Articles tagged with Agricultural Policy
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A study published in Conservation Letters found that the EU's Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) initiative has little benefit for biodiversity and farmers, despite being implemented since 2015. Fallow land was the only EFA option considered worthwhile by both ecologists and farmers.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Sarah Horton challenges common portrayals of identity theft in workplaces dominated by undocumented immigrants. Many employers furnish workers with invented or borrowed work authorization documents, a practice she has termed 'identity loan'. This study highlights the active role e...
Cardiologists must adapt to emerging payment models to improve value, according to a review by George Washington University researcher Steven Farmer. The review explores existing and emerging payment and delivery reforms that will affect cardiologists and their practices.
A global analysis of environmental risk from invasive alien species reveals that one sixth of the world's lands are 'highly vulnerable' to invasion. The study highlights the need for proactive policies and international cooperation to combat these threats.
A new analysis of federal funding for sustainable agriculture suggests significant improvements can be made with additional investments. Researchers found that only a small percentage of USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for increased public funding.
A new food-print model suggests that the US can feed up to 800 million people from existing agricultural land with dietary changes. A vegetarian diet with dairy products has the highest carrying capacity, while vegan diets have the lowest.
Researchers will investigate the impact of drought on public health and water policy in California's poorest regions. The study will focus on health measures such as self-rated health, emotional distress, and infant birth weight.
A new study finds that policy makers have little idea what ecological terms mean, leading to confusion and ineffective policies. The researchers propose a framework to clarify these terms and promote better communication between scientists and policymakers.
UK policymakers face constraints due to WTO rules, EU accords, and regional priorities when devising a new farm policy post-Brexit. Brexit could affect the EU's agricultural policy and agri-food issues remain a major concern.
Agricultural emissions must be reduced by 1 gigaton per year in 2030 to meet the Paris climate agreement's goal of limiting warming to 2°C in 2100. Current interventions will only deliver 21-40% of mitigation required, highlighting a major gap between existing options and needed reductions.
Michigan State University has been awarded $4.4 million from the US Agency for International Development to strengthen its efforts in food security policy and research in Mali. The grant will support policy initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, nutrition, and livelihood resilience.
Arizona State University researchers develop an equation to estimate monetary value of natural resources like groundwater and forests, accounting for ecosystem changes and human behavior. The framework enables valuation of natural capital on a balance sheet with traditional assets, guiding sustainable use.
Research by University of East Anglia suggests that African agricultural policies aimed at alleviating poverty may be making things worse for the poorest. The 'green revolution' policies in Rwanda have been shown to strip smallholder farmers of their main productive resource, land, and exacerbate poverty.
Michigan State University has been awarded $18.5 million in USAID grants to support food security initiatives in Nigeria and Senegal. The grants will help strengthen the countries' policies and procedures necessary for achieving their own food security goals.
Researchers tracked climate adaptation initiatives globally, finding an overall 87% increase in reported initiatives among Annex I Parties since 2010. However, most vulnerable groups remain at risk and adaptation policies can be dismantled with changes in government.
Researchers have found that monitoring farmland biodiversity across Europe can be done at a modest share of the Common Agricultural Policy budget, with costs ranging from 0.01% to 2.48% of the total budget.
Researchers found that specific food items like potato chips, butter, and sugary drinks contribute to weight gain in children. Policy experts suggest labeling unhealthy products, changing food marketing, and increasing access to healthy options to promote healthier choices.
A study by Penn State economists found that counties with higher rates of self-employment suffered fewer negative effects from increased imports. Self-employed workers are better positioned to recognize changes in the market and adapt to new opportunities, leading to stronger economic networks and growth.
Recent policy changes in Europe's agricultural sector could lead to higher sugar prices, increased production of high-fructose corn syrup, and more affordable sugary foods. This may disproportionately affect lower socioeconomic groups and widen health inequalities.
