Articles tagged with Agricultural Policy
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
A new study reveals that Indigenous groups in the western US are struggling to turn their legal right to water into actual water use, despite having settled their water-rights claims. The findings show that tribes are likely using only a fraction of their entitled water rights, resulting in significant revenue losses.
Researchers found that seed systems are often disrupted by conflict, social inequality, and poor policies. Emerging initiatives like participatory plant breeding help farmers secure food supplies by developing crop varieties tailored to their needs.
A new strategy balances disease control with resistance management by balancing resistance to both fungicides until it increases enough to fail. The approach is robust to variations in parameters and could influence policy recommendations.
The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.
A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.
The war in Ukraine may trigger a new global land race, threatening rural livelihoods and the environment. Large-scale land acquisitions could exacerbate conditions of water scarcity and land degradation, prompting concerns about policy implications and long-lasting effects on rural development.
A new study finds that a California policy restricting antibiotic use in animals raised for food is associated with a reduction in one type of antibiotic-resistant infection in people. The study suggests that regulations limiting antibiotics in livestock can significantly impact human health.
The US is not prepared to combat the spread of animal-borne diseases due to gaps among governmental agencies. A 'One Health' approach is needed to govern human-animal interactions effectively.
Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.
A new study analyzed state nutrient reduction strategies and found that initial energy and inclusive planning processes were key to success. Emphasizing local water body impacts was more motivating than distant goals, and addressing scale challenges is crucial for significant results.
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...
A government policy that pushed back the sowing of rice in northwest India led to a delay in harvests and agricultural burning, exacerbating air pollution. Without this delay, cities like New Delhi would have seen an average of 11-21% less smoke-related air pollution between 2008 and 2019.
The global food system exerts significant pressure on the environment and climate, with five countries accounting for almost half of the impact. Locally produced food is often the most environmentally friendly option, but production methods can vary greatly between countries.
Researchers at UMass Amherst calculated pre-agricultural soil erosion rates in the Midwest, finding them to be 0.04 mm per year, significantly lower than the USDA's current limit of 1 mm per year. Modern agriculture has accelerated erosion rates, threatening topsoil and global food security.
A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.
A new study reveals that adopting high-yielding dairy cattle breeds and improving feed can help Tanzania increase milk production while reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating poverty. The research found that better feed can increase milk yield by up to 179% and improve the country's climate commitments.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that changing the wording on expiration dates could help reduce food waste. The study suggests that certain labels, such as "use by" or "best if used by," may lead to more food being discarded than others.
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 study by international researchers found that descendants of transmigrants dominate and become influential actors in host community knowledge networks. This has led to the marginalization of native communities, who are now positioned at the margins of their local knowledge system.
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that Brazil can increase its soybean production by 36% by 2035 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and eliminating deforestation. The strategy involves intensifying crop yields, growing a second crop on soybean fields, and raising more cattle on smaller pastures.
A new Perspective piece calls for a radical response to the climate crisis in science, particularly in agriculture and food systems. The authors emphasize the need for transformative adaptation that prioritizes social equity and brings together all stakeholders.
A new study finds that many major US cities lack clear guidelines for safe lead levels in urban soils, where food is grown. This can lead to exposure risks for consumers, particularly children. Researchers call for federal standards and better access to information to support safer urban agriculture practices.
A new study found that farming professionals experience loneliness and isolation due to a lack of understanding from the general public about their work. The researchers highlight the need for strengthening connections between farming and non-farming communities to improve mental health.
A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.
The study reveals that between 90 and 99 percent of all deforestation in the tropics is driven directly or indirectly by agriculture. The majority of deforestation results in land speculation or abandoned projects, rather than actively producing agricultural production.
Researchers suggest a new approach for regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops by examining the specific characteristics of the crop itself. The '-omics' methods can be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes, eliminating the need for safety testing if the product is substantially equivalent to existing varieties.
Climate change affects European agriculture in distinct ways across regions, with southern Europe experiencing the highest number of initiatives and adaptations. Northern Europe expects a longer growing season, while central and southern Europe struggle with drought and erratic rainfall.
A recent study estimates that climate change will lead to higher global wheat prices and increased economic inequality between exporting and importing countries. The researchers used a novel climate-wheat-economic ensemble modelling approach to analyze the impact of a 2℃ warmer world on global wheat supply and demand.
A comprehensive review of water quality trading programs worldwide reveals that agricultural production remains largely unregulated, hindering their effectiveness. The authors suggest that nudging political will and creating regulatory drivers can help evolve water quality trading into a cost-effective pollution control instrument.
