Agricultural Policy

Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?

A sticky solution to a pesky agricultural problem

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.

AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index

New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.

Reading the mud: Central Asia's rivers hold a hidden timeline of human pollution

Researchers from Beijing Normal University decode historical chemical footprint in Mongolia's Orkhon River Basin to track toxic emissions drivers. The study reveals a link between economic booms and traffic jams and chemical fallout, providing insights for rewriting water management policies across Central Asia.

New study challenges assumptions behind Africa’s Green Revolution efforts and calls for farmer-centered development models

A new study examining small-scale farming in Tanzania argues that major agricultural development initiatives are built on flawed assumptions about how rural households make decisions. The research finds that household composition, gender dynamics, and labor constraints strongly shape how small-scale farmers allocate land and labor.

From local action to global impact: A new framework for advancing sustainable development

A new international study presents a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing cross-scale socioeconomic and environmental interconnections. The metacoupling framework helps connect the dots across systems, scales, and borders to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Hidden insect diversity in grass shoots threatened by mowing

Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity

From practice to policy: why farmer collaboration matters for biodiversity

A new study highlights the importance of farmer-led collaboration in addressing biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Farmer clusters, groups of farmers working together to support biodiversity-sensitive farming, show varying levels of maturity and collaboration, influenced by factors such as leadership quality and institutiona...

More help for southeastern dairies

The University of Tennessee Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability has received an additional $3.45 million in funding for the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, a nationwide network to facilitate regional efforts to support dairy businesses.

Illinois study: How a potential antibiotics ban could affect apple growers

A new study from the University of Illinois examines how apple growers might respond to a potential ban on antibiotics, finding that proactive growers will benefit if the ban is enforced, but may struggle if it doesn't materialize. The study also shows that crop value can mitigate the negative impact of regulatory uncertainty.

Voluntary wintertime cover crop adoption up 5 percent in Arkansas

Researchers found a positive relationship between government support and voluntary planting of cover crops in Arkansas. The study showed that soybean-to-soybean rotation is the most common aftercover crop adoption, with voluntary cover crops increasing by 5% over the 2013-2019 period.

Diverse grasslands deliver higher yields with less fertiliser and greater climate resilience

An international study reveals that mixing grasses, legumes, and herbs in agricultural grasslands can significantly raise yields while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. The research shows a 12.3-tonne increase in dry matter per hectare under six-species mixtures compared to conventional systems.

SHOWCASE launches “Farming with Biodiversity” Handbook and Living Fields Platform

The EU-funded project SHOWCASE has released its final handbook on 'Farming with Biodiversity', providing a practical guide to help farmers integrate biodiversity into their operations. The handbook offers four flexible strategies to promote biodiversity-based farming, supporting EU and national policies such as CAP eco-schemes.

Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock

A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.

Global move towards plant-based diets could reshape farming jobs and reduce labor costs worldwide, Oxford study finds

A new study from the University of Oxford estimates that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce global agricultural labor needs by 5-28% by 2030, which is equivalent to 18-106 million full-time jobs. This shift could also cut global labor costs by $290-995 billion per year.

Tool reveals how your dinner affects the risk of 30,875 species of land-dwelling animal going extinct

Researchers developed a tool to measure food production's impact on species survival, finding that eating beef and lamb has the biggest effect on extinctions. Switching to vegetarian diets could halve biodiversity impact in the UK.

Palm oil isn’t necessarily less sustainable than other oils, say conservationists

Researchers call for greater transparency and regulation in the vegetable oil industry to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their oil choices. The authors emphasize that almost all oils are associated with biodiversity and human rights issues in some contexts, depending on crop management and supply chains.

Manchurian walnut tree holds key to eco-friendly weed control

Researchers from Kyushu University have identified a potent compound, 2Z-decaprenol, in the leaves of the Manchurian walnut tree that inhibits weed growth. The discovery could pave the way for a new class of sustainable herbicides.

UK food needs radical transformation on scale not seen since Second World War, new report finds

The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.

More milk, less methane in mixed pastures?

A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.

Current and recommended diets in the USA have embedded forced labor risk

Researchers analyzed five diets and found that protein foods, livestock farming, and hand-picked fruits were major sources of forced labor risk. The Healthy Mediterranean-Style diet and the Healthy U.S.-Style diet showed greater risks compared to other diets.

