Explore

Rapid ReadRapid Read
Zimbabwean Farmers Adopt Agroecology to Combat El Niño-Induced Drought

Zimbabwean Farmers Adopt Agroecology to Combat El Niño-Induced Drought

Farmers in Zimbabwe are actively implementing agroecology techniques to prepare for the anticipated drought and extreme heat caused by the strengthening El Niño climate pattern. This proactive approach involves sustainable farming practices aimed at improving soil health, conserving water, and increasing biodiversity. For instance, farmer Dudzai Matsapa in Nyanga is digging small pits for organic manure and practicing zero tillage, while Netsai Dodzo uses intercropping and bio-chemicals for pest control. These methods are designed to enhance crop yields in dry conditions and protect livelihoods threatened by climate change. The World Meteorological Organization announced in September that El Niño is rapidly strengthening and is expected to peak in late 2026, continuing until at least February 2027, bringing with it the prospect of extreme weather events globally, including drought in southern Africa. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation emphasizes the importance of early action to protect l...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Conservation Action Project Researches Soil Health to Reduce Farm Input Costs in Ohio

Conservation Action Project Researches Soil Health to Reduce Farm Input Costs in Ohio

The Conservation Action Project (CAP), supported by H2Ohio funding, is conducting field research across seven Ohio counties to improve soil health and reduce farmers' reliance on commercial fertilizers. Alan Sundermeier, who leads CAP's research efforts, stated that the goal is to demonstrate the economic viability of soil health practices for farmers facing tightening profit margins and rising input costs. One ongoing five-year study compares crop yields with and without phosphorus fertilizer applications, showing no yield disadvantage from withholding phosphorus so far. CAP is also investigating methods to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use in corn production, including the use of cover crops like legumes. Some trials have shown a 30-pound reduction in nitrogen without negative impacts on yields or farm economics. The project also explores 'planting green,' where corn is planted directly into living cover crops, and utilizes advanced soil-testing methods like Solvita, POXC, and the Haney soil health test to ...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Rangeland Seeding and Biomass Initiatives Boost Soil Health and Forage Diversity

Rangeland Seeding and Biomass Initiatives Boost Soil Health and Forage Diversity

Rangeland seeding initiatives are actively restoring degraded land and enhancing forage availability for livestock by utilizing perennial or self-sustaining plants. These plants, which include grasses, forbs, legumes, shrubs, and trees, are carefully selected to match local soil, climate, and animal nutritional needs. The practice focuses on deep-rooted species that improve soil health by building organic matter, increasing nutrient availability, and enhancing water infiltration. Research, such as that from the Jena Experiment, indicates that higher plant diversity significantly increases carbon and nitrogen storage in topsoil, with these benefits becoming more pronounced over time. Mentor farmers, including those at Paicines Ranch, Wild Oat Hollow, and Big Bluff Ranch, are demonstrating these regenerative practices, showcasing tools for building forage diversity and improving soil health.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Delaware Establishes Farm to Community Program to Boost Local Food Systems and Access

Delaware Establishes Farm to Community Program to Boost Local Food Systems and Access

Delaware has codified and expanded its Farm to Community Program, aiming to strengthen the state's local food system and increase access to healthy, seasonal foods. The program, administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Delaware Farm and Food Council, seeks to extend the purchasing power of community outlets to procure and distribute local food products. This initiative is designed to stimulate increased food production by creating more market demand and predictability for Delaware farmers. It also aims to expand food availability by enhancing transportation and distribution capacities. The program defines 'local food products' to include fresh or lightly processed fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs produced in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Virginia, with a priority on Delaware-sourced products. Community outlets, such as food pantries, schools, and senior centers, will be eligible to receive funds to procure and distribute these local product...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
USDA Awards $5 Million to American Farmland Trust for Nationwide Soil Health Research Expansion

USDA Awards $5 Million to American Farmland Trust for Nationwide Soil Health Research Expansion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has granted nearly $5 million over five years to American Farmland Trust (AFT) through its Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Trials program. This funding aims to broaden research into soil health practices and establish a national network to evaluate biochar and its potential agricultural benefits. The initiative will create a coordinated Soil Health Management Systems (SHMS) Network, involving 35 demonstration farms across 14 states and over 20 partner organizations. Researchers will assess biochar applications alongside other soil improvement methods like cover crops, reduced tillage, compost, manure management, agroforestry, diversified rotations, and livestock integration. The trials will encompass various production systems, including vegetables, potatoes, peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, almonds, dairy, and forage crops, with a specific focus on areas facing water limitations and soil disturbance. Ne...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Research Highlights Systemic Strategies for Building Resilience in Agri-Food Systems Against Global Shocks

