The European Union urgently needs a common food policy to build sustainable food systems, says a recent report from the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food). This shared policy would provide a common direction for food and farming systems in the Union, which suffer at all levels under the current model of production and agriculture.
Small-Scale Farming
Edible Acres at Powell Gardens Feed and Educate Students to Chefs
‘Kansas City’s Botanical Garden,’ Powell Gardens is home to the nation’s largest public edible acreage – the Heartland Harvest Garden. Here students, chefs, CSA members and the general public learn about and enjoy fresh, delicious food.
How Native American Diets Benefit From Tucson’s Indigenous Seed Bank
In Tucson, Arizona, the nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH maintains a ‘library’ full of heritage seeds indigenous to the Southwestern US and Mexico. Several distribution programs return these seeds to Native Americans who historically incorporated the crops in their daily diets.
Uniting African Farmers Through Social Media
A small farmer in Eastern Kenya is unifying thousands of farmers throughout Kenya using social media to address their plight, and provide a platform to learn from one another.
“Farming Is Who I Am”
Niman Ranch Farmer Tim Roseland is welcoming the next generation back to his farm, spreading his family’s tradition for sustainable and humane farming practices.
Controlling Food: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
The control over food often signifies power over others. While women make up the majority of the agricultural labor force worldwide, they retain little control over their lives. With more resources, female farmers have the potential to regain this control while bringing millions out of hunger.
New Report Analyzes Success of Agricultural Policies for Development
Over 45 years, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) tracked indicators in 117 countries to understand which policies benefitted agriculture and development. Now, their groundbreaking report has found that successful agricultural transformation in a country depends on the quantity and quality of land available, existing demographic pressures, and implementation of a mix of appropriate policies.
10 Craft Breweries Using Millets and Sorghum
Food Tank is highlighting 10 breweries around the world switching out barley and wheat for traditional grains that support celiacs and small farmers.
Aquaculture Improves the Livelihoods of Disabled Farmers in South Africa
INMED has received a grant from USAID for expanding its Adaptive Agriculture program. INMED will improve the livelihoods of farmers with disabilities through updating and installing aquaponics systems in Free State, South Africa.
Farming the Cities: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
The majority of the world’s population will live in urban areas in the next 30 years, making cities central to the future of food production. Urban farmers play a key role in the development of innovative agricultural methods.
IPM Empowers Farmers Not to Produce More, but Produce Better Mangoes
CORAF’s Project to Support the Regional Plan for the Control of Fruit Flies in West Africa developed a comprehensive integrated pest management package, empowering mango growers to grow fruit desired by the rest of the world.
Can (and Should) Pasture-Raised Eggs Scale Up?
Vital Farms offers ethical and environmentally-conscious eggs to consumers at over 10,000 retail locations across the country. They support a growing number of small and medium-sized farms who follow high standards of care for the animals and the environment.
Helping Refugees Become Sustainable Farmers
New Roots for Refugees works with refugees to build independence through farming. Empowering graduates of the program to acquire their own land, they hope farmers will expand their businesses and continue selling produce at local markets.
Opinion | Getting Creative – How City Farmers Find Space to Do Their Jobs
Urban farmers are reclaiming empty lots, yards, abandoned parks, and even the patches of grass between sidewalks and roads in order to grow food — here’s why.
Going Forward By Going Back: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
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.
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Sustainable Gardens
BCFN YES! research grant winner Okon Archibong Ukeme discusses his Eco-Sustainable Gardens project addressing food insecurity among minority women in Cameroon.
This is the Story of a Soap Company that is Changing the World
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap is creating new markets for Fair Trade Organic products, and practicing dynamic agroforestry.
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?
Botanical Gardens: Allies in Food Security and Nutrition
There are opportunities to reach out to and collaborate with botanical gardens as fellow travelers in the progressive agri-food movement on issues of plant biodiversity, pollination, and food security.
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.