Persistent “forever chemicals” threaten agriculture and food safety, new study warns

A new study warns that PFAS, used in products since the 1940s, persist in soil, water, crops, and livestock for decades, accumulating in edible plants and livestock. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to immune system suppression, liver and kidney toxicity, hormone disruption, and certain cancers.

Grassland butterflies – important indicators of the state of nature

The 'Grassland Butterfly Index' shows a significant decline in butterfly populations in Germany from 2016 to 2023, with some species decreasing by up to 50%. This trend is consistent with European-wide declines, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures to protect these important ecosystem indicators.

Biodiversity needs more than just flower strips

Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.

Suite of models shows some positive effects of climate-smart Ag practices

Researchers used multiple agronomic models to examine the effects of climate-smart agricultural practices on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found positive effects in both studied locations under a baseline scenario, but negative effects in a worst-case scenario.

Tropical systems spin up Mid-South crop insurance rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that tropical systems significantly impact crop insurance premium rates in the Mid-South region. The researchers analyzed data from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which are more prone to hurricane damage due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

Simulating the unthinkable: Models show nuclear winter food production plunge

Researchers used the Cycles agroecosystem model to simulate nuclear winter scenarios and predict the impact on global corn production. The study found that a large-scale nuclear war could lead to an 80% drop in annual corn yields, resulting in widespread famine and catastrophic consequences.

Biologicals vs. biostimulants: Illinois study clarifies crop input confusion

A University of Illinois study investigates biologicals and biostimulants, live microbial inoculants and non-living chemicals applied to soil, seeds, and plants to improve growth. The researchers call for clarifying the terminology to properly regulate these products.

Environmental impact of common pesticides seriously underestimated

Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.

EU agricultural policy could have major co-benefits for climate and biodiversity

A new study suggests that EU agricultural policy can reduce carbon emissions by nearly a third and improve biodiversity recovery through strategic de-intensification. This approach involves adopting more sustainable farming practices, such as organic fertilizers, biological pest control, and low-input systems.

Growing a better future – Decades of impact from CGIAR

Between 2022 and 2024, CGIAR delivered innovations to over 20 million farmers across 62 countries, including climate-resilient crop varieties and tools for women's empowerment. The report highlights a cumulative impact of $1.34 trillion in economic benefits from crop technologies developed by CGIAR.

Dangerous variant of salmonella still not eradicated – researchers point to the solutions

A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.

Protecting aquatic ecosystems by better understanding toxicity risk

Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.

Study develops optimal cover crop adoption thresholds

The study develops a stochastic dynamic programming model that accounts for cumulative effects of cover crops on soil fertility, uncertain future prices, and irreversibility of sunk machinery costs. The findings suggest a threshold level of soil fertility above which it is optimal to adopt cover crops, favoring no-till practices.

Research shows how solar arrays can aid grasslands during drought

A new study from Colorado State University reveals that photovoltaic (PV) arrays in grasslands can improve soil moisture levels and increase plant growth, particularly during dry years. The research found a 90% increase in grass production on the east side of panels compared to neighboring open sites.

Solar power system installations impact less than 1 percent of Arkansas’ ag land

Large-scale solar arrays will occupy approximately 0.2 percent of agricultural land in Arkansas, with projected impacts on crop prices and proximal real estate value. Researchers found that utility-scale solar projects can coexist with agriculture through integrated systems like agrivoltaics.

SHOWCASE advances biodiversity-friendly farming: Key findings now featured on EU CAP Network platform

The SHOWCASE project has published four practice abstracts on the EU CAP Network platform, providing practical insights for farmers and policymakers. The findings highlight the importance of well-designed incentives, farmer behavior, and bridging the science-policy gap to promote biodiversity integration in European agriculture.

Top EU food & agri institutes launch new science alliance

The European Science Alliance for Agriculture and Food (ESAAF) aims to provide independent scientific expertise to EU policies. The new coalition brings together five leading institutions to promote sustainable and resilient food systems.

AI system targets tree pollen behind allergies

Researchers developed an AI system to classify tiny powdery pollen grains produced by fir, spruce, and pine trees, enhancing speed and accuracy. The tool can aid allergy sufferers, urban planners, farmers, and wildlife conservation efforts.

