Sustainable Agriculture

Fair Oaks Farms: Taking Responsibility

Fair Oaks Farms has come under scrutiny for inhumane treatment to its calves. Find out how the farm's CEO has taken responsibility to better the operations of the farm, as well as the industry as a whole.

Animal Welfare and Health

Temple Grandin’s Advice to Fair Oaks Farms

In a recent post on Meat + Poultry, animal welfare expert Temple Grandin, Ph.D. praised Fair Oaks Farms' response to the videos showing animal cruelty and suggested some next steps for Fair Oaks to take.

Animal Welfare and Health

Organic Farming & Gene Editing: Oxymoron or Tool for Sustainable Ag?

Biotechnology can help meet the goals of sustainability and organic farming. Genome editing may draw both biotech and organic proponents to the table for a healthy conversation. To understand why, let's dig into the differences between genome editing with CRISPR and genetic engineering.

Agricultural Technology

The Farm Babe: An Ag Love Story

Have you ever bought something labeled organic or all-natural because it sounded ‘healthier’, even though you didn’t really know what it meant? Or quickly decided that GMOs and antibiotics are bad, without understanding why a farmer uses them? What if I told you that The Farm Babe, one of the most influential social advocates for the science behind agriculture, was once in your shoes?

D2D on the Farm

What's Happening in Ag?

Here is an update on significant news as it relates to agriculture, farming, policy, and the environment.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy

GMOs are Confusing: A Recipe for Understanding

Consumers continue to be confused by GMOs. What if we told you that enhancing your banana bread recipe with additional nutrients is similar in concept to adding a gene to a plant?

Food Ingredients, Food Technology

From the Farm Babe: Who is Dirt-to-Dinner?

Dirt-to-Dinner recently visited Michelle Miller, one of our favorite social media collaborators and the voice behind The Farm Babe. Here, Michelle details a bit of the story behind Dirt-to-Dinner and sheds some light on the importance of partnering with like-minded “Agvocates.”

D2D on the Farm, Food Production

Palm Oil: In Pursuit of Sustainability

Every day, consumers are unwittingly caught in a catch-22. Palm oil, an ingredient in many of the foods we eat and products we use daily, has a reputation for deforestation and habitat destruction. But there is a solution: growing it sustainably.

Food Production

Farmer Jake Leguee on Sustainable Farming

Jake and his family farm approximately 12,000 acres in Saskatchewan, Canada. They grow canola, durum, winter wheat, peas, lentils, soybeans and flax, and have been practicing no-till farming for 20+ years.

Soil and Crop Management

Waste Not, Want Not: Eat Beer and Drink Sandwiches!

Beer manufacturers and breweries are turning spent grains into bread, animal feed and even energy and compost. They are also taking bread and turning it into beer! The efforts of the beer industry point to significant progress in the battle against food waste.

Food Production

AquaBounty Salmon: 5 Questions

A Massachusetts-based company [in March 2019] cleared the last regulatory hurdle from the Food and Drug Administration to sell genetically engineered salmon in the U.S. Animal genomics expert Alison Van Eenennaam, who served on an advisory committee to the FDA to evaluate the AquAdvantage salmon, explains the significance of the FDA’s move and why some have criticized its decision.

Rallying for our Flooded Farmers

The ongoing flooding in Nebraska and Iowa has pushed many farmers over the edge, making the next harvest an impossibility for some. Many have lost their homes, their farms, and their livelihood. Here is how you can help.

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Security

We Need Common Sense to Understand Risk

Glyphosate helps farmers battle weeds. Those who go about scaring us about the risk have taken it to the ridiculous. They have tested to find an infinitesimal trace of glyphosate in beer and wine.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Does glyphosate—the world’s most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans?

Does glyphosate—the world’s most heavily-used herbicide—pose serious harm to humans? What do the world's regulatory health and research agencies conclude about its safety?

Food Future: What will it take to nourish a nation in 2050?

Sustainability encourages acceptance towards multiple types of food production — whether conventional, organic, vertical or hydroponics. Contributed article by Ryan Tipps, Managing Editor, AGDAILY.

Food Production

The Green New Deal: Where's the Beef?

Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal outlines how the ag industry can achieve net-zero emissions in the next ten years, but without any plans. However, farmers have had their own green initiatives in place for years now.

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy

Preparing for Pests: A Gardener's Guide

What is the difference between organic and conventional pesticides? We’ve read about pesticides in our cereal, tea, and food, but what about our natural home garden? Organic pesticides are not always the best option for efficacy and the local ecosystem.

Soil and Crop Management

D2D On the Farm: The Row We Hoe

As consumers crave locally grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat, local farms answer the call. But maintaining a farm and being profitable is a challenge. D2D visits with 4th generation Hindinger Farm in Hamden, Connecticut.