A new CABI-led study identifies key institutional and policy barriers to the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Africa. Despite its potential for economic and environmental benefits, IPM's uptake is patchy due to regional and national agricultural policies prioritizing production over sustainability.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
New research highlights how climate change enhances wildfire risk globally, but human actions and policies can mitigate regional impacts. The study assesses 500 previous papers and examines future fire weather trends to provide insight into the success or failure of climate policies.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has three key measures to support biodiversity: Cross Compliance, Agri-Environment-Climate Measures, and Greening. Despite these measures, farmland biodiversity is still declining. A study by over 300 scientists recommends six guiding principles to improve the CAP for better biodiversity outcomes.
More than 300 EU experts propose changes to the future CAP to protect farmland biodiversity, including direct aids and spatial planning. The new policy should favor attaining environmental targets, encouraging practices that promote biodiversity.
A new study reveals that large-scale hydrological models producing global irrigation water withdrawal estimates are unreliable due to overlooking uncertainties and traditional irrigator practices. The researchers argue that these biases can lead to grave policy misjudgments, devastating consequences and inaccurate water management.
China's rural modernization policy seeks to revitalize rural economies by promoting entrepreneurship, new organisational forms, and increased commercialisation of agriculture. The goal is to raise rural income levels and reduce disparities with urban areas.
A new wiring diagram illustrates complex interactions between wheat traits to inform breeding decisions and future research. The tool shows connections among traits that may not have been apparent, serving as a decision support tool for crop scientists.
China has increased animal protein production 800% over the past 40 years, but nitrous oxide emissions have risen only 286%, thanks to policy and farm management interventions. Anaerobic digestion and composting on farms are key strategies for future reduction in greenhouse gases.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Mariculture holds great potential to help satisfy global demand for meat, but requires careful governance and efficient operations. The study suggests that finfish and shellfish farms can increase seafood availability, while maintaining ecosystem health.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
A new study published in Science Magazine found that nearly 42% of cattle destined for the 'Raised without Antibiotics' market have been treated with antibiotics, casting doubt on the accuracy of these labels. The research team suggests strengthening verification and enforcement to curb antibiotic use in food-animal production.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
A University of Alberta study found that environmentally aware consumers are more inclined to buy insect- or algae-fed chicken if provided with information about its health and environmental benefits. Consumers who received nutrition facts on the packaging were more likely to purchase the alternative product, while those without this i...
A study by Penn State researchers found a direct causal relationship between deforestation and reduced fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Tanzania. The study showed that household vitamin A adequacy decreased over time due to deforestation, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies.
A new study finds that weed species classified as 'injurious weeds' support higher diversity and abundance of pollinators compared to recommended plants. The research suggests that these weeds produce more nectar sugar, making them a valuable resource for flower-visiting insects.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.
Local communities worldwide report a significant decrease in wild edible plant and mushroom abundance, impacting their nutrition and food security. The study highlights the importance of considering local geographic and socio-cultural contexts to develop strategies for counteracting these changes.
Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that the environmental impacts of corn ethanol far outweigh its benefits, with carbon emissions potentially negating any climate advantages. The research highlights the need to shift towards next-generation biofuels and improve efficiency, electrification, and policy-making.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that virtual farm tours using virtual reality glasses and tablets can improve transparency in pig farming. Participants appreciated the comfortable and entertaining information intake, but suggested that additional explanations be provided to support virtual farm tours.
Researchers found that machine learning models can help predict village food insecurity outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries. The models incorporate publicly available data on weather, geography, and food prices to capture a wide variety of factors that can influence food insecurity. Key takeaways include the need for interpretabl...
A new study highlights the need for a coordinated approach to climate change policies to reduce unintended consequences for African river basins. The research shows that fragmented policies between developed and developing countries can increase vulnerabilities in these regions.
Britain's urban areas have sufficient green space to support a large-scale 'grow your own' movement, meeting dietary needs and reducing reliance on imports. The study estimates that converted urban spaces could produce up to eight times the current UK fruit and vegetable output.
A new study shows that California's legalized marijuana industry has boosted financial institutions' assets and loan activity, but restricted access to banking perpetuates inequities for licensed growers. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to create new opportunities for both industries.
Researchers investigated how providing information about alternative feedstuffs impacts consumer preferences. They found that consumers are more likely to prefer insect-based feed due to sustainability claims. The study emphasizes the importance of labelling and transparency for the acceptance of these alternatives.
A new study found that having crop insurance in Indiana discourages the use of cover crops, which promote soil health and productivity. However, the impact is relatively minor, with only a 0.494% reduction in cover crop adoption rates for each percentage point increase in crop insurance participation.