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new Cruijssen is developing techniques at the Zero Hunger Lab to identify these people. He does this using data that is publicly available at municipalities, such as poverty maps, unemployment figures, and house prices. “It is not possible to provide a list of people who are likely to qualify for the food bank because of the GDPR, so instead we make predictions about streets and neighborhoods where it is likely that many people who live there will qualify. If there is a significant difference between the data and the number of people that seek assistance from a food bank, this will stand out and action can be taken by the local food bank.”... — Tilburg University, 8h ago
new Humanity is at risk if there is no transition away from an extractive growth model to a greener one. Developing nations, such as Colombia, often run deficits in energy and food while exporting low-value goods relative to their imports. Africa’s largest crude oil exporter, Nigeria, imports nearly all its fuel. Seven in 10 economies import more food than they export. Consequently, developing nations suffer a structural trade deficit that leads to a weakening currency and the need to borrow dollars. Poor nations under such a regime transfer about $2tn a year to rich ones, studies suggest. — the Guardian, 12h ago
new Productive, healthy animals are essential to omnivores’ access to food and financial security, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where animal husbandry is a significant industry. Over 1.3 billion people raise livestock worldwide, according to the Health for Animals Organisation. This highlights how important it is to prevent and control animal diseases in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and benefit society as a whole. — marketresearchblog.org, 18h ago
new Particularly striking in this regard are the attempts made to shift the blame onto the poor and high birth rates. These are falsities that must be firmly dispelled. It is not the fault of the poor, since the almost half of our world that is more needy is responsible for scarcely 10% of toxic emissions, while the gap between the opulent few and the masses of the poor has never been so abysmal. The poor are the real victims of what is happening: we need think only of the plight of indigenous peoples, deforestation, the tragedies of hunger, water and food insecurity, and forced migration. Births are not a problem, but a resource: they are not opposed to life, but for life, whereas certain ideological and utilitarian models now being imposed with a velvet glove on families and peoples constitute real forms of colonization. The development of many countries, already burdened by grave economic debt, should not be penalized; instead, we should consider the footprint of a few nations responsible for a deeply troubling “ecological debt” towards many others (cf. ibid., 51-52). It would only be fair to find suitable means of remitting the financial debts that burden different peoples, not least in light of the ecological debt that they are owed. — Watts Up With That? • The world's most viewed site on global warming and climate change, 21h ago
new Living in Israel, I saw how well the manufacturing of history and the dehumanization of Palestinians worked to create a society and culture that celebrates and demands the death of Palestinians. Palestinians are being portrayed as wanting to enact genocide by chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a chant that represents liberation from occupation and equality for all. However, it is Israelis and Zionists who not only use fascist, genocidal rhetoric,, but also materially make it so: enacting pogroms; enforcing enclosures and blockades; turning off power, food, and water supplies to millions; demolishing homes; and ethnic cleansing as the entire world has seen time and time again and especially in this bloody, ruthless campaign to eviscerate Gaza. The surgeon Ghassan Abu Sitta, who has been working tirelessly in Gaza with countless wounded, correctly framed this as such: “We are facing a killing machine masquerading as a state.” The clarity of this moment shows that as much as Palestinians are dedicated to life, water, and land, Israel and Zionists are as dedicated to death and destruction. — Truthout, 20h ago
new Urban farming is gaining traction as the world grapples with food security and limited space. Leverage this trend by offering sustainable vertical gardens for individuals and businesses. Design modular systems that maximize the usage of limited space while enabling the growth of various plants. Promote eco-friendly practices and use organic materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Collaborate with local restaurants and chefs to create farm-to-table experiences. Capitalize on the increasing interest in homegrown produce and establish your brand as a leader in urban farming. — Techiexpert.com, 1d ago

