Urban farmers are reclaiming empty lots, yards, abandoned parks, and even the patches of grass between sidewalks and roads in order to grow food — here’s why.
Agriculture
Going Forward By Going Back: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
Plant biodiversity is rapidly declining and little research has been invested in sustainable and nutritious indigenous crops, which can lead to improved health outcomes and increased food security.
Building a Big Data Platform for Agriculture
The tools of Big Data hold a lot of promise for many industries including agriculture. But the expertise required to build a data management platform are still emerging. Dr. Medha Devare is an agronomist and data architect who is helping to lead the new CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture.
Gotham Greens Expands to Baltimore
Gotham Greens is opening a 100,000 square feet hydroponic greenhouse early next year in Baltimore. Food Tank talked to CEO and co-founder, Viraj Puri, about the joys and challenges with Gotham Greens and its expansion.
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Sustainable Gardens
BCFN YES! research grant winner Okon Archibong Ukeme discusses his Eco-Sustainable Gardens project addressing food insecurity among minority women in Cameroon.
Buzzing for British Honey: Emily Abbott Stresses the Importance of Local Products
Emily Abbott, founder of Hive & Keeper Ltd celebrates the rich variety of local British bees, beekeepers, and honey.
You can Farm Anywhere, Even Inside a Shopping Mall
Startup company BeGreen is reducing food waste and creating access to healthy food by farming inside a shopping center in Brazil
From Rural Farmers to Food Entrepreneurs: A Conversation with the Founder and CEO of Javara
Working with more than 50,000 farmers and 2,000 food artisans, Helianti Hilman, Founder and CEO of Javara Indigenous Indonesia, shares how her social enterprise empowers farmers and promotes indigenous, biodiverse food.
This is the Story of a Soap Company that is Changing the World
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap is creating new markets for Fair Trade Organic products, and practicing dynamic agroforestry.
Opinion | Why Mexican Farmers Are Hopeful About López Obrador’s Win
López Obrador’s victory in Mexico brings hope for Mexican farmers expecting more self-sufficiency through a reduction in dependence on imports, chemical-intensive production methods, and GMOs. Promises of support for sustainable practices on small and medium-scale farms are on the horizon.
Decoding Agriculture: Creating the CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture
The launch of the CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture is an important milestone for the project of achieving global food security. Brian King, the Coordinator for the Platform, and Andy Jarvis, one of the founders of the Platform, discuss the ideas behind this initiative and their vision for the future of research in agricultural development.
Farmland Trust Warns About Vanishing U.S. Farmland
The most comprehensive report on U.S. farmland reveals an unexpected reduction in agricultural land at the expense of residential development. One-third of the lost farmland represents the best land for intensive food and crop production, essential for feeding the increasing American population.
25 Programs Bringing Veterans Into the New Food Movement
This Fourth of July, Food Tank brings you 25 organizations and initiatives from around the U.S. that are working to help veterans transition to healthy, productive civilian lives through farming and agriculture.
Nourished Planet: Sustainability in the Global Food System: Q&A with Editor Danielle Nierenberg
Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, discusses her work building transparent and strong communication between all players in the food system. Breaking these barriers and taking action will result in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable food system.
To Cultivate a New Generation of Farmers, “We Need to Open Up to Young Folks”
Ron Mardesen describes his family’s story, his changing community, and his vision for the future of A Frame Acres – led by the next generation.
Opinion | Time for a Win for Conservation in the New Farm Bill
Another status quo Farm Bill may jeopardize the future of the food system, failing to regulate pesticides, improve water quality, support organic farmers, and more.
William Burke: Food Tank’s Newest Board Member
Agricultural economist, William Burke, joins the Food Tank team as their newest board member
Roddenberry Foundation launches U.S.$1 million Prize 2018
This year, the Roddenberry Foundation will award U.S.$1 million to four organizations for innovations in food waste, plant-rich diets, education, and gender equity.
Mighty Earth Campaign Takes On Tyson
Mighty Earth Campaign Director, Lucia von Reusner, sat down with Food Tank to discuss one of her latest campaigns to address the environmental impact of Tyson Foods.
Is There an Algorithm to End World Hunger?
The tools of Big Data analytics have led to transformations in many sectors—from finance to politics to professional sports. What could these new approaches to data science do for agriculture? The new CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture is leading the way for these innovations in agricultural development, with over 8,000 researchers working to incorporate Big Data into farming research.