Research Highlights Systemic Strategies for Building Resilience in Agri-Food Systems Against Global Shocks

An editorial analysis in 'Agriculture and Food Security' synthesizes research across agricultural systems, emphasizing how climate-resilient farming, structural policies, and targeted dietary interventions are crucial for building resilience against environmental and economic crises. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture faces persistent vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical instability. The analysis, drawing on definitions from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, defines sustainable healthy diets as those providing sufficient safe, nutritious food while minimizing environmental footprints and protecting against malnutrition. The research organizes contemporary scientific insights into five thematic pillars: climate-resilient farming, sustainable production technologies, food environments shaping diets, governance policies, and supply chain waste reduction. It conc...
Rapid ReadRapid Read
COP31 to Address Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security, Emphasizing Sustainable Systems

COP31 to Address Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security, Emphasizing Sustainable Systems

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) is set to be a critical forum for advancing climate action in agriculture and food security. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, COP31 will focus on elevating food security and sustainable agriculture as political priorities. The conference will review the progress and outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security (SJWA), whose mandate concludes at COP31. Parties will consider the second annual synthesis report on SJWA activities and workshops from 2025 and 2026. Türkiye, as the COP31 President-Designate, has prioritized supporting food security and developing sustainable agricultural systems, planning high-level dialogues on the roles of women and youth in farming. The conference aims to ensure agriculture and food remain central to future UNFCCC discussions, either through extending the SJWA or establishing a successor program.
TrendlineTrendline
Colorado Mesa University Instructor Highlights Environmentally Friendly Pumpkin Disposal Options

Colorado Mesa University Instructor Highlights Environmentally Friendly Pumpkin Disposal Options

Colorado Mesa University Instructor Highlights Environmentally Friendly Pumpkin Disposal Options
Rapid ReadRapid Read
COP31 Panel to Address Methane Emission Reduction in Agriculture for Food Security

COP31 Panel to Address Methane Emission Reduction in Agriculture for Food Security

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will feature a panel discussion focused on reducing methane emissions from beef cattle while simultaneously advancing food security and supporting rural livelihoods. Co-hosted by the Clean Air Task Force, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Environmental Defense Fund, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Food and Land Use Coalition, the event will bring together government, research, industry, and civil society perspectives. The discussion will explore how science, supportive policies, collaboration, and corporate action can achieve these goals. The panel will draw on two global initiatives: the Resilient Agriculture Investment for Net Zero Land Degradation (RAIZ) and Integrating Agricultural Development and Methane Mitigation, both aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, climate mitigation, and sustainable land management.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Ivory Coast Cocoa Farms Hold Over 1 Billion Wild Trees, Offering Forest Restoration Potential

Ivory Coast Cocoa Farms Hold Over 1 Billion Wild Trees, Offering Forest Restoration Potential

A recent study conducted by scientists from CIRAD and Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in southern Ivory Coast estimates that at least 1.05 billion young wild trees are growing within the country's cocoa farms. Field inventories identified 272 species among these trees, which primarily originated from seeds dispersed by animals and wind. This discovery highlights a previously underrecognized natural resource that could play a significant role in restoring Ivory Coast's forest cover. The country has experienced substantial deforestation, with its forest cover shrinking from approximately 16 million hectares in the early 20th century to less than 3 million hectares today, largely due to agricultural expansion. The study suggests that existing reforestation programs, which typically involve nursery-grown plants, could be supplemented by leveraging this natural regeneration within cocoa plantings.
TrendlineTrendline
November Garden Maintenance Focuses on Cleanup, Soil Protection, and Compost Preparation

November Garden Maintenance Focuses on Cleanup, Soil Protection, and Compost Preparation

November Garden Maintenance Focuses on Cleanup, Soil Protection, and Compost Preparation
TrendlineTrendline
Sinochem Holdings Secures Over $12.8 Billion in Global Procurement Agreements at 9th CIIE

Sinochem Holdings Secures Over $12.8 Billion in Global Procurement Agreements at 9th CIIE

Sinochem Holdings Secures Over $12.8 Billion in Global Procurement Agreements at 9th CIIE