Today is the United Nation’s International Day for Biological Diversity, a day to highlight the importance of the shared global heritage of food crops, the people who grow them, and working together to keep agriculture alive for the generations to come.
Agriculture
Opinion | The 2018 Farm Bill Battle Lines Have Been Drawn: Here’s What You Can Do
Every four years, a new Farm Bill must be passed by the U.S. Congress. This massive piece of legislation covers many different aspects of food and agriculture in the United States—from nutritional assistance for low-income communities to subsidies for farmers to conservation of natural resources.
Raising Farm Animals in Mali: Taking Stock of the Benefits
Two articles from the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) highlight benefits of raising farm animals in Mali.
Opinion | 2018 Farm Bill Watch: A Sneak Attack on the Organic Standards?
The U.S. Congress is currently writing a new version of the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that will determine the future of food and agriculture for the next four years. Senator Pat Roberts, the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, could use his position to undermine the power of the National Organic Standards Board. The Board is a valuable source of democratic representation in the regulatory process for agriculture across the United States.
Celebrating Food that Tastes Good and Does Good
The Food Sustainability Media Awards honors journalists whose work raises awareness around sustainable food, agriculture, and nutrition. At a special evening event, eco-chef Tom Hunt shared his experience as a chef and activist and his food philosophy.
18 Organizations Promoting Regenerative Agriculture Around the Globe
Food Tank has created a list of 18 organizations dedicated to progressively improving agro-ecosystems and livelihoods all over the world.
Camel Meat: From the Australian Outback to the American Midwest
Over the last twenty years, an spike in immigration from Somalia has had a surprising outcome for the American food system: an increased market for camel meat. This article explores the intricate connections for food economics that underlie this new market.
Dr. Rafael Latorre on Illegal Crops, Deforestation, and Medical Marijuana
La Finca Interacviva hopes to bring about the change in socio-economic, environmental lives of Colombian Indigenous People and those suffering from debilitating medical conditions through medical hemp.
The Bitter and Sweet: Dispatch from the 2018 World Cocoa Conference
The cocoa and chocolate sector convened at the World Cocoa Conference to discuss the future of the crop we love. Learn key insights on sustainability in the sector from conference moderator, Simran Sethi.
Good Food Advocates to Converge in D.C. to Oppose Draft Farm Bill
Food Policy Action is mobilizing stakeholders from across the United States to voice their united opposition to the draft 2018 Farm Bill released by the House Agriculture Committee. Advocates have a narrow window in which to convince House members that supporting a Farm Bill that cuts support for SNAP, small farmers, and the working class is not only irresponsible, but will lose them support at the ballot box, says FPA executive director Monica Mills.
New Tool Equips Farmers with Financial Know-How
The price of land has more than doubled since 2004; NYFC and Fathom Information Design create new Land Affordability Calculator to empower land-seeking farmers to make informed choices in land purchases.
Providing Legal Aid for Farmers
Seventeen percent of current farmers struggle with land access. Twenty percent of past farmers left the field due to this burden. The recently released Farmland Access Legal Toolkit hopes to help.
Making Rural Mexico Great Again: Leading Candidate Endorses Farmers’ Reform Program
Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement leads the political race to be the next President of Mexico and has endorsed a far-reaching set of reforms to improve Mexico’s rural sector. The program centers on the idea of “food sovereignty” and is sharply critical of NAFTA.
Fusarium Wilt Disease Threatens Worldwide Banana Supply
Bananas are one of the world’s most popular fruits and more than 400 million people depend on banana crops for their livelihood. But a new strain of a destructive disease, Fusarium wilt, threatens the global banana supply.
The Future Policy Award 2018 is Open for Nominations
The Future Policy Award 2018 focuses on agroecology in its call for nominations
James Beard Foundation Honors Leaders in Sustainability
The James Beard Foundation recognizes leaders in the sustainable food movement with the eighth annual James Beard Foundation Leadership Awards.
20 Good Food Reads for Spring
Now that spring is here, Food Tank has selected 20 great new books for you to read this season—from food politics to personal memoirs by iconic chefs and more.
Creating Passion for Supporting Future Farmers
First Generation Farmers recently launched its Urban Edge Sustainable Farmers training program, demonstrating passion for supporting the next generation of farmers.
Paraguay’s Self-Sustaining Agricultural School Helps Rural Students Learn and Earn
High school students in Paraguay become entrepreneurs when a microfinance institution takes over their agricultural high school.
Ag Is “Not a Question of Winners and Losers”
The Gilbert Family share their story, their advice to aspiring farmers, and their hopes for the future of food and agriculture.
