Biography

Mary Hendrickson is currently assistant professor of Rural Sociology and Advisor Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Missouri. She has spent 15 years working to create local food systems in the state of Missouri through the Food Circles Networking Project and the Community Food Systems extension programs of the University of Missouri. She has worked extensively with community groups to increase the amount of fresh, flavorful and nutritious food available by providing technical assistance on marketing, business planning, feasibility studies, food safety and consumer preferences to farmers and community groups. She was intimately involved in the creation of the Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition, and serves as a technical advisor for the Missouri Convergence Partnership, a group of funders devoted to changing policies and environments across Missouri to encourage Healthy Eating and Active Living. She participated in the International Assessment of Agriculture Science and Technology for Development as a coordinating lead author on the North America Europe sub-global report. She has also served as President of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society and of the Community Food Security Coalition. In 2012, she was honored with a Meritorious Service Award from the National Farmers Union for her service to agriculture.