D2D on the Farm

Saving Chocolate, One 'Kiss' at a Time

As you enjoy sweet chocolate confections today, consider this – the cacao tree is under threat from deforestation, pests and diseases, and climate change. Can it be saved by scientific intervention? Ethos Chocolate has come up with a clever promotion to help consumers embrace the possibility.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

What's in a name? In this case, quite a bit.

Cell-based meat, an innovative protein, is being accepted as a viable component of a healthy, robust protein source. But what should we call it?

Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food

California Megafires and the Effects on Agriculture

Wildfires are devastating, not only to the families whose homes are demolished but also to the land and farmers supplying our fruits, vegetables, wine grapes and cattle for dairy and meat production.

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Hemp, Hemp Hooray!

You can eat it, use it as a bag, rub it on your skin, swing from it, and wear it as a pair of jeans. The U.S. has just legalized the production of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Soil and Crop Management

The Year in Food News: What To Know Before 2019

Trade disputes. Scientific debates. Food safety. Plenty of newsworthy food-related topics have made major headlines this year. Let’s look back and see where some of them stand before we enter 2019.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Trade

Why Should We Care About Bees?

Do you think of bees when you walk through the produce aisle? Probably not! But without them, we would not have the plentiful and endless variety of foods

Soil and Crop Management

Animal Antibiotics: Should We Be Concerned?

While there is a strong awareness among the food industry to use antibiotics responsibly to keep animals healthy, all meat, poultry, dairy, and fish are antibiotic free when they reach your grocery store.

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Safety

In the News: Glyphosate (again)

The science tells us that glyphosate is safe to use as directed. Farmers use it because it enables them to use less herbicide and practice no-till farming, which is beneficial for soil health. Why is it still making headlines as a "toxin" in our food?

Conservation, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Feeding the World: One Byte at a Time

The research that is underway at Cornell University's Initiative for Digital Agriculture is – and will be - revolutionary. It will touch the lives of consumers every single day. Here’s how…

Food Production, Food Technology

CO2: The Greatest Fertilizer of All

More CO2 in the atmosphere means stronger, healthier plants. Yes, it is true, carbon dioxide is the perfect fertilizer for all things green. It helps the food we grow withstand drought and increases the yield per acre. Will rising CO2 put our food at risk?

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

What's the Difference between GMOs & CRISPR?

A quick summary to explain the difference between GMO and CRISPR technology.

Food Production, Food Technology

In the News: European Court Hinders CRISPR Technology

The European Court of Justice recently ruled that CRISPR technology must undergo the same extensive regulatory approval process as GMOs.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

Is Glyphosate Safe?

Glyphosate is the most widely used weed killer in the world. Between a recent jury award to a groundskeeper who regularly used Roundup and headlines claiming glyphosate residues in our food, what is going on?

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Carbon Dioxide - The Dance of Life

Without carbon and carbon dioxide we would have unpleasantly cold temperatures, no plants to eat, and no trees to keep the earth in balance.

Climate Change

How will CRISPR impact our food?

CRISPR-Cas9 will soon surpass GMOs as the most influential gene editing technology for food production.

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Technology

Genetic Engineering: The Future Insecticide?

The results of our survey on GMOs in Ag are in!

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Soil Microbes in the Spotlight

As they face the challenges of pests and diseases or regulatory pressure to use less water and less fertilizer, farmers are turning to companies who can provide microbial solutions to help them achieve crop health and environmental sustainability.

Soil and Crop Management

There Is No Such Thing As A Dirty Vegetable

Have you heard the buzz about the dirty dozen? These fruits and veggies have gotten a bad reputation and consumers are being told to buy them only when organically grown. But is this fear justified?

Food Safety

D2D on the Farm: Support Local Farms

Consumers love buying locally grown produce. Some consumers push local farms to go organic, but real support is listening to farmers about what's best for their crops.

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

In the News: Bill Gates gives GMOs a vote of confidence

Bill Gates announced his support of GMOs to raise awareness and highlight the benefits for a growing global population.

Food Production, Food Technology

D2D on the Farm: America's Salad Bowl

Did you know that 80% of the leafy greens and berries grown in the USA during the spring, summer, and fall come from the same region? Join D2D as we explore the farms of Salinas Valley, CA!

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

D2D on the Farm: GMOs

D2D visited a CSA farm in Boynton Beach, FL. One of the most interesting conversations we had was about one of the most heavily debated topics in Ag. You guessed it…GMOs.

Agricultural Technology, D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Are There Hormones in Milk?

