Agriculture

Raw milk sparks heated debates — celebrated by some for its purported health benefits while condemned by others for its supposed risks. Does raw milk offer superior nutrition compared to pasteurized milk? Are there valuable probiotics in raw milk? Can lactose-intolerant people drink raw milk without symptoms? How dangerous are pathogens found in raw milk, and how common? This article dives deep into the controversies, separating fact from fiction so you can make an informed choice.

Chicken eggs are controversial. Some people call them a nutrient-rich superfood, while others say they can harm your health. Ovo-vegetarians consume them, but their vegan friends do not. Eggs aren’t flesh, and laying hens aren’t killed for their eggs, but they may still contribute to animal deaths and suffering. So, what’s the truth about eggs? Are eggs healthy, ethical, or sustainable? Can they be? And if you eat them, what are the best options?

Many foods sold in the United States are banned or fiercely regulated in other countries due to potentially harmful additives, growth promoters, genetically engineered ingredients, herbicides, or dangerous ingredients. Find out what you need to know about these foods and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What if the cost of groceries isn’t actually realistic? While retail food prices are stabilizing, the hidden costs of food production — from environmental damage to social impacts — continue to rise. Discover the concept of true cost accounting, a method that uncovers our food system's real economic, environmental, and health costs and how we can shift toward more sustainable and equitable solutions.

Have you ever considered combining travel with hands-on experience in sustainable living? WWOOFing lets you work on organic farms around the world in exchange for food and lodging. You can immerse yourself in local cultures, make new friends, and gain valuable skills — all while helping small farms thrive. Find out more and discover how to get started WWOOFing.

This article from nonprofit media organization Grist delves into the ongoing evasion of animal agriculture’s impact on climate change and explores the urgent need for a transformative approach to the global food system.

Corn is one of the most widely eaten foods in the world. It’s also incredibly versatile. You’ll find corn in baked goods and bread, popped as a snack, grilled on the cob, fed to cows, used to fuel cars, and as the base ingredient for a huge range of processed foods and additives. But is corn good for you? And how do you choose the healthiest corn to eat?

In a world of increasing climate chaos, farmers are more and more vulnerable to extreme weather events that threaten their livelihoods. Farming can be hard work under the best of circumstances, and a changing world is making matters harder and impacting farmers’ mental health. This article from Nexus Media News sheds light on the urgent need for culturally appropriate mental health services and stronger community support systems to help farmers navigate increasingly turbulent times.

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns. So is it a good idea to include strawberries in your diet? And if you do, what are the best ways to minimize the risks and potential harms while still taking advantage of their robust nutrition and health benefits?

Not all US farmers fit into the stereotype of an old white man in flannel and overalls. There is a growing queer agricultural contingent seeking increased inclusivity and community. LGBTQ+ farmers challenge historical barriers in agriculture, while also leading the way in envisioning (and bringing to fruition) a more equitable and sustainable farming future, where anyone can grow healthy food, and everyone can thrive.

Climate change is turning modern agriculture into a risky proposition, with droughts and heat waves threatening production around the globe. Hydroponics may be part of the solution. Using artificial lighting, circulating water, carefully controlled nutrient solutions, and no soil, hydroponic systems can allow us to grow crops anywhere, anytime, regardless of latitude or season. And they could be a helpful option for home gardeners as well. But how do you get started? And what are the easiest fruits and veggies to grow hydroponically?

Organic fruits and vegetables cost more than conventional ones — sometimes a lot more. But if you want to avoid pesticide exposure, is it always necessary to choose organic? Or are some conventional fruits and veggies less contaminated? In this article, we go in-depth into the Environmental Working Group’s US-based report on the twelve dirtiest and fifteen “cleanest” produce items of 2024, to help you make smart decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful pesticides.