A new study using machine learning uncovers 'genes of importance' in plants that help them grow more efficiently with less fertilizer, reducing economic and environmental costs. The approach also predicts additional traits in plants and disease outcomes in animals.
The National Science Foundation awarded a four-year project to study ancient agriculture in south-central Veracruz, Mexico. The researchers aim to understand the factors that contributed to the area's agricultural collapse and its potential implications for modern farming.
The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.
A new study maps the location and intensity of key threats to terrestrial amphibians, birds, and mammals, identifying priority areas across the world. Agriculture and logging are pervasive in the tropics, while hunting and trapping is the most geographically widespread threat to mammals and birds.
A new study assesses the potential trajectories of cellular agriculture, a technology that grows cultured meat, dairy, and egg products from animal cells and yeast. The research highlights the need for increased public investments in open-source research and education to ensure a just and equitable development of the sector.
Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.
A landscape mosaic of natural habitats and small-scale cultivated areas can promote biodiversity on a large scale. Contrary to organic certification, diverse cultivation can double species numbers and improve biological pest control.
A new study reveals that the domestication of plants and construction of settlements based on agriculture in ancient Japan coincided with periods of relatively warm and stable climate. This challenges the conventional theory that a climatic cooling event drove humans to adopt agriculture.
The institute will develop predictive digital twins of individual crop plants and entire farm fields, integrating real-time data from sensors to optimize crop growth. By leveraging expertise in plant sciences, engineering, and technology, AIIRA aims to accelerate agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Reconstruction of ancient oral microbiomes from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic Periods in Southern Europe reveals a significant expansion of microbial species with the transition to agriculture. The studies sequenced ancient DNA from dental calculus, finding a dominant Anaerolineaceae species that diversified geographically.
A new paper synthesizes results from nearly thirty researchers on nitrogen management in agriculture, identifying areas for improvement and providing a foundation for sustainable nitrogen management. The study's findings have significant implications for addressing food security and environmental pollution challenges.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are investigating consumer and retailer attitudes toward food loss and waste reduction programs. The study aims to provide recommendations for future voluntary food loss and waste reduction programs, which could help reduce US food waste by 50% by 2030.
Researchers develop roadmap combining smart and nano-enabled agriculture with AI and machine learning capabilities to reduce hunger by 2030. The study outlines steps needed to safely harness the power of nanomaterials in agricultural environments.
A new study published in PNAS predicts that changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grain production by up to 70% within the next 15 years. The study identifies a combination of technological innovations, including digital agriculture, crop genetics, and electrification, as key drivers of this reduction.
A green transition roadmap for emissions-reducing technologies could achieve net negative emissions through optimized fertilizer application, low-emission alternatives, and system redesign. This plan aims to generate environmental benefits while fulfilling societal functions in row crop agriculture.
Radically altering animal agriculture practices could prevent future pandemics, experts argue. Incentivizing plant-based food alternatives and implementing a 'zoonotic tax' on meat production are proposed solutions to mitigate zoonotic risk.
The Cornell Farmworker Program is expanding its efforts to reach New York state's diverse farmworkers with critical health and legal information. The grant will help integrate on-the-ground training with Cornell University research across colleges.
A new study published in PNAS proposes using a blend of nitrate and ammonium to reduce nitrogen pollution and increase food production. The researchers argue that this approach can bind to soil, reducing the risk of leaching into waterways and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that people blame wild animal trade or government preparation for epidemic outbreaks instead of animal agriculture and global meat consumption. The research highlights the critical need to understand the causes and risks posed by animal agriculture in preventing future pandemics and zoonotic diseases.
Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.
The COALESCE project combines sensors, machine learning, and robotics to enable farmers to respond to crop stressors with lower cost and greater agility. The technology aims to localize problems early on, making data-driven decisions for optimal production.
A new research chair led by INRS Professor Monique Lacroix aims to develop standardized natural antimicrobial solutions for ensuring food safety and quality. The project will investigate the stability, interactions, and applications of various natural extracts and bio-based technologies.
A study found that land use legacies, such as agriculture and forestry, can have lasting impacts on ecosystems, with only limited effects from restoration efforts. The researchers discovered that soil compaction, a common issue caused by agricultural use, was difficult to mitigate through restoration alone.
The Southeast Regional Sun Grant Center has awarded grants totaling over $2 million to support six research projects aimed at developing sustainable, bio-derived products. These projects will provide new insights and materials for the southeastern US bioeconomy, creating essential information for future economic growth.
A study from Cornell University found that women's increased agricultural labor during harvest season leads to decreased nutritional intake. Women who work longer hours on farms experience a loss of up to 112 calories and essential nutrients.
A study published in Science reveals that applied pesticide toxicity has increased substantially between 2004 and 2016, threatening plant and insect biodiversity. The findings apply to genetically modified (GM) crops, challenging the claim of decreasing environmental impact.
Global agricultural productivity has slowed by 21% since 1961 due to climate change, with the impact being more severe in warmer regions. The study finds that areas like Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are already experiencing slower growth rates, highlighting the need for increased climate resilience.
Researchers found that urban agriculture alone cannot meet the nutritional needs of a city's population due to limited crop yields and nutrient deficiencies. However, with fortification or supplementation, urban agriculture can contribute significantly to meeting food demand.
Research finds female-owned farms in the US are more common in areas closer to urban markets and engage in agritourism, offering greater childcare access. Average farm size, annual sales, and types of farm activities also correlate with female participation.
The webinar highlights the importance of open data in developing resilience in agriculture and food systems, particularly in the face of climate change, pandemics, and pests. Key experts share insights on harnessing data to create more sustainable and equitable food systems.
