Pollan is the John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a former executive editor of Harper’s magazine and a regular contributor to the New York Times Magazine. He has authored several books; “Omnivore’s Dilemma” was named one of the best books of 2006 by the New York Times and the Washington Post newspapers. He is a frequent guest on television talk-shows and has appeared in recent films on food and related topics.

“The Sun Food Agenda,” according to his publicists, “(involves) change at the level of the farm, the marketplace and the culture, (promising) to improve our health, cut our dependence on fossil fuel and help solve the climate crisis.”

“WSU’s research and faculty provided a rich base for discussion in fall about food-related issues, and we’ve been very pleased that our more homegrown events in the fall have been attended by more than 2,000 students," said Karen Weathermon, co-director of the WSU Pullman Common Reading Program and director of Learning Communities/Freshman Focus in the University College. "Common reading programming will continue throughout spring semester.

“Michael Pollan’s visit is a wonderful complement to the year’s programming," she said. "Not everyone agrees with his views, but his books have certainly increased the public’s interest in and awareness of the implications of our food choices.”

Pollan’s visit to WSU was made possible by a gift from WSU alumnus William D. Marler, a Seattle-based personal injury lawyer who focuses on foodborne illness and food-safety issues.