Articles tagged with Food Production
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In a survey of 4,421 Japanese consumers, segments emerged based on preferences for domestic beef and alternative protein sources. Generous customers and conservatives were found to be willing to pay premiums for organic and conventional beef mince, while novelty accepters preferred sustainably grown meat substitutes.
A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
A new UK study published in the British Ecological Society journal People and Nature suggests that paying farmers to create woodland and wetland habitats is the most cost-effective way to deliver environmental targets. This approach, known as 'land sparing,' would cost just 48% of the funds required for 'land sharing' approaches, which...
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
Researchers have developed an edible plant-based ink derived from food waste to create cost-effective scaffolds for culturing meat. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale cultured meat production, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Wild potato varieties have evolved multiple resistance factors to combat pathogens like Pectobacterium species. Researchers have identified protease inhibitors that prevent bacterial malignance by interrupting their communication system and degrading plant cell walls.
A new study by Bournemouth University found that young adults in the UK are willing to change their diet for environmental reasons, but many are unclear about what changes to make. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and knowledge about sustainable diets and their impact on the environment.
Researchers at Cornell University found that injecting apple juice, pulp, and pomace into chicken eggs improves the animal's intestinal health and boosts microbial populations. This innovative approach could reduce the use of added dietary chemicals and improve nutrition in broiler feed.
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have identified three metabolites as potential biomarkers for individual coffee consumption. These biomarkers could help determine the health value of coffee by objectively verifying coffee consumption levels.
A study by the University of Reading found that up to 20-25% of UK land may be suitable for growing high-quality Chardonnay still wines by 2050. The regions with the best conditions are expected to be South East England, East of England, and Central England.
A study found that 'harmless' Listeria innocua strains are developing resistance to temperature, pH, dehydration and other stresses, as well as hypervirulence similar to pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The strains were collected from raw, dried and processed meats at commercial food processing facilities in South Africa.
A study by Marta Antonelli and colleagues highlights the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region, including worsening water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and nutritional imbalances. The gap between North and South countries is expected to grow, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures and threatening food security.
Researchers found that less intensively managed grasslands had greater diversity of plant species and correlated with better soil health, including increased nitrogen and carbon levels. In contrast, intensively farmed plots showed fewer plant species, but some saw improvements in soil health over time.
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.
A significant increase in household food insufficiency was observed among lower-income households following the discontinuation of child tax credit payments. The lowest-income households experienced the greatest increase, highlighting the vulnerability of these families to changes in government support.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
A new study found that ultraprocessed foods contributed to 57,000 premature deaths in Brazil in 2019. The study estimated the impact of reducing UPF intake and suggested that limiting consumption could prevent approximately 5,900 to 29,300 premature deaths annually.
A new analysis finds that intensified meat production can bring short-term rewards, such as decreased deforestation, but long-term risks, including the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza. The study suggests that shifting to plant-rich options and supporting forest protections may be necessary to mitigate these risks.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.
The US beef industry is found to be the least efficient at using virtual water, with a significant amount of blue water needed to produce just one ton of boneless beef. Researchers have developed a model to trace virtual water flows in beef supply chains, revealing major disconnects between consumption and production counties.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen develop a low-fat, more sustainable whipped cream alternative using lactic acid bacteria as building blocks. The bacteria-based foam can be whipped, peaks up, and retains liquid, making it a potential game-changer in the food industry.
A europium-based thin-film coating has been developed to convert UV light to red light, accelerating plant growth. The technology was tested on Swiss chard plants and Japanese larch trees, showing a 1.2-1.4 times greater plant height and biomass in winter conditions.
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
A new study found that social, economic and political barriers hinder the global distribution of the $424 billion aquatic food industry's benefits. The study calls for policies to ensure equitable access to this sector, which supports both welfare-based benefits like jobs and affordable nutrition, as well as wealth-based benefits.
Marine aquaculture systems can provide a nutrient-rich alternative to terrestrial agriculture, reducing ecological impact and freshwater usage. Microalgae-based aquaculture offers high protein content and micronutrients without land or water requirements.
A new study reveals that flooding can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on food security in Africa. Over 12% of those experiencing food insecurity had their status affected by flooding, with impacts varying by time period and regional scale.
