Mike Lufkin strives to improve the local food system in Seattle and oversees King’s County’s Local Food Initiative and he will be at the Food Tank Summit in Seattle.
Agriculture
“Every bite of food has a story and an impact on families, the environment, and our farmers” An Interview with Congressman Blumenauer
Congressman Blumenauer discusses how food policy can create a better food system that works for everyone.
How Washington State is Helping to Grow the Next Generation of Farmers
Mia Gregerson, a State Representative for Washington State, discusses how youth will play a role in the next generation of farmers and policy makers.
Farmer Friday: Aaron Williams on Generational Family Farms and Land Preservation
Farmer Friday’s Aaron Williams describes his gratitude toward Niman Ranch and the economic importance of supporting small local farmers.
National Co+op Grocers Climate Collaborative Award Winners Announced
The National Co+op Grocers Climate Collaborative Award winners were announced Wednesday, recognized for their dedication to climate change mitigation throughout the food supply chain.
Melony Edwards: “Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality”
Farm Manager Melony Edwards sat down with Food Tank to discuss food system challenges such as racial disparities in land access and unequal crop subsidies.
Leveraging Big Data for Women in Agricultural Development
Women play a critical role in agricultural development around the world while facing significant barriers from gender inequality. Researchers at CGIAR are working to dismantle these barriers, using the Platform for Big Data in Agriculture to incorporate new tools for data collection and big data analytics.
Ecotrust Vice President Amanda Oborne on Food System Reform
Ecotrust Vice President Amanda Oborne sat down with Food Tank to talk about building a better food system through policy and innovation.
New Australian Alliance Building Farmers Markets
The Farmers Market Alliance of New South Wales, Australia, is working to protect the reputation and integrity of Australian farmers markets and support local farmers and artisan producers.
Nancy Tosta: Food Connects Us to Our Health
Nancy Tosta, a Board Member of Tilth Alliance, encourages everyone to seek out local produce and the need to connect our food to our health.
Vanessa Garcia Polanco: “Communities must be empowered to solve issues from within”
Vanessa Garcia Polanco grabbed a seat at the table—how other emerging leaders can claim one to make their visions of the food system into reality.
Anne-Teresa Birthwright: Improving Jamaica’s Food System, Agriculture, and Farmer Practices
Check out Anne-Teresa Birthwright, a female in the food industry who is working towards addressing farmers’ concerns in one of Jamaica’s primary agricultural areas – the coffee industry.
Seed-to-Farm-to-Table: Dan Barber Introduces His New Enterprise, Row 7
Ten years ago, Dan Barber was having a conversation in his kitchen with Michael Mazourek, a Cornell University seed breeder, about growing a more flavorful butternut squash. This collaboration is the starting point for Barber’s new company, Row 7, which will bring together chefs and seed breeders from around the country to develop new varieties of vegetables.
Vicki Wilde on the Benefits of Women’s Agricultural Empowerment
Vicki Wilde, senior program officer at the Gates Foundation, explains the importance of women’s role in the agriculture sector and the need to ensure that their voices are heard.
The Future of Coffee Depends on You(th)
Farmers around the world are aging, and there are few young people prepared to take their place. Global food security will depend on cultivating the next generation of farmers.
Guy Kilpatric: Growing the Next Generation of Food Leaders
Guy Kilpatric, manager of the University of Maryland’s Terp Farm, weighs in on methods to encourage and teach aspiring farmers about economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable agricultural practices.
Jennifer Schmidt’s Passion for Agriculture is Inspiring Sustainable Practices
Jennifer Schmidt, a farmer and leader in the sustainable farming movement, spoke with Food Tank about a variety of issues facing the agricultural system, like climate change and diminishing opportunities for new farmers, and shared some solutions to these problems.
Meredith Epstein is Transforming Agricultural Education
Meredith Epstein, the head of the University of Maryland’s Sustainable Agriculture program, shares the importance of teaching new farmers, the challenges that new farmers face, and strategies to inspire the next generation of sustainable farmers.
Quality Meat from Quality Care: An Interview with Niman Ranch Farmer Randy Gadient
Randy Gadient, a Niman Rancher and hog farmer, explains why connecting with animals, involving more young farmers, and reviving small farms are key to changing the food system.
Emily Zweber on Organic Farming, Sustainability, and the Next Generation of Farmers
Emily Zweber, an organic, sustainable dairy farmer, sat down with Food Tank to discuss changes in agriculture, the food system, and the role youth can play in transforming the landscape.
