
Sustainable Agriculture
Examining innovations to our food system via scientific advancements, public policy and government programs, and technologies from producers, processors, and CPG companies
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Building a Sustainable U.S. Beef System
Sasha Gennet of The Nature Conservancy shares her experience implementing livestock grazing practices with farmers to benefit the local ecosystem's soil, water, and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and a healthier environment.
Conservation, Soil and Crop Management
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Q&A with Future Farmers of America’s Tyler Gardner
Future Farmers of America member, Tyler Gardner, is one hard-working college student. His work at his family’s cranberry marsh has evolved his mission to produce healthy and sustainable food for generations to come.
Soil and Crop Management
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Regenerative Ag: The New ‘Sustainable’
Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming practices that promises to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Each farming operation differs not only in the application of these practices but in their measurement process.
Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management
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5 Benefits of GMOs
GMOs are one of the most controversial topics in mainstream culture, even though they are proven to have many benefits for our farmers, consumers, and the environment.
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Will New Wheat and Barley Genomes Help Feed the World?
Scientists have discovered a new genetic variation in both barley and wheat through genetic sequencing. This global effort to breed higher-yielding crops can help feed a growing population.
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Future of Food
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Meeting Demand: A New Type of Salmon
There's a new breed of salmon that requires less food and water, takes less time to grow, and supports the rural American economy all while having the same health benefits as farmed or wild-caught salmon. Will you buy it?
Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy
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Behind the Scenes with a Local Beef Farmer
Dave and Holly Albert, owners of Misty Mountain Farms, raise cattle for their local Pennsylvanian market. Their operation runs on a strong value system, adherence to conservation, continued profitability, and consumer relationships.
Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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Epicor: Strengthening our Immune Response
As we approach winter, we're pursuing ways to strengthen our immune system. Some of us have recently added EpiCor, a postbiotic, to our balanced diets and have felt its benefits. Let's take a closer look at this supplement...
Animal Welfare and Health, Health
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Farmer & Rancher Election Survey Results
D2D set out with a goal to better understand the issues affecting American farmers - their concerns, hopes, and thoughts about the next four years. Here are our results...
Food Regulations and Policy, Food Trade, Health, Soil and Crop Management
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Trump vs. Biden: Comparing Ag Platforms
Election Day is almost here. So where do Trump and Biden stand on American food and agriculture? We compare the candidates' views on the major issues affecting farmers and ranchers today.
Agricultural Labor, Conservation, Food Regulations and Policy
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Making the Case for Sustainable Aquaculture
More than half the fish we eat comes from fish farms. But some countries' farms operate with little to no health or safety standards and zero traceability. With our rising need for fish, are we willing to pay more for high quality and transparent aquaculture production?
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Safety
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5G’s Revolution: Will Ag be Ready?
5G - the new frontier in technology. For ag, 5G will result in a smarter, more efficient, and more transparent supply chain. So what are some of the technologies that will benefit? And will the broadband infrastructure in rural farmland areas be ready for the leap?
Agricultural Technology, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management
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SOS: Save Our Soil
Today, we are more aware and proactive about soil erosion than ever before. Rumor has it that we only have 60 years of soil left. Is this true? If so, it is the same as losing 30 soccer fields of soil every minute. How is this possible?
Soil and Crop Management
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What is Soil?
We live in a world with a growing population where understanding the importance of vital elements has never been more necessary. Understanding all that sustains us, and keeps us healthy, is critical to our survival. At the root of that is soil.
Soil and Crop Management
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Combating Desertification & Land Degradation
On June 17th of each year, people concerned about the scourge of desertification, land degradation, and drought work to raise awareness and promote solutions to these important issues. Think this day may not pertain to you? Think again...
Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management
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Demanding Equality: Women Farmers in Africa
These women farmers in Africa not only challenge the status quo, but have dramatically improved their local economies...and beyond.
Agricultural Labor, Food Security, Soil and Crop Management
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A Farmer's Life on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Farmers, ranchers, and the industry at large depend on an immigrant workforce to help with food production every year. But how can we continue to fortify an agricultural workforce while protecting farmers at the border?
