economics; Rachel Divine De Jesus, research coordinator, PIE center; Sonia Tighe, executive director, Florida Specialty Crop Foundation.

Registration is required. For more information: http://www.centerpie.com/easy-as-pie/ or contact Nicole Dodds at 352-273-3139 or ndodds@ufl.edu.

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