As Congress battles over this year’s Farm Bill — the massive US$87 billion a year legislation dictating the nation’s food and farming policies — it’s critical we spend all this money wisely. As taxpayers and eaters, everyone has a stake in making sure this huge investment results in a healthier food system for the future.
Farmers
Seeds Bring New Life during the Ebola Crisis
Responding to Ebola, this initiative distributed thousands of tons of seeds to the countries most affected by the crisis.
Using Blockchain Technology to Bring Transparency to Food
Initially thought of as a tool for banking, blockchain technology has continued to develop and new research shows it can increase sustainability, efficiency, and transparency in the food system.
The Small Seed Changing West Africa
Groceries for a good cause? Fonio may be the answer. Food industry veteran Philip Teverow’s newest initiative, Yolélé Foods, makes it easy to try this new super-grain and make a difference in the lives of West African farmers.
Farmer Friday: Producing Better Pork
Farmer Friday’s Phil Kramer comes from a long history of Niman Ranch pork production. Check out how he sees pork farming evolving and why food education is important for consumers.
Op-ed: Can Food Retailers Develop Policies That Drive Sustainable Agriculture?
While U.S. retailers have struggled to create policies that drive sustainability on the farm, a recent Stanford study reports on the success of one South African retailer.
Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition YES! Finalist Chris Maughan on Agroecology Innovations for Social Justice and Sustainability
BCFN Alumni Chris Maughan describes the rise of the agroecology movement, the biggest obstacles to agroecological development, and how the SHIFFT project is working to support agroecological innovations across Europe.
Farmer Friday: April Wilson on Food Education and Small Farms
Niman Ranch farmer, April Wilson, talks about the importance of knowing where your food comes from, interacting with the animals and the land, and inspiring people to farm.
World Water Day 2018: Working with Nature to Improve Global Water Management
The theme for this year’s World Water Day is “Nature for Water.” Read more about the annual UNESCO World Water Development Report and opportunities to combine traditional water infrastructure projects with nature-based solutions.
Fair Trade Conference Explores the Roles of Campuses and Communities in Equity and Trade
The Fair Trade Campaigns Conference renews commitment of universities and communities to conducting operations with equity in trade in mind, opening up opportunities for marginalized producers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
