Agriculture

Between 1910 and 1997, America’s Black farmers lost about 90% of the land they owned. The USDA was later found liable for a pattern of extensive discrimination, and in 2010, agreed to pay out more than $1.25 billion to Black farmers. Still today, Black farmers face unique stressors and challenges. Understanding these challenges is critical to building a safe and healthy food system for all.

GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — are a lightning-rod issue. For some, GMO crops represent the height of human ingenuity, and anyone who says otherwise is a science denier. For others, GMOs represent an unprecedented and irreversible experiment on the entirety of life on earth, as we place the power to create life into the hands of transnational corporations whose agenda is monopolistic control of the global food supply. But what is a GMO, where are they found, and how concerned should you be?

Water is an essential part of every form of life on Earth. But by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population may be facing freshwater shortages, and ecosystems around the world may suffer even more. So what can we do to save water so future generations can drink and grow food? A lot! And it can all start with the food on our plates.

When millions of people suffer from malnutrition, either due to insufficient calories or a lack of access to affordable, wholesome food, their health, wealth, resilience, and even their mental clarity are impacted. If we want to create a just and sustainable world, we must tackle the twin issues of food inequality and food insecurity.

Food and climate change: Which foods are the most damaging to the planet? And which foods could help save it? Check out the current state of climate change and see what research says about the impact of certain foods.

Tomatoes are one of the most loved staple foods. They also happen to be an incredible source of nutrition. Like many produce items, homegrown varieties provide more health and flavor benefits compared to store-bought. Luckily, tomatoes grow in many different climates. While they take a little more room to grow than most veggies, you can get huge harvests packed with flavor and nutrients using a few simple strategies. Discover tips for growing your own delicious tomatoes here.

Many growers breed store-bought garlic for shelf life, not flavor or nutrient density. Luckily, growing nutrient-dense garlic varieties takes very little time and effort. You can grow enough garlic for a whole year in a small garden bed. Read on to discover how to grow your own garlic that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients for your health and vitality.

Community gardens are a great way to increase food security, improve public health, and even reduce crime rates. With a variety of setups, locations, and goals, they can play an important role in making healthy, ethical, and sustainable food available to ever more people.

Inga tree alley cropping has transformed the lives of 300 subsistence farming families in Honduras. Its replication across South and Latin America can make a major impact on people and the planet by improving food security, protecting wildlife habitats and water sources, and improving soil quality for years to come.

Sales of organically grown food are booming. But in the US, organic agriculture still lags far behind where it could be. Many farmers are struggling to make the transition to organic as they face a challenging certification process and short-term financial hardship. Fortunately, there are solutions that could make a huge difference.

Internal company records show both Monsanto and BASF knew crop damage from their weed killer would be extensive. They sold it anyway. Read on to find out about their alarming campaign of denial and greed, all at the expense of farmers, food, animals, the environment, and consumers like you.

Also called the “Miracle Tree” and “Tree of Life,” moringa has been heralded as a superfood even more amazing than kale. Research confirms its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive powers. And it’s great for the environment, and can even combat world hunger! Here’s all you need to know about this little-known, yet nutritious, superfood — and superplant.