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.
Farmers
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.
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.
Farming Land Sustainably Is Our “Obligation to Preserve it for Future Generations
Niman Ranch farmers Paul and Andrea Brown find traditional, sustainable hog raising in the key to cultivating generations of family farming.
Can Organic Soil Help Mitigate Climate Change?
A new study comparing the carbon sequestering potential of organic soil vs. soil from conventional farming reveals that organic soil is able to store significantly larger amounts of carbon for longer. Can organic farming help combat climate change?
Reality TV Encourages Farmers to be Innovative
Access Agriculture empowers farmers across the Global South with translated farmer-to-farmer training videos in integrated pest management, business skills, sustainable land management, and more.
World Bee Day 2018: Protecting the Pollinators
For the first time, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization is observing May 20 as World Bee Day. The day is a celebration of the role of bees as pollinators in food systems as well as a call to action for the serious threats that bee populations face.
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.
Equal Exchange Shines Spotlight on Banana Farmers
Fair trade company Equal Exchange, known for its chocolate and coffee, showcasing why small banana farmers are so important.
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.