Agricultural Labor
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Bettering Farms in Zimbabwe...and Beyond
Nyasha Mudukuti of Cornell's Alliance for Science reveals the challenges facing her family's farm in Zimbabwe, and how her plight to save African smallholder farms hangs on educating farmers about ag biotechnology.
Agricultural Technology, Food Security
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Dirty Tactics from EWG’s Dirty Dozen
EWG recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen” produce list, which stokes fears of eating produce with pesticide residues...as if we don't already have enough to fear with COVID. But is EWG right? Or do the benefits of eating produce to maintain our health far outweigh these concerns?
Food Safety, Health, Soil and Crop Management
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Jack Bobo: How We Choose Our Food
Especially during chaotic times like this, we rely on Jack Bobo's insights into our behaviors as food consumers to educate us and help us make better decisions. While we search our supermarket for a new "superfood" to cure us or a "natural" product to make us feel healthier, Jack is searching for the answers to why our brains want us to behave this way and what we can do to better evaluate our purchasing decisions.
Agricultural Technology, Food Production
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Cork & Cow: FFA Spotlight on Emily Matzke
As we celebrate International Women's Day this week, we would like to introduce FFA member, Emily Matzke. Emily is developing a business plan to tie her love of ag and local food products together to create a unique dairy product!
D2D on the Farm
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People and Nature: Thriving Together in the African Grasslands
Michael Doane of The Nature Conservancy returns to Kenya to witness the Northern Rangelands Trust program's success in restoring wildlife while preparing tribal pastoralists and their cattle for a fruitful livelihood.
Animal Welfare and Health, Conservation
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Can Technology Save Urban Farming?
With a growing population and demand for sustainability, innovations in ag are more crucial than ever. Let’s see how pioneers in indoor ag are developing technologies that could prove impactful for our growing needs.
Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food, Soil and Crop Management
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Ag in the Classroom: FFA Spotlight on Lauren LaGrande
Lauren LaGrande, an exemplary member of Future Farmers of America, is on a mission to educate future generations about something that connects all of us – where our food comes from. Here is her story from her point of view...
D2D on the Farm
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D2D's "Nice List" for the Holidays
Here's our "nice list" of helpful posts to keep you healthy, happy and in-the-know through the holidays and into the new year. Everything from delicious, low sugar recipes to global trade and alternative proteins, we've got you covered!
Food Regulations and Policy, Health, Soil and Crop Management
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2 Trade Deals and Plant Food in a Pear Tree: Top News in 2019
2019 has been a wild ride! News about our food and how we get it – from dirt to dinner – have had us on the edge of our seats...
Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety, Food Trade, Soil and Crop Management
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Soil Health: A Personal Chronology of a Global Paradigm Shift
Tillage in croplands is one of the primary drivers of land degradation, but it doesn’t need to be. Join The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane as he experiences zero-tillage cropping systems with farmers in India, and beyond.
Soil and Crop Management
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Coffee: Uniting Our Worlds
Our morning brew is so much more than just another beverage! Each cup connects us with farmers in the rainforests and mountains, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming. To bring our cup of joe to life, we introduce sustainability-rated Colombian coffee producer, Finca El Ocaso.
Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Trade
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The Dirt to Dinner Team: Giving Thanks
The D2D Team has a lot to feel grateful for this holiday season! Here are a few things that we'll be giving thanks to this year as we celebrate with our family and friends.
Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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Our Agricultural Extension Service: From Gardening to Food Safety
Our agricultural extension services program is designed to teach people not just how to farm productively, but how we all can benefit, from gardening to food safety practices. And just in time for a few tips before Thanksgiving!
Soil and Crop Management
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Land Degradation: The History Lesson We Are Still Learning
While the Dust Bowl era is seen as a historical American experience, the reality is different. Agricultural lands around the world continue to degrade. The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane explores this topic in an ongoing series.
Soil and Crop Management
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Are GMOs Bad for the Environment?