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new The document calls for urgent responses to speed up the energy transition guaranteeing "equity and justice", inviting people to embrace a circular model to live "a balanced and dignified life in harmony with nature". It also appelas to businesses to switch from fossil fuels to clean energy sources; and to governments to promote sustainable agriculture in full guarantee of food security and protection of ecosystems. "No one must be left behind," reads the text, emphasising "the needs of all people, especially children, vulnerable communities facing disaster and conflict, young people, women, and Indigenous Peoples, as well as animals and nature, must be at the center of our endeavors". — vaticannews.va, 1d ago
new Dr. Althaf emphasised, “This event has been growing each year, promoting a sense of connection with Qatar’s food heritage and contributing to our food security. Qatar has made remarkable progress in local production, with many items now locally produced. This initiative is vital in maintaining momentum, especially in times of political crises and climate changes. We are partnering with close to more than 70 farmers in Qatar, showcasing our commitment to promoting Qatari products.”... — thepeninsulaqatar.com, 1d ago
new Canada has limited but epic failed sectors likeBanks - controlled 6 banks are inefficient and are there to rob customers Telecom - limited companies milk customers with hefty plans Medical - no attention unless condition becomes emergency , assisted dying is suggested as best treatment Education - worst public education system with zero quality I see very few Canadians in tech and few Canadian startup companies , no innovation , no space programImmigration - lot of useless people who are economic liability in future , example bring people from war and terrorism torn countries without any criteriaNon productive population - drugs weeds are encouraged, immigrant people contributing to plumbing , electrician, taxi, security guards etc with zero economic impact but reaping all social securityTaxation - very high taxation with limited benefits and citizen pay tax so that huge useless population can enjoy free medical, education and infrastructure, 95 % people who are struggling to meet ends for food, house etcGlobal clout - Zero global influence, china, india usa don't consider it is important country on world stageHousing: unaffordable housing due to offloading of black money from China and other countriesActually half of canada is owned by ChinaSo the economy is tightly controlled and the local population is sidelined and economy is down the hillDo you see the same future of canada? It nightmare scenario for the country in next 10 years ?#misc... — Blind, 1d ago
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new Countries Commit USD 890 Million to Accelerate Agricultural Innovation and Address Climate and Food Crises
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Agri-food systems, the next frontier of climate action need science for fair and equitable solutions

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The transition affects food supplies and diets essential to human wellbeing. Individuals' food preferences are also determined by personal, cultural and religious meanings that can be resistant to change. Without just transition policies, dietary change could disrupt food prices and access, leading to adverse effects for low-income and food-insecure communities, as well as losing public support through disrupting culturally embedded practices. — tabledebates.org, 11d ago
This global awareness campaign asks diners and hospitality businesses around the world a crucial question – 'How can we eat differently today to build a better tomorrow?'. #EatForTomorrow shares inspirational stories and future-proofing innovative solutions from restaurants and businesses who are already impacting the future of our food systems. In Hong Kong, The Sustainable Restaurant Association has joined forces with five change-making organisations, businesses and spokespeople to tell the story of how they are impacting the future of food. The campaign features Chef Vicky Lau, founder of Michelin Green-Starred restaurant Mora and Two-Michelin-Starred restaurant Tate Dining Room, Zero Foodprint Asia in collaboration with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Rooftop Republic in collaboration with Something Wild restaurant and Farmacy in collaboration with Le Meridien Cyberport. The campaign looks at the future of food through four lenses: 'A Better Future for Farming', 'Preserving Biodiversity', 'Eating More Plants' and 'Sourcing Sustainable Seafood'. Sharing 20 incredible stories from Hong Kong, Singapore, UK & UAE encouraging more people, policy makers and businesses to get on board with protecting our food systems for the future. By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion.* The challenge we face now is building a resilient food system for the future, finding clever, sustainable ways to increase, fortify and rebalance food production and distribution in ways that don't harm the environment or exacerbate the climate crisis. With decisive action, there is no doubt that we can play a role in feeding the growing global population. The good news is that the world is full of visionaries: farmers, entrepreneurs, chefs and activists who are already busy building a food system that works in tandem with nature, considers the climate, inspires consumers and shows the way forward. Transforming food systems is a complex task – but changing our eating habits now is the first step forward. The four key themes of the campaign distil down the actions that we can take to best impact the system: A Better Future for Farming: How can we feed a growing population while also safeguarding and nourishing the natural environment? The journey begins in the fields, where the transformation of farming is crucial for the health of our planet. Sharing how farmers are offering solutions like regenerative, vertical and urban farming to feed the planet and restore the environment. Taking a closer look at regenerative farming, a practice that puts nature first by mimicking natural cycles, building healthy soil, restoring biodiversity and sequestering carbon. