Inspired by the free and open source software movement that has provided alternatives to proprietary software, the Open Source Seed Initiative was created to ‘free the seed’—to make sure that at least some crop genetic diversity cannot be locked away from use by intellectual property rights.
Sustainable Agriculture
Herbicide Dicamba Can Stay Volatile for 36 Hours, Arkansas Researchers Say
Farmers in nearly a dozen states are complaining about dicamba, the primary ingredient of a new Monsanto herbicide, blowing into their fields and allegedly ruining their crops.
Leaders Gather to Develop Sustainable Solutions in Asia-Pacific
EAT Foundation holds Asia-Pacific Food Forum in Indonesia to discuss sustainability, health, food systems, agriculture, and how to achieve the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in the most populous region of the world.
Sombra Mezcal Founder Richard Betts on Balancing Tradition with Sustainability
Richard Betts, founder of the sustainable Sombra Mezcal distillery: “Food and drink unite and enliven us, and mezcal is an especially exuberant spirit.”
Family Farms Will Feed Farm Aid Concert
Farm Aid’s concert food will “reflect an authentic representation of Western Pennsylvania’s food culture” to connect farmers and eaters and promote family farming.
Dr. Prasanta Kalita: “A hungry stomach can’t think”
Dr. Prasanta Kalita discusses his career addressing the need for more food, education, water, health, and awareness, both in the United States and abroad.
“Breaking Down the Silos of Consumers and Producers” in Washington State
Russell Lehman and Arianna Muirow of Seattle-based Food Action discuss sustainability, regenerativity, and food access for all through their whole systems approach to food system reform.
New Report: Climate Change Affects Every Step of the Food Value Chain
A new IFPRI report examines climate change’s effect on nutrition and how a “climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive” food system, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies, can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Listen: Danielle Nierenberg on the Real Reason for Our Disconnect with Food
Danielle Nierenberg talks about why corporatization is bigger than “Big Ag” on this week’s International Food Policy Research Institute’s Nourishing Millions podcast.
Celebrating International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Food Tank is celebrating World Day of Indigenous Peoples by highlighting five indigenous farming practices that are maintaining local biodiversity and enhancing global food security.
BCFN Alumni Series: Charlotte Payne On Using Insects to Tackle Food Insecurity
BCFN Alumni Charlotte Payne explains the many benefits of insect farming, from tackling food insecurity to reducing deforestation.
Food Institute Fellow Isabelle Moody: “Wasted food is also a food justice issue”
The George Washington University (GW) launched the Food Institute Student Fellowship to encourage GW students to research new aspects of the sustainable food movement and participate in local food work in Washington, D.C.
Which Country is the Most Sustainable?
The Food Sustainability Index, developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit with the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition Foundation, ranks countries on food system sustainability based off of three pillars: food loss and waste, sustainable agriculture, and nutritional challenges.
MicroGen Biotech: Tackling Pollutants in Soil
Food Tank speaks with Dr. Xuemei Germaine, founder of MicroGen Biotech, about the microbial products they are developing to increase crop yields, improve the crop safety, and promote soil health. MicroGen is working to address the health risks of soil pollutants through their patented platform technology.
Carlotta Mast on Food Access, Industry Collaboration, and Food System Change at Esca Bona 2017
Carlotta Mast, Executive Director of Content and Insights at New Hope Network, discusses food access, food system change, and the importance of industry collaboration in preparation for Esca Bona 2017 in October.
Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition Releases Second Food Sustainability Report
The report is titled “Environmental, Food and Migration Sustainability: Three Challenges To Overcome Together.” It is a joint effort between BCFN and the Milan Center for Food Law and Policy, aimed at raising awareness about crucial issues surrounding food and sustainability.
20 Cookbooks For a Better Food System
Food Tank has selected 20 cookbooks that reflect a growing and transforming food system.
Focus on Food: A Conversation with Congressman Dwight Evans
Congressman Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania details his work on food security in America and the importance of strong food policy both domestically and internationally in a conversation with Food Tank.
Twenty Seed-Saving Initiatives Preserving Biodiversity Around the World
These 20 initiatives across the world are preserving seed biodiversity for future generations.
How Using Light Could Help Reduce Bycatch
Fish species differ greatly in their reactions to light. U.K.-based start-up SafetyNet Technologies is applying this theory to the problem of bycatch. PISCES is a light-emitting device that fits existing nets and helps fishermen target species.