On the contrary. In fact, here's a different way to spell the word green: GE – Genetic Engineering. GE technology includes genetically modified organisms, which some critics claim harm the environment. But in reality, GMOs help farmers use pesticides responsibly, conserve water and increase soil health while increasing their crop yield.
Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management
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Packing Social Concerns in the Lunchbox
As a scientist and mom of three young kids, back to school to Dr. Evanega means preparing her kids' lunches with their tastes - and global considerations - in mind.
Agricultural Technology, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Technology
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What Are Dead Zones…and is Ag to Blame?
Each year, “dead zones” – large bodies of water lacking the oxygen needed to support aquatic life - appear all around the world. This summer’s flooding in the Midwest has made it worse. How does this happen? And what can we do?
Climate Change, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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On the Farm & In the Books: FFA Spotlight on Katherine Smith
Katherine Smith, a Future Farmers of America member, strives to help smallholder farmers achieve profitability through financial stability and process improvement, and her mission is to make that happen. Here's her story...
D2D on the Farm
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Can GMOs Make Me Sick?
Concerned if GMOs are harmful to your health? We dug into exactly what happens in our bodies when we eat food that has been grown with a GMO.
Agricultural Technology, Food Safety, Health
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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
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Temple Grandin’s Advice to Fair Oaks Farms
Animal welfare expert Temple Grandin, Ph.D. praised the Fair Oaks Farms' response to the videos showing animal cruelty and suggested some next steps for Fair Oaks to take in a recent post on Meat + Poultry.
Animal Welfare and Health
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Organic Farming & Gene Editing: Oxymoron or Tool for Sustainable Ag?
Agricultural Technology
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The Farm Babe: An Ag Love Story
This is the story of the agricultural advocate, Michelle Miller, or better known as "The Farm Babe". D2D learns first-hand about Michelle's journey from the big city to a rural farm in Iowa, and how it completely changed her views on our food system.
D2D on the Farm
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What's Happening in Ag?
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy
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GMOs are Confusing: A Recipe for Understanding
Consumers continue to be confused about 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
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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
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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
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Waste Not, Want Not: Eat Beer and Drink Sandwiches!
Drink Sandwiches? Eat Beer? 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
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Rallying for our Flooded Farmers
The ongoing flooding in Nebraska and Iowa has pushed many 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
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The Green New Deal: Where's the Beef?
The Green New Deal calls on the U.S. to take a leading role in reducing emissions through “economic transformation.” The references to farming and agriculture’s footprint have generated a lot of discussion among the farming community.
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy
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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
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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
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Saving Chocolate, One 'Kiss' at a Time
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 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
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What's in a name? In this case, quite a bit.
Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food
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California Megafires and the Effects on Agriculture
Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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The Year in Food News: What To Know Before 2019
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Trade
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Animal Antibiotics: Should We Be Concerned?
Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Safety
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In the News: Glyphosate (again)
Conservation, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management
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In the News: European Court Hinders CRISPR Technology
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology
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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
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How will CRISPR impact our food?
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Technology
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Genetic Engineering: The Future Insecticide?
Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management
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D2D on the Farm: Support Local Farms
D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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D2D on the Farm: America's Salad Bowl
D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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D2D on the Farm: GMOs
Agricultural Technology, D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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Are There Hormones in Milk?
Animal Welfare and Health, Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Health
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Sustainable Ag Series: Farmers
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management
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Sustainable Ag Series: Governments
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management
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Sustainable Ag Series: Corporations
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management
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Sustainable Ag Series: NGOs
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Soil and Crop Management
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Water, Water...Everywhere?
Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management
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When is "Science" Truly Science?
Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety
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Farming from the Thermosphere
Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management
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CRISPR: An Innovative Technology in Ag
Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology
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NYT: Reporting Based on Science?
Agricultural Technology, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Safety
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What's the Catch?
Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Regulations and Policy, Food Safety
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Insects: A New Protein Source
Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Technology, Future of Food, Health
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Conventional...or Organic?
Both conventional and organic farmers are subject to standards that make the U.S. food supply the safest in the world.