Researchers from Osaka University create an unobtrusive edible tag embedded inside cookies that can be read without destroying the food. The 'interiqr' method uses 3D printing to contain patterns of empty spaces, making QR codes visible with a simple backlight.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed technology to produce itaconic acid, a source material for bioplastic, using E. coli bacteria. This breakthrough enables mass production of bioplastic from steel mill gases, potentially transforming the plastics industry.
Researchers predict that reduced Ukrainian grain exports due to the war will lead to increased food insecurity and higher carbon dioxide emissions. The study estimates a potential increase in global agricultural land use of 16.3-45 million acres, driving up carbon emissions by 527-1.6 billion metric tons.
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
Researchers warn that UK wheat yields are vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events due to climate change. The study found that while warmer temperatures can benefit yields, multiple extreme weather events can lead to significant negative impacts on production.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.
A major new study found that 24% of farmers reported mobility problems, while 31% experienced anxiety and depression. The research, published in BMC Public Health, highlights the need to tackle physical and mental health issues in the agricultural industry.
Growing onshore algae in seawater-fed aquaculture systems along the Global South's coasts could increase food production by 50% and feed 10 billion people by 2050. Algae provide high protein content, essential amino acids, and minerals found in meat, making them a sustainable solution to climate change.
As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.
The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $750,000 grant to study native warm-season perennial grasses for organic livestock feed production. Researchers aim to improve soil health and agronomic practices in the southeastern US by integrating warm-season grasses into tall fescue systems.
A One Health approach is vital for sustainably feeding a growing population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The approach balances the health of people, animals, and ecosystems to optimize net benefits from plant protection.
A new international study finds that dairy cows and their calves experience worse welfare than beef cattle. The researchers' assessment of bovine welfare risks is based on expert opinions from around the world.
A study by the University of Sydney and Curtin University reveals that over a third of Generation Z respondents understand the climate impact of meat consumption. Despite this, livestock and meat production contribute significantly to emissions.
Researchers at Aalto University suggest using crop residues and by-products in livestock and aquaculture production to free up human-usable material. This could increase the global food supply by up to 13% without increasing resource use or requiring major dietary changes.
A systematic review of 82 scientific publications found that palm oil boosts local economies and poverty reduction while exacerbating social inequalities. Sustainable palm oil production practices facilitate achievement of SDGs like quality education and access to clean water.
Researchers at UTIA are using a $800,000 grant from Shell to investigate the potential of winter oilseed crops as a sustainable solution for agriculture and biofuels. The project aims to identify top oilseed crops for the Mid-South and Southeast regions and develop best management practices to maximize outputs.
A recent study led by Veronika Somoza found that egg powder is a valuable source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and indispensable amino acids. The researchers discovered that the drying process did not lead to contamination with heavy metals and that egg powder can provide up to 61% of a child's daily requirement for selenium.
A new study published in The Crop Journal has identified the gl9 gene variant as a key factor in increasing grain size and reducing chalkiness in rice. By introducing this allele into elite rice varieties, scientists have improved grain length, width, and weight, leading to enhanced appearance quality and yield.
The University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the USDA to help farmers adapt to climate change through climate-smart practices. The five-year project aims to improve crop and livestock resilience on up to 500,000 acres of Missouri farmland.
Realizing net-zero food systems necessitates the adoption of new technologies and diet shifts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to achieve a net-zero emission global food system by 2050, with a roadmap outlining milestones for implementation by 2030 and 2040.
Researchers developed a pilot infrared popping system that produced fully or semi-popped kernels and the largest kernels. The sensory panel determined that the popcorn had the best color, taste, and firmness at 700 W heat power.
A new approach to composting in agriculture could improve crop yields, soil health, and divert biowaste from landfills, addressing global food security concerns. The study estimates PCS could boost annual global production of major cereal crops by 96 million tonnes.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.
A new biological sensor developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has successfully detected hidden rot in potato tubers, one of Israel's chief export industries. The sensor can detect disease before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early identification and prevention of rot and food loss.
Researchers identified critical success factors for mitigating challenges in the food cold chain, including stakeholder pressure and sustainable investment. The study provides a detailed theoretical framework for developing sustainable business strategies in China.
New research reveals that food production is a major stressor on the planet, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. The study identifies key interactions between Earth system processes, such as green water and nutrient runoff, which must be considered in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture policies.
A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.
A study found that concurrent heat and drought events can have devastating effects on multiple sectors, including human health, energy, and agriculture. The research highlights the importance of considering compound extreme events in adaptation efforts to improve resilience.