Are there hormones in milk? Yes! All milk contains naturally-occurring hormones.

Animal Welfare and Health, Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Health

Sustainable Ag Series: Farmers

What role do farmers play in agricultural sustainability? And how does this affect your food and the environment?

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Governments

What does sustainability mean to government regulators? How do local or national governments work with NGOs, farmers...

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Corporations

What does sustainable agriculture mean to big corporations? Do corporations reach across the aisle to government regulators, NGOs, farmers and consumers...

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: NGOs

What is sustainability? How do non-government organizations (NGOs), corporations, governments, farmers, and consumers address sustainability? And how does this affect you, your food, and the environment?

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Let's Byte into Ag

Big data and data analytics have the power to help create more efficient farming and a safer food supply chain.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

Water, Water...Everywhere?

Farmers are using new technology--from drones and sensors to filters and polymers--to manage and conserve water.

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Soil: It is much more than Dirt

Have you ever thought about what lies beneath our feet? The soil is responsible for 95% of the food we eat and supports human life in multiple ways. Keeping soil healthy is very important.

Soil and Crop Management

Food Safety at Farmers' Markets

Soon farmers’ markets will be bustling as consumers flock to buy fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meat from local farmers. What food safety regulation applies to the food there? The same as or different than the fruits and vegetables we buy at the grocery store?

Food Production, Food Safety

When is "Science" Truly Science?

The phrase "new research shows…” might not always give the most dependable health information. How do we distinguish science from pseudo-science?

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety

Such a Waste!

What if, every day, you bought three bananas and threw one away? Approximately one-third of global food is wasted every year.

Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Security

Farming from the Thermosphere

With the advancement of drone and satellite technology, “precision farming” is taking on a whole new dimension. These technologies help farmers monitor their crops, track animal health, protect the environment, and save resources, like money and time.

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

What is RoundUp?

Glyphosate, or "Roundup" as it is more commonly called, is used around home gardens and agriculture, and specifically is the herbicide used on genetically modified (GM) crops.

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

CRISPR: An Innovative Technology in Ag

The possibilities are endless with CRISPR/Cas9. Let’s see how CRISPR is beginning to affect and enhance our agricultural food supply system.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

NYT: Reporting Based on Science?

The New York Times recently published an article claiming that genetically modified (GM) or engineered (GE) crops have not lived up to their most basic promises that they increased crop yields and reduced overall chemical pesticide usage. Dirt-to-Dinner summarizes the reaction to the article by respected researchers and scientists.

Agricultural Technology, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Safety

The Challenges of Indoor Farming

Reducing environmental stress, economic prosperity, and the ability to provide local produce year round are some of the benefits of indoor farming. But what are the challenges? Why hasn't more growing moved indoors?

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

What's the Catch?

The fish on our plate often comes from all over the world, but we really have no knowledge of exactly where the fish spawned, swam, and was processed. Has the fish on your plate been caught or farmed sustainably? Was it fed a healthy diet before it was harvested?

Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety

Innovations in Indoor Farming

Salad from a rooftop? Tomatoes grown in a warehouse? Microgreens in a freight car? Welcome to the new world of “‘Ponics” and indoor agriculture.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

How Safe is Our Food?

What is being done by the food industry and government agencies to keep you healthy and trust the food you buy?

Food Safety

A Sustainable Shrimp's Tail

Shrimp is the most popular American seafood. But have you ever given any thought as to how it is farmed or caught?

Food Ingredients, Food Production

Going...Going...Local!

Why buy local? Local and regional food economies help non-farming Americans reconnect with all of agriculture.

Food Production, Health, Soil and Crop Management

Insects: A New Protein Source

Looking for a new protein option? Here is what you need to know about insects as a new protein source!

Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Technology, Future of Food, Health

Grass or Grain, Beef is Beef

Whether your meat was fed a grain based meal or foraged for grass, it is still a nutritious source of protein, B-complex vitamins, zinc, iron and phosphorus.

Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Health

Let The Hens Out! Cage Free Eggs

By 2025, the US egg supply will be predominantly cage free. How are chicken producers responding to consumer demand for transparency? What does this mean for the welfare of the chicken?

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Safety

The Regulatory Approval Process for Pesticides

The US EPA regulates pesticides (used in both conventional and organic farming) by a rigorous process that is designed to protect human health.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Conventional...or Organic?

Both conventional and organic farmers are subject to standards that make the U.S. food supply the safest in the world.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

GMO Labeling: What's the Point?

Vermont legislation has announced that effective July 1, the state will require all foods that are made with GMOs to be labeled as such. You might be thinking, “So? What is all the fuss about? Isn’t transparency a good thing?” While that reasoning sounds logical, in this case it does not make sense.