“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 …
The words ‘organic farming’ and ‘sustainable agriculture’ are often used interchangeably. However, while these terms are closely connected, they do refer to two distinct concepts. In this blog post, we’ll explain the difference between the two, as well as provide clarity on a couple of other questions, such as: is organic farming sustainable? Summary: Organic farming vs sustainable farming Organic …
Modern industrial agriculture simply cannot sustain human populations for generations to come. Its negative impacts include soil loss and degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution by pesticides and fertilisers, loss of biodiversity, declining pollinators as well as risks to human health. For these reasons, and to ensure economic viability into the future, many farmers are making the transition to sustainable farming …