A new series of assays explores how African smallholders can meet SDG2 by using biosciences to protect crops from diseases and pests, increase yields, and promote food security. The results provide recommendations for policymakers, educationalists, and those interested in smallholder agriculture.
A recent study by Dr Shawn McGuire and Dr Louise Sperling found that farmers in developing countries do not scale back on seed production during times of stress. Instead, they adapt and access seed from various channels, including local markets, which supply more than half of all seed used by farmers. This challenges conventional appro...
A study reveals that Amazonian agrarian settlements are responsible for 13.5% of all deforestation in the region, with forest cover declining by 43.5%. Poor coordination between government agencies exacerbates conflicts between environmental and development policies.
Researchers argue that restrictive guidelines on total fat consumption have led to unhealthy choices and neglect the importance of healthy fats like nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. They advocate for a focus on adopting a healthier food-based dietary pattern with more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
A new Cornell University study suggests that emphasizing the positive when it comes to nutrition education leads to healthier food choices. The study found that policies framed positively, supporting choice, are more effective than those with limitations.
Researchers found that creating conflict with target population can backfire, while positively framed policies support choice and lead to positive responses. The study highlights the need for policymakers to empathize with their audience and work with them rather than against them.
A six-country study evaluates the effectiveness of the 'Graduation model' in boosting livelihoods, income, and health of ultra-poor individuals. The approach, which includes training, asset provision, and savings accounts, shows significant improvements, even three years after implementation.
A recent UM study found that oil and gas development has transformed vast areas of North America's rangelands and croplands, leading to vegetation loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats. The research estimates that over half a million acres of land are lost annually, equivalent to 120.2 million bushels of wheat.
Researchers at the University of Washington argue that environmental conservation requires adapting to an uncertain future. They suggest creating flexible policies with legs, supporting ecosystem diversity, investing in monitoring, expecting unexpected changes, and designing adaptive management strategies.
Farms in Indiana have a high chance of saving money by using solar energy, thanks to the ability to depreciate their investment. In contrast, homeowners face uncertainty and lower chances of saving. The analysis suggests that putting solar on a level playing field with coal power would give homes more incentive to adopt solar.
A new study shows that Brazil's Soy Moratorium has been effective in reducing deforestation, but government policies alone are not enough. The moratorium helped drastically reduce soy expansion linked to forest clearing, whereas governmental policy alone only curbed a small portion of the issue.
A recent experiment releasing water down the Colorado River resulted in a 40% increase in vegetation, reversing a 13-year decline. The study used Landsat 8 satellite data to track plant responses to the pulse of water.
Researchers found that voters and consumers differ significantly in their willingness to pay for decreased risk, with women willing to pay more than men. Women are also more willing to pay for a reduced risk of illness at a restaurant.
A new policy paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration between scientists and policymakers for effective biodiversity conservation. The paper highlights the HCV approach's potential in protecting tropical biodiversity through sustainable land management schemes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that reducing fossil fuel consumption can lead to cleaner air, increased physical fitness, and improved public health. The analysis highlights opportunities for co-benefits between climate change mitigation and human health.
A new study reveals that only five percent of the world's pre-agricultural primary forest cover is found in protected areas, with most forests under threat from industrial logging, mining, and agriculture. Experts call for international policies to reduce pressure on primary forests, preserving their biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Research from Brown University suggests that the decline of suitable land for agriculture is a key factor in slowing deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study found that land with characteristics such as flat terrain and proximity to roads was initially converted to agriculture, but this type of land is becoming increasingly scarce.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) report reveals that programs and policies to reduce tropical deforestation have been successful in 17 countries across four continents. Successful reductions result from various policy options, including forest protected areas, moratoriums, and financial incentives through the REDD+ program.
Researchers model future land-use change in the US and propose incentive structures for landowners to provide ecosystem services. The work aims to strike a balance between human needs and natural systems, with tradeoffs identified for every policy.
A new international standard for wood packaging material has significantly reduced insect stowaways, with a 52% drop in infestation rates. The International Phytosanitary Standard ISPM 15 has achieved near-100% reduction in insect stowaways in some countries.
