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.
Farmers
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.
Respecting the Value of Food: Eating What We Grow
Hannah Semler, the founder of Whole Crops, is trying to change the story of food.
Dr. Maiga on Cultivating Equality in West and Central Africa
Dr. Mariame Maiga, Regional Gender and Social Development Adviser for the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), tells Food Tank how CORAF’s projects make gender issues a key concern.
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.
PRIME Act Passage Would Help Small Meat Producers Compete, Advocates Say
Many small farmers have to haul their livestock hours away to have them processed. Allowing the sale of meat from smaller, local slaughterhouses could help sustainable farms compete with huge corporations—but is it safe?
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.
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.
Opinion | From Child Labor to the Future of Food: The Voices of Young People Change Agriculture for the Better
Young people are changing the face of agriculture; their voices may be the key to protect the 108 million children trapped in forced agricultural labor, says Anita Sheth.
What does a Plan B For Europe’s fragmented food system look like?
Key food and agriculture stakeholders are working together to develop an integrated food policy for Europe, intended to bridge the gaps of the EU’s fragmented food system
New Film Shows How the World Can Feed 10 Billion People by 2050
Valentin Thurn’s new film 10 Billion What’s On Your Plate is available now on Video On Demand. Watch to see how we’re going to feed 10 billion people by the year 2050.
Farmers Create the Ingredients to Reverse Climate Change
Food Tank asked our readers to share what innovations they find most exciting to deal with climate change on the farm. They responded with diverse examples from around the world.
Mali Makes the Case for Sustainable Agriculture with SRI
An article about the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Mali describes how this methodology helps farmers deal with climate change.
Opinion | Global Agriculture Fund that is Reducing Hunger, Threatened by Trump
The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program has a proven track record for reducing poverty in Nepal and other countries where food security is a critical issue. Now, the future of this program is in danger as the Trump administration reconsiders the commitment of the United States to multilateral policies.