When it comes to buying your Easter chocolate, it’s important to look past the cute shapes and shiny packaging, as your brand choice can have more of an impact than you realize. Although chocolate can never be described as completely ‘guilt-free’, it is within your power to choose chocolate brands that support sustainable production and ethical labour standards. Here are …
An interview with Dr. Zach Bush linking health, agriculture, and human survival Dr. Zach Bush is a certified American triple-board physician focusing on internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice and palliative care. He currently runs a rural Virginia clinic focusing on plant-based nutrition and holistic health. Dr. Bush was recently interviewed on Acres U.S.A’s ‘Tractor Time’ podcast. In this blog post, …
“It’s really a lot about soils. It’s a lot about trying to reduce inputs. It’s a lot about reducing our livestock numbers. It’s a lot about reducing food waste…” – Kathleen Merrigan Kathleen Merrigan served as the United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture from 2009 to 2013 and was as recently named the first Executive Director of the Swette Centre …
In the summer months, disaster management teams have their hands full as storms rip through areas of South Africa that get summer rainfall. Although most farmers celebrate the rain, hail in South Africa can cause extensive damage to crops and livelihoods. According to a new report from global change expert Nicholas King, the impact of climate change in South Africa …
In an interview in Acres U.S.A. magazine, Timothy A. Wise, a Senior Researcher and Director of the Land and Food Rights Program at the Small Planet Institute, talks about some of the topics he mentions in his book, Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food. This thought-provoking book focuses on the impact of small- …
In an interview with Acres USA (titled “A Toxic Technology”), Claire Robinson, editor at GMWatch and co-author of the book GMO Myths and Truths discusses the adverse health risks and negative impact associated with genetically modified (GM) crops. In her book, Robinson and her co-authors use scientific and other documented evidence to dispute and disprove claims that GM crops offer …
Humic acid is the primary active ingredient that is the starting point of a healthy, microbially active soil. A good soil is continuously releasing humic acid (or humins), depending on rain, water, soil temperature and other conditions. High humic acid levels can increase crop yields. On the other hand, humic acid deficiency can prevent farmers and gardeners from growing crops …
High-Brix crops are the cornerstone of sustainable farming. Resistant to disease and unappealing to insects, healthy plants with high Brix levels require fewer inputs and improve profitability. They’re also better for human consumption and health. What is ‘Brix’? Brix (symbol °Bx) is essentially a measurement of the sugar content, vitamins, minerals, proteins and other solid content in the sap of …
What is subsistence farming? And what’s the difference between subsistence and commercial farming? What makes subsistence agriculture sustainable? We have all the answers for you here! Subsistence agriculture is the most widely used method of agricultural farming in sub-Saharan Africa, and most of Africa’s rural poor depend on their homegrown produce for survival. By default, subsistence farming incorporates several sustainable …
Incorporating plenty of fruit and vegetables into your diet is one of the best ways to live a healthier lifestyle. We’ve put together some tips for shopping for fruits and vegetables that will help save you money, make your produce purchases last longer, and help you choose the healthiest fruit and vegetables for you and your family. #1 Buy fruits …