Articles tagged with Agricultural Policy
A new study led by Yale University finds that school-based nutritional programs limit increases in body mass index (BMI) among middle school students. Students in schools with enhanced nutrition policies and programs reported healthier behaviors and had lower BMI trajectories compared to those without such support.
A special issue of the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development explores local governments' engagement in food system planning. Key findings include varying levels of government involvement and the need for measuring progress or failure to identify successes and jettison failed policies.
UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross has been recognized for his exceptional service as an Extension educator and leader. He received the 2018 Distinguished Service Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, honoring his contributions to Extension and outreach work.
Agricultural irrigation accounts for 70% of water use in some regions, and increased efficiency can lead to more water extraction, not less. Higher irrigation efficiency may even increase on-farm water use and groundwater extraction, argues a recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
A new IIASA-led research suggests that climate mitigation schemes in agriculture could lead to more widespread hunger and food insecurity than the direct impacts of climate change. The study highlights the need for smarter, inclusive policies that prioritize development goals alongside emissions reduction.
Increasing farm size in China is associated with lower fertilizer and pesticide use per hectare, yet yields remain relatively stable. Removing policies constraining land-use rights could significantly reduce chemical usage while doubling farmers' incomes.
A new study finds persistent disparities in diet quality for SNAP recipients, with lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish/shellfish. Despite some improvements over time, SNAP participants still have the lowest diet quality compared to income-eligible nonparticipants and higher-income individuals.
New research shows that agriculture is kept operational through a mix of family, permanent-hired, outsourced and seasonal labour. The majority of South West farmers now employ contractors for big projects, with 87% relying on them.
Chinese croplands experienced drastic changes in management practices since the 1980s, leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The study found that economics and policy-driven organic inputs dominated SOC sequestration, particularly through crop straw/stover return policies.
A recent study by MLU psychologists found that nearly a third of residents near wind farms experience little to no annoyance from the noise, while one in ten suffer from stress symptoms. The researchers recommend proactive addressing residents' concerns during planning phases and providing early information campaigns.
A new PLOS Biology collection examines the divide between evidence and policy regarding toxic chemicals. The collection reveals barriers to developing health-protective policies despite clear scientific evidence of harm. Authors suggest ways to work toward more effective health-protective policy, including research on chemical exposure...
A new study by UC Santa Cruz and University of Cantabria, Spain, has identified hotspots of coastal risks in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Comparative Coastal Risk Index reveals over 500,000 people living in high-risk areas where coastal hazards and poverty converge.
Research finds that increased conservation spending is effective in reducing biodiversity loss, with countries like Brazil experiencing fewer threats and Chile facing more. A new measurement assigns percentage of responsibility to protect threatened species based on their range within a country.
Global antimicrobial use in animals is projected to rise by 52% by 2030, threatening antibiotic efficacy. Implementing policies such as user fees and stricter regulation could mitigate this trend.
A randomized trial in Sri Lanka found that secure storage of pesticides had no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide. A review of global policies concluded that bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Secure storage is not a sufficient solution to this public health problem.
Two studies in The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health journals found that secure storage has no impact on rates of self-poisoning or suicide, and that national bans are the most effective way to reduce pesticide-related suicides. Improved storage measures were not found to reduce self-poisoning rates.
Three EU-funded projects synthesize research knowledge on high-end climate change impacts and adaptation for key policy sectors. Research highlights potential risks, challenges, and opportunities for transformational change, including innovative solutions for coastal zone adaptation.
A Duke University study reveals that larger patches of tropical forest are being lost worldwide due to industrial-scale agricultural expansion. The trend is most pronounced in Southeast Asia and South America, where clearings for large-scale agriculture account for more than half of all observed forest loss between 2000 and 2012.
Dr. Tim Cross, UTIA chancellor, receives the Southern Extension Service Award for Excellence in Leadership from ASRED for his exemplary service to the national land-grant university system. His work has made a significant impact in areas such as farm management and policy development.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes six graduate students for their policy work, providing them with training and opportunities to meet policymakers. The students will learn about the legislative process and federal science funding, aiming to bridge the gap between science and policy.
Eating whole grains improved gut microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, leading to reduced inflammation and increased memory T cells. The study also found modest effects on TNF-alpha production and immune cell function.
A study by Tufts University found that SNAP participants have a significantly higher risk of all-cause and cardiometabolic mortality, with three-fold higher diabetes mortality compared to non-participants. This highlights the need for policymakers to improve health outcomes among low-income Americans.
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.