Agriculture

From Net Zero to Greenwash — Global Meat and Dairy Companies

In March 2021, the biggest meat company in the world, JBS, made an astonishing announcement.

Searching for solidarity in global climate talks

As we approach the global climate talks in Glasgow, there is a rising urgency for countries to ramp up climate action. Equally urgent is the need to create a meaningful, productive space for effective global cooperation.

United States farmers, food and trade justice advocates call on Biden administration to reorient approach to global food and agriculture issues

MINNEAPOLIS—Today, in advance of World Food Day, more than 65 United States-based farmers, food and trade justice advocates delivered a letter to the Biden administration urging the U.S.

US Farm, Food and Trade Justice Advocates Call on Biden Administration to Reorient Approach to Global Food and Agriculture Issues

Maine tackles forever chemicals contaminating food and farms

Maine has become the leading edge in both understanding the destructive consequences of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination of food and farmland and identifying and adopting comprehensive policy solutions to address these consequences.

Africa’s green revolution initiative has faltered: Why other ways must be found

The following article was originally published on The Conversation on September 14, 2021. 

United Nations squanders opportunity for binding commitments to end hunger sustainably

On Thursday, September 23, the United Nations will host a one-day summit meeting in New York on food systems. You would think they had it all — a great topic (who does not eat?) and great timing, too, as the collective failure to halt the pandemic continues to push the number of people living with food insecurity higher, while unprecedented experiments with social protection programs and universal income point to the potential for transformative change and a redefinition of the social contract that binds citizens and their governments.

United States and European Union methane pledge a positive first step, lacks serious consideration of industrial agriculture’s emissions

MINNEAPOLIS/BERLIN—Today, the United States and the European Union announced a joint pledge to reduce methane emissions 30% by 2030.

Time to transition to agroecology in Africa

As COVID-19 threatens farming communities across Africa already struggling with climate change, the continent is at a crossroads. Will its people and their governments continue trying to replicate industrial farming models promoted by developed countries? Or will they move boldly into the uncertain future, embracing ecological agriculture?

Important new United Nations report calls for redirection of public finance for agriculture

This week, three United Nations agencies released an important report examining public subsidies for agriculture in 88 countries around the world. According to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), the report is timely and important.