A comprehensive analysis identifies risks in smart agriculture and proposes countermeasures to prevent information theft and cyberattacks. The researchers categorized agricultural systems into three modes and proposed six general countermeasures, including technological and physical solutions.
A study by Christine Costello and colleagues found that urban agriculture in Chicago made little difference in reducing land area needed to supply nutritional needs. However, adding certain vitamins as supplements could make locally raised food sufficient for residents within a smaller radius.
Scientists at ISCA, Inc. and their collaborators have successfully grown insect sex pheromone precursors in genetically modified camelina plants, creating a low-cost source of pheromones needed for sustainable pest control. The transgenic plants produce insect pheromone precursor compounds in their abundant seed oil.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers finds that co-developing land for solar photovoltaic power and agriculture could reduce US carbon emissions by 330,000 tons annually and create over 100,000 jobs. The proposed agrivoltaic systems would produce 20% of US electricity generation while minimizing crop yield impact.
Studies in Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru found that forest conversion to agriculture and degradation slows carbon and nitrogen cycles, affecting greenhouse gas flows. Methane removals decreased by up to 47% and nitrous oxide emissions dropped by 52%, but results are equivocal for peatland degradation.
TPU scientists have developed an eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture that retains moisture and fertilizers in soil, degrading into non-toxic products. The new formulation uses natural components like whey protein and alginic acid, reducing the need for freshwater conservation and minimizing fertilizer's harmful effects on the soil.
The UTIA Smith Center will partner with the Royal University of Agriculture to improve food and nutritional security in Cambodia through research, education, and training. The program aims to increase agricultural production, enhance soil and water quality, and support small-scale farmers.
Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated AM fungi independently using myristate as a fuel source. The breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable fertilizers for agriculture and forestry, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
A Cornell University-led team is developing more sustainable organic farming practices that balance productivity, environmental impact, and growers' quality of life. The project uses cover crops like rye to suppress weeds and reduce soil degradation.
A new data set provides high-resolution daily temperatures from around the globe to study human health impacts from heat waves, risks to agriculture, droughts, and food insecurity. The CHIRTS-daily dataset offers accurate estimates of air temperatures for 1983-2016, supporting efforts to monitor, understand, and mitigate climate hazards.
Gryfn, a Purdue University-affiliated agbioscience startup, is growing its space and expanding into new markets with its multisensor drone data collection technology. The company has added team members, evaluated new technologies, and is actively recruiting a research scientist to empower the future of agriculture research.
The CGIAR Latin America centers are driving innovations to reduce poverty and improve food security in the region. Innovations like the Andean Initiative use technology and partnerships to generate site-specific adaptation measures for farmers.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been chosen to coordinate a regional effort to address farmer and rancher stress in the South. The three-year project aims to provide stress management assistance for people in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations as well as their families.
The UT Agribusiness Academy aims to increase Tennessee secondary students' exposure to agribusiness content and career opportunities, bolstering curricular success. The grant-funded project will provide online modules and professional development components for 60 teachers over three summers.
The study found that paddy rice farming and grasses increased significantly between 2,700 and 2,000 years ago, indicating anthropogenic deforestation and expansion of rice agriculture in southern China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 3,000 years, coastal landscapes expanded coinciding with suitable land for growing rice.
A study reveals that ancient Peruvian farmers used floodwater from El Niño events for agriculture, benefiting from flushed-out salts and flexible irrigation systems. This ancient farming practice allowed for runoff harvesting and river water distribution, suggesting potential agricultural advantages during El Niño events.
A three-year research project funded by the USDA aims to analyze consumer preferences for US beef and estimate demand in select countries. The study will provide insights on economic implications of trade policies and strengthen the US beef export market.
A team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a system to produce true holographic three-dimensional images appearing mid-air, viewable from most angles in the room. The proof of concept uses metasurface materials that can manipulate light, allowing for a genuine holographic movie.
The University of Illinois will lead two of seven new national artificial intelligence institutes, one focusing on agricultural resilience and the other on molecular discovery. The institutes aim to advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, and automation to address major agricultural challenges.
Researchers at KAUST propose vast greenhouse complexes using energy-efficient solar panels, air-cooling technologies, and salt-tolerant agriculture to grow food and crops. This concept aims to provide sustainable, local crop growth on a large scale in coastal desert regions.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.
A new report from Colorado State University outlines a list of 20 climate indicators that provide insight into the impacts of climate change on US agriculture. The indicators, organized in five categories, offer a broad look at what's happening across the country.
A study analyzing 35 years of US agriculture data reveals a steady shift towards consolidation, with production moving to larger farms that cover almost all crop and livestock commodities. Smaller farms are becoming unsustainable, while family businesses still dominate the industry.
A Cornell University team is investigating the effects of digital agriculture on small and mid-sized farms in rural America. The project aims to understand how new technologies like high-speed farm networks can improve productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
A WVU professor is researching environmental factors that lead to THC accumulation in industrial hemp, a key issue for growers. He aims to develop a new crop system and genetically modify the plant to reduce THC production.
The U.S. Botanic Garden and American Public Gardens Association have awarded $378,000 to 28 public gardens in the US, including the Helping Hands Kitchen Garden at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville. The funds will help sustain urban agriculture programs and increase produce donations to local food banks.
The $496,000 USDA grant will help design new CEA training programs at Cornell University to address the industry's growing need for a skilled workforce. Participants will gain expertise in CEA infrastructure and advanced knowledge in environmental monitoring and marketing skills.
Researchers argue that agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is overstated and may even have a net positive effect on the climate. Per Frankelius proposes seven measures to reduce emissions while advancing sustainable agriculture.
A study found that Conservation Agriculture can increase organic carbon in soil by up to three times the goal amount, making it a key tool for mitigating climate change. By adopting no-till farming and rotating crops, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental sustainability.