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Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Texas Tech announces nearly $30M USDA grant for Davis College

Texas Tech announces nearly $30M USDA grant for Davis College

Texas Tech received a $28.9M federal grant to establish the Food Science, Safety, and Workforce Development Complex in the new Davis College Flagship Building.

Eight-Year Study Reveals Key Factors for Sustainable Urban Farming Success

Eight-Year Study Reveals Key Factors for Sustainable Urban Farming Success

An eight-year analysis conducted by ICTA-UAB, evaluating 11 tomato crop cycles between 2015 and 2023 in a building-integrated rooftop greenhouse, has identified critical factors for optimizing sustainable urban food production. The study, published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development, found that sunlight is the most decisive factor for crop productivity. Degradation of plastic roof panels led to a 31% decline in production over the study period, with yields surging by over 56% after panel replacement in 2023. Researchers recommend replacing these panels every four to six years, rather than the manufacturer-suggested 10 years, to maintain high productivity and reduce carbon footprint. Additionally, the research highlighted the effectiveness of struvite, a phosphorus-rich fertilizer recovered from municipal wastewater, which matched conventional fertilizer yields while significantly reducing water pollution from runoff. The study also compared the rooftop greenhouse with indoor LED cultivation, finding t...

Urban Gardening Initiatives Foster Community and Food Access in Underserved Neighborhoods

Urban Gardening Initiatives Foster Community and Food Access in Underserved Neighborhoods

Urban Gardening Initiatives Foster Community and Food Access in Underserved Neighborhoods

Urban Indians Show High Willingness to Adopt Cultivated Meat, Citing Health and Protein Benefits

Urban Indians Show High Willingness to Adopt Cultivated Meat, Citing Health and Protein Benefits

A new survey conducted by the Good Food Institute (GFI) India indicates that 94% of urban Indian consumers are willing to try and purchase cultivated meat. The research, which included focus groups and an online survey of 414 respondents aged 18-44 across major Indian cities, found that 91% of Indians find cultivated meat appealing, with 52% rating the concept as 'excellent.' This positive sentiment is largely driven by consumers' focus on health, protein content, and affordability. Many respondents believe cultivated meat is better for animals and the planet (75%), safer to eat (69%), healthier (63%), and more nutritious (61%) than conventional meat. Chicken is the most preferred cultivated meat for trial, with 94% expressing willingness to try it, followed by mutton (78%) and fish (61%).

USDA Initiatives Boost Local Food Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs

USDA Initiatives Boost Local Food Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening child nutrition programs through increased local food procurement. One key initiative is 'Harvest to Hallways,' which will invest up to $70 million in school cafeteria infrastructure and allocate an additional $25 million in Farm to School Grants for Fiscal Year 2026. This effort seeks to connect American farmers with local schools, expanding the use of locally sourced foods in school meals. Furthermore, the USDA has released a final rule on 'Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement' in Child Nutrition Programs, effective November 8, 2026. This rule clarifies existing requirements for geographic preference, making it easier for federal child nutrition programs to prioritize local food purchases. The USDA also updated the cash in lieu value of USDA Foods for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, increasing it to 32.00 cents per meal.

Wisconsin Farmers and Educators Eligible for Sustainable Agriculture Grants

Wisconsin Farmers and Educators Eligible for Sustainable Agriculture Grants

Farmers, ranchers, educators, and researchers in Wisconsin and 11 other states are now invited to apply for grants supporting sustainable agriculture projects. The North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) program has opened applications for four distinct grant programs. These grants are designed to fund projects that enhance farm profitability, safeguard natural resources, and bolster rural communities. The application deadline for all proposals is December 3, 2026, at noon Central time. NCR-SARE has a history of awarding over $100 million in competitive grants since its inception in 1988.

Kentucky Launches First Certified Cities Program to Boost Agriculture and Local Food Connections

Kentucky Launches First Certified Cities Program to Boost Agriculture and Local Food Connections

Kentucky has introduced its first-of-its-kind Kentucky Proud Certified Cities program, a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kentucky League of Cities. This initiative aims to recognize and reward cities across the state that demonstrate a commitment to the agriculture industry and actively strengthen their communities' connections with local farmers. The program, managed under KDA's Kentucky Proud agricultural marketing umbrella, emphasizes the importance of incorporating local foods, farms, and agricultural projects into community identities. Six cities are piloting the program, with Winchester achieving Gold certification, Beaver Dam and Paducah receiving Silver, and Middlesboro, Monticello, and Newport earning Bronze designations. These certifications are based on each city's efforts to bridge the gap between agriculture and urban areas, highlighting the significance of the local food chain for both rural and urban populations.

Anne-Marie Bonneau, 'Zero-Waste Chef,' Popularizes Sourdough Baking Through Online Classes

Anne-Marie Bonneau, 'Zero-Waste Chef,' Popularizes Sourdough Baking Through Online Classes

Anne-Marie Bonneau, 'Zero-Waste Chef,' Popularizes Sourdough Baking Through Online Classes

CARICOM Ministers Urge Implementation of Agricultural Decisions for Farmers and Fishers

CARICOM Ministers Urge Implementation of Agricultural Decisions for Farmers and Fishers

The 127th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture concluded in Trelawny, Jamaica, from September 27 to October 2. The meeting, part of the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), brought together Agriculture Ministers to discuss critical issues facing the region's agricultural sector. Key topics included reducing the food import bill, ensuring food safety, improving access to plant material, and addressing animal and soil health. Discussions also focused on the blue and green economy and the participation of youth in agriculture. The Hon. Roland Royer, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of Dominica, chaired the meeting, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the tasks required to achieve the region's food security strategy. A central theme emerging from the meeting was the urgent need to move from discussion to concrete implementation, ensuring that farmers and fishers directly benefit from the policy decisions made.

Houseplant Placement Critical for Health, Experts Warn Against Common Indoor Mistakes

Houseplant Placement Critical for Health, Experts Warn Against Common Indoor Mistakes

Houseplant Placement Critical for Health, Experts Warn Against Common Indoor Mistakes

Comprehensive Guide Details Indoor and Outdoor Basil Cultivation for U.S. Growers

Comprehensive Guide Details Indoor and Outdoor Basil Cultivation for U.S. Growers

Comprehensive Guide Details Indoor and Outdoor Basil Cultivation for U.S. Growers

Nick Offerman Narrates 'Fork in the Road' Documentary Highlighting Regenerative Farming

Nick Offerman Narrates 'Fork in the Road' Documentary Highlighting Regenerative Farming

Emmy-winning actor Nick Offerman has narrated the documentary film 'Fork in the Road.' The film focuses on small-scale farmers across various U.S. locations, including Kentucky, Missouri, Alaska, California, and an urban farmer in New York City. It explores how these farmers, some of whom are ocean farmers, are implementing regenerative farming techniques. The documentary posits that these methods can help repair ecological degradation and mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, the film suggests that regenerative farming contributes to building local food systems, which in turn supports small farmers and provides consumers with healthier, fresher food options. Offerman's involvement brings a recognizable voice to the film's message about sustainable agricultural practices.