A new study finds that supporting sustainable cattle ranching practices in Brazil could significantly reduce deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. By subsidizing productive land use and taxing unsustainable practices, Brazil could halve its deforestation rate and shave off 25% of global emissions.
The Feinstein International Center at Tufts University is awarded an $8.5 million contract to support evidence-gathering from agriculture projects in Ethiopia. The project aims to understand the impact of agricultural development on rural communities and inform policy improvements.
Researchers found that grain farmers in India face regulatory barriers and lack of incentives to invest in on-farm storage, hindering market integration. Small innovations can encourage independent traders to enter the market, benefiting farmers with access to better prices.
A survey of policy makers and scientists found that US water supply availability is the top priority for natural resource management. The study, published in BioScience, ranked questions on water supply necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience as the most important.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that opening a new supermarket in a low-income community did not lead to significant changes in diet or reduced obesity rates. Despite improvements in residents' perceptions of food accessibility, only 27% of residents adopted the new supermarket as their main food store.
A survey of over 800 US adults found that individuals are primarily blamed for obesity, while farmers and grocery stores are relatively blameless. The study challenges the assumption that policy solutions will work if people believe obesity is a personal problem.
Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.
A new Cornell University study reveals that consumers are willing to pay more for products labeled as 'free of' certain ingredients. When provided with more information about the risks associated with those ingredients, consumers become even more confident in their purchasing decisions and value the product more.
Research led by Michigan State University found that schools offering healthful snack options can significantly improve students' diets. By implementing Smart Snacks nutrition standards, schools can boost daily consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, leading to improved overall nutrition.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a model to forecast the impact of future policies on urban development and agricultural cultivation on aquatic ecosystems. The study found that crop cover is projected to decrease in some regions, while urbanization may exacerbate biodiversity loss in others.
A UMD-led study reveals the US economy's high resource dependence on oil, making it susceptible to 'peak oil' threats. The research team identifies sectors such as iron mills, chemical manufacturing, and air transport that could put the entire economy at risk.
Researchers warn that eliminating local economic data could harm small businesses and entrepreneurs, who rely on this data to understand market trends and identify opportunities. The loss of data could also limit policymakers' ability to anticipate and respond to community needs.
Schools with district or state policies discouraging sugary foods and beverages were more likely to restrict those items at parties, with a 2.5 times higher rate than schools without such policies. Approximately half the schools had no restrictions or left decisions to teachers.
A new special issue of the NeoBiota journal explores advancing risk assessment models to address climate change, economics, and uncertainty in pest control. The article focuses on interactions between pest risk and climate change, policy and economics, as well as pest control and surveillance.
A new study reveals that at least five species of tropical fruit flies, including the infamous Medfly, are permanently established in California and spreading despite decades-long eradication efforts. The study's findings have significant implications for California agriculture and international trading partners.
Ellen Anderson, a champion of sustainability and environmental policy, will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award. She has promoted renewable energy, clean water, and parks, and works on clean energy and public outreach for the Governor's office.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concludes that US farm subsidy policies contribute to the worsening obesity epidemic by making unhealthy foods affordable for consumers. The study recommends investing in sustainable agriculture and prioritizing public health in agricultural policy.
Biotechnology and sustainable bioenergy crops are crucial to overcome challenges such as global atmospheric change, yield stagnation, and societal acceptance. The US has a unique opportunity to increase crop production and modify crops for rising CO2 levels.
A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.
Chinese agriculture's remarkable success in feeding the world's population comes with significant environmental costs. Massive losses of nutrients pollute streams, rivers, soil, and air, while CAFOs drive global resource consumption. Efforts to shift focus towards food security, efficient use of resources, and environmental protection ...
A new study reveals that individual and small-chain restaurant meals significantly exceed recommended daily calorie needs, with an average single meal containing two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult. The findings suggest that limiting menu labeling to large chain restaurants may not be enough to lower t...