Nature Water study highlights global aridification, threat to agriculture

A long-term shift towards drier conditions is reshaping landscapes and livelihoods globally, affecting 40% of Earth's land and 2.3 billion people. The research highlights solutions to adapt to a future where water is no longer guaranteed, including smarter irrigation strategies, data analytics, and restoring degraded land.

Difficult and costly energy transition unless the EU invests in biomass

Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.

Politecnico di Milano: a study in Earth’s future on agrivoltaics reducing the competition between food and energy

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano developed a study analyzing agrivoltaics' potential to reduce global conflict over land use. The coexistence of photovoltaic panels and agricultural crops can help solve the pressure on arable land due to growing energy demand and food production needs.

MSU research: Eating brown rice increases exposure to arsenic compared to white rice

A recent study from Michigan State University found that brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice, posing a potential health risk for infants and children under age 5. The researchers also highlighted the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when making food choices.

Kansas, Missouri farmers avoid discussing climate change regardless of opinions, study finds

Farmers in Kansas and Missouri avoid discussing climate change, even if they hold convincing views or skepticism, due to concerns about potential conflicts and damage to their livelihoods. Many rely on social media cues to gauge others' opinions before initiating conversations, rather than traditional news media.

Promoting sustainable agriculture for pollinators: presenting the newly launched AGRI4POL project

The AGRI4POL project aims to transform agriculture into a positive force for biodiversity and crop pollination services. It will deliver an integrated analysis of the crop-farming system-pollinator interplay across biological organisation levels.

Study: World’s critical food crops at imminent risk from rising temperatures

A new study reveals that a rise in temperature by more than 1.5°C could lead to a marked decline in crop diversity, impacting global food security. Low-latitude regions are particularly vulnerable, with up to half of their crop production at risk.

Machine learning maps animal feeding operations to improve sustainability

Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of animal feeding operations with high accuracy, filling a data gap crucial for managing their environmental impacts. The model uses predictors such as surface temperature and phosphorus levels to identify locations without relying on aerial images.

New £2 million project to save UK from food shortages

A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.

Small-scale fisheries essential to global nutrition, livelihoods

Research featured in Nature reveals that small-scale fisheries are crucial for meeting Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, poverty, and climate change. The study found that these operations provide essential nutrients to 2.3 billion people and support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million individuals.

Tree crops crucial for sustainable development

Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.

Repairing a domestication mutation in tomato leads to an earlier yield

Researchers from the University of Lausanne used genome editing to repair a deleterious domestication mutation in the tomato genome. This resulted in an earlier yielding variety, which could have implications for agriculture and sustainability. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of genome editing for crop breeding.

Annual report details more economic struggles for Tennessee’s ag sectors

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's annual report highlights the challenges faced by Tennessee's farmers and foresters in 2024, including drought, agricultural land loss, and decreasing foreign market demand. The outlook for 2025 is clouded due to trade policy uncertainty, low crop prices, and high input costs.

Pulte Institute joins global consortium using research to end poverty

A $75 million consortium, including the Pulte Institute, aims to inform USAID's activities with detailed evidence on poverty alleviation programs. The Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence (PILCEE) partnership will guide USAID's work by evaluating program impact and synthesizing findings.

​​​​​​​Urgent need to enable more farmers and contractors to revive England’s network of hedgerows

A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.

Colorado River basins could face tipping point, drought study warns

A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.

Can we live on our planet without destroying it?

A University of Groningen scientist argues that it's possible to live sustainably on Earth without destroying it, but requires policies based on scientific evidence. A study reveals that shifting consumer habits could reduce environmental impact by 25-53%.

Transition to a circular bioeconomy requires getting prices right

A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.

Elucidating the process of smart livestock technology adoption by livestock farmers

The study reveals that farmers' decisions to adopt smart livestock technologies are driven by their understanding of the technology's benefits, ease of use, and financial resources. A generational divide is also identified, with younger farmers being more open to adopting new technologies.

Virginia Tech researchers develop tool to assess healthy hydration recommendations

Researchers in human nutrition developed an innovative tool to assign a healthy hydration recommendation score to governments, promoting water and discouraging sugary beverages. The study analyzed 93 countries with dietary guidelines, finding that 48 had complementary messages encouraging water and reducing sugary beverage intake.

Fisheries research overestimates fish stocks

Researchers found that stock assessments have often been overly optimistic, with a third of sustainably fished stocks classified as overfished. They call for simpler models and greater use of the precautionary principle to protect fish stocks.