Food and Agriculture

10 Urban Farming Projects in New York City

10 Urban Farming Projects in New York City

Who would think that one of the world’s largest cities, New York City, would be a major hub for urban agriculture? Well, it is. Food Tank has compiled a list of 10 urban farming projects providing New Yorkers fresh, local produce. 1. Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, 44 Eagle St., New York, NY A 6,000-square-foot organic vegetable […]

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    Conservation and Science Leaders Demand Protection of Wild Bumblebees

    Conservation and Science Leaders Demand Protection of Wild Bumblebees

    Conservation and science leaders renewed their call today demanding the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture protect bumblebees in light of numerous threats contributing to population declines.   The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Defenders of Wildlife and entomology professor Dr. Robbin Thorp asked agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack to take action on a petition to regulate the movement […]

    Eat, Drink, Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Food Politics

    Eat, Drink, Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Food Politics

    Most people think their food choices have nothing to do with politics. But Marion Nestle, a public-health nutritionist and professor at New York University, says food choices have everything to do with politics. In her new book, Eat, Drink,Vote, Nestle collaborated with The Cartoonist Group syndicate to present more than 250 of her favorite cartoons on issues ranging […]

    5 Reasons You Should Buy Fair Trade

    5 Reasons You Should Buy Fair Trade

    Purchasing products that are fair trade certified can reduce poverty, encourage environmentally friendly production methods and safeguard humane working conditions. Simply look for the fair trade label on products such as coffee, chocolate or clothing. The fair trade label means an organization such as Fair Trade USA has certified that farmers and other producers adhere to fair trade […]

    Food Education Inspires Kids to Eat Healthy and Support Sustainable Farming

    Food Education Inspires Kids to Eat Healthy and Support Sustainable Farming

    Food education is not mandatory in U.S. schools, but many great programs exist, including those sponsored by Nourish, Farm to School, The Food Trust, The Edible Schoolyard Project and Common Threads. Research from organizations such as the Children’s Food Trust shows that improving our children’s diet now—and for the rest of their lives—means teaching them about food and giving […]

    Thousands of College Students Call for Just and Sustainable Food Economy

    Thousands of College Students Call for Just and Sustainable Food Economy

    Students at 350 of the nation’s college campuses are taking an active part in today’s Food Day observance—and have helped enact better food buying practices at their schools as a result. Nearly 140,000 students in 46 states are participating in more than 450 campus-based Food Day events, which include lectures, documentary screenings and petition drives. Some of these events […]

    Campaign Highlights Importance of Compost to Improve Soil in Your Garden

    Campaign Highlights Importance of Compost to Improve Soil in Your Garden

    The Million Tomato Compost Campaign is declaring success with its goal to grow a million tomatoes in soil improved with locally produced compost. The campaign, launched last April by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC), sought to boost the soil health of community gardens across the country and produce healthy and fresh food for local food pantries. Tomato plants grow big […]

    Los Angeles Considers Ban on Sale and Cultivation of GE Seeds and Plants

    Los Angeles Considers Ban on Sale and Cultivation of GE Seeds and Plants

    Los Angeles is considering banning the cultivation and sale of genetically engineered (GE) seeds and plants. If it does, this second-largest U.S. city would become the country’s largest GE-free zone. Two Los Angeles city councilmen on Friday introduced a motion that would ban the growth, sale and distribution of GE seeds and plants. The councilmen, Paul Koretz […]

    Appalling Lack of Progress in Factory Farm Policies Despite Increased Public Awareness

    Appalling Lack of Progress in Factory Farm Policies Despite Increased Public Awareness

    A comprehensive analysis of the U.S. meat, egg and dairy industries in 2008 excoriated  producers for their business practices. A new assessment of progress since then says industrial livestock production remains just as destructive, and little has been done to address any of the problems.   The report, from Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future (CLF), says […]