Farmers have always been natural data scientists, conducting experiments and collecting data in their fields. Now, with the advent of Big Data, there are new opportunities to create information systems like the CGIAR Platform for Big Data in Agriculture that can make farming more efficient, profitable, and sustainable.
Sustainable Agriculture
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.
Ditch the Discounts This Coffee Day
National Coffee Day in the United States is September 29. Choosing more sustainable options can support farmers and help drive demand for sustainable coffee. This year, Fairtrade America and Conservation International suggests celebrating coffee in a way that honors the people and the work that goes into it.
Re: Response to Fred Haberman on Making Organic Mainstream
“I was dismayed to read the article ‘Making Organic Mainstream.’ I am one of a group of old-time organic farmers who have been battling against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for allowing hydroponic, aquaponic, etc. to be certified ‘organic.'”
“Everybody Should Be a Farmer,” Says Paul Willis
On Food Talk, Paul Willis, founder of Niman Ranch Pork Company, and Elle Gadient, intern at Niman Ranch, talk about their love for humanely treated, free-range pigs and the farmers that raise them.
From Little Things, Big Things Come
Native Alaskans from the Sitka Tribe depend on weekly barge deliveries by sea for their food. Subsistence foods like salmon and herring roe are an integral part of their cultural tradition. Unfortunately, 60 percent of the Tribe are not able to consume as much traditional food as they want. Marine resources need to be managed more conservatively.
Making Organic Mainstream
Fred Haberman’s marketing agency and aquaponics farm have helped push organic into the mainstream, leading the way for a more transparent food system and, little-by-little, reducing our dependence on chemical agriculture.
Toward a Greener Revolution: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
Dr. Sieglinde Snapp discusses the importance of the ‘Rainbow Revolution’ in Nourished Planet. Agricultural systems that value diversity and build farmers’ capacity can create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Innovations in Climate Smart Agriculture offer South Asian Farmers Prosperity, Part 2
The challenges associated with food security in South Asia are exacerbated by long-term changes in average temperatures, precipitation, and climate variability. Adaptation to climate change is necessary to ensure food security and protect livelihoods of poor farmers.
Innovations in Climate Smart Agriculture offer South Asian Farmers Prosperity, Part 1
Natural resources are under increasingly more stress in South Asia due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, population growth, increasing climate change risks, and difficulties related to land degradation. Techniques like zero tillage, double cropping, and tools developed by CIMMYT can help mitigate these challenges.
“I Couldn’t Think of a Reason to Not Farm Sustainably,” Says Howe
Niman Ranch farmer Steve Howe is continuing generations of pig raising, treating pigs humanely and with love.
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.
On New York’s Governor’s Island: An Artists’ Utopia Designs For Climate Change
On New York’s Governors Island, one artist is designing models for how the city can better respond to impending climate change, which could potentially make more equitable infrastructure for years to come.
Buzzing for British Honey: Emily Abbott Stresses the Importance of Local Products
Emily Abbott, founder of Hive & Keeper Ltd celebrates the rich variety of local British bees, beekeepers, and honey.
You can Farm Anywhere, Even Inside a Shopping Mall
Startup company BeGreen is reducing food waste and creating access to healthy food by farming inside a shopping center in Brazil
The Water Economy: An Excerpt from Nourished Planet
Water is a basic human right and yet it is becoming increasingly scarce. The global water footprint, including water used for drinking, agriculture, and virtual water (water used to grow crops for international trade), is mismanaged and can lead to social conflict.
Farming Sustainably “Is a Responsibility Not to Be Taken Lightly”
Adair Crowe describes his love for farming, his responsibility to promote sustainability, and his changing community around Crowe Family Farms.
Restoring Land Means Restoring Communities
Wood Turner, of Agriculture Capital, discusses the potential solutions of regenerative agriculture.
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.
