Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
A recent study by Esaïe Gandonou found that reducing distance to the market has slight positive effects on grain yields and soil conservation. This is largely due to the increased use of artificial fertilizers, which require soil conservation measures.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that sustainable agriculture practices increased crop yields by an average of 79% across four countries, with harvests of some crops like maize, potatoes, and beans rising by 100%. The practices also reduced pesticide use and increased carbon sequestration.
A Canadian institute has defined sustainable agriculture as a key to ensuring economic viability for farmers. The paper recommends using immigration policies to bolster rural communities and suggests levying a small tax on food to support sustainability goals.
The PLMS system provides instant feedback on alternative grazing systems' impact on farm profit, milk production, and greenhouse gas emissions. A multidisciplinary team is developing the system to balance forage needs with livestock requirements.
Virginia Tech will lead two research projects worth $17 million each, focusing on integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The projects aim to reduce pesticide use, increase farm income, and promote ecologically sound practices for improved food security.
The ICBG program supports 12 groups in identifying new drugs through screening of flora and fauna while protecting biodiversity. Projects include evaluation of traditional medicine practices, discovery of safe new agents and training for host-country scientific institutions.
The study highlights the environmental and human health problems associated with industrial agriculture, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and increased antibiotic resistance. Sustainable agriculture methods offer a viable alternative, including reducing meat consumption to alleviate pressure on natural resources.
The caiman harvesting program in Venezuela, which began in 1983, has harvested over a million spectacled caimans, generating $115 million in export value. However, the program's direct link to conservation is threatened by changes to funding allocations and market instability.
A 20-year protocol developed by Dr. Charles Peters is applied to dozens of projects, combining exploitation with preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Local indigenous people in Asia, Africa, and Central/South America are empowered to manage their forests sustainably.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture, with estimates suggesting a modest reduction in grain production in developing countries and improvements in industrialized nations. However, the author notes that regional changes are highly uncertain due to varying climate models.
The Cornell University scientists are leading an effort to develop agricultural systems that explicitly improve human health. The new approach, known as a 'food systems' approach, aims to increase the availability of micronutrients like iron in staple crops, reducing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.