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture could be 6% lower each year by 2030 if even one-fifth of farmers adopted "climate-smart" agriculture such as regenerative farming. In Hong Kong, we will tell the story of Zero Foodprint Asia and their partnership with a farm in the Northern Territories. Zero Foodprint Asia (ZFPA) is a registered charitable organization in Hong Kong, mobilizing the food world around agricultural climate solutions by 'closing the loop' within Asia's food and hospitality sector. Through its Restore Fund grant program, ZFPA enables smallholder farmers to grow food alongside nature-positive, biodiverse ways; while allowing chefs, restaurant owners and diners to contribute to preserving indigenous cultivation practices, improving soil health, and restoring our climate. Urban farming is a clever approach that brings food production into cities. Not only does this reduce food miles and transportation costs, but it can also improve local air quality, make better use of urban space and bring economic and social benefits to the surrounding communities. We delve into a story on urban farming with Hong Kong's Rooftop Republic, highlighting their thriving micro-greens farm at Something Wild. Plus, looking at the work Farmacy do with many restaurants and hotels in the city. Preserving Biodiversity: Of the nearly 300,000 known edible species across the planet, only 150-200 are eaten by humans; nearly 60% of all human calories from plants come from just three sources. We need to diversify our diets to protect species from extinction, and to reduce the need for intensive farming. To address this, we're celebrating provenance and honouring our food heritage, speaking to chefs who are increasing biodiversity through initiatives like seed saving, the revival of ancient grains, rearing heritage breeds and respecting indigenous food practices. In Hong Kong we take a look at Lai Chi Wo community and farm. Nestled in the northeast New Territories of Hong Kong, Lai Chi Wo is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Hakka walled villages, set in an area of great natural beauty and rich biodiversity. For centuries, the indigenous community here worked in tandem with the natural surroundings of Lai Chi Wo, using traditional agricultural practices and food systems. Working with the locals, Centre for Civil Society and Governance at The University of Hong Kong initiated the village revitalisation and resumed the traditional practices with sustainable farming approach that nourishes the soils, protect biodiversity and produce nutrient-rich crops for the villagers. Eating More Plants: The narrative will centre around how consumers can make a real difference simply by embracing a shift towards more plant-focused eating. Discover the diversity and benefits of nutritious veggies, as well as looking at plant-based meat substitutes and alternative protein sources. We tell the story of Vicky Lau and her restaurant Mora where the entire menu is based around tofu. Vicky Lau is an acclaimed chef, and the founder and chef-proprietor of Mora restaurant, which is nestled into the historic street of Upper Lascar Row. The restaurant's hyper-seasonal menu is defined by the versatility of soy - a pinnacle ingredient that is pillar to Asian culinary tradition. Stemming from Chef Vicky Lau's French x Chinese cooking roots, Mora's dishes are categorised by texture with recipes that highlight precious ingredients through the manipulation of soy. Sustainable Seafood: Highlighting improvements in how we source seafood to better protect our marine environment, preserve biodiversity and maintain the health of our oceans. Discovering what restaurants should look for in seafood suppliers and how diners can help. We will showcase this in several ways, including delving into the work at Cornwall's environmentally positive Westcountry Mussels, a supplier to many Food Made Good accredited restaurants, and the UAE's Dibba Bay Oysters. Juliane Caillouette Noble, Managing Director of The SRA, said: "Climate change and food insecurity means we are faced with a big-picture challenge: how can we build a resilient food system for the future, finding clever, sustainable ways to increase food production in ways that don't harm the environment or exacerbate the climate crisis? To protect tomorrow's resources, we need to make a shift in what we eat, where it comes from and how it is produced. Food choices matter – and farmers, fishers, suppliers, chefs, diners and citizens all over the world have a role to play in driving change for a better food future. There is no better moment: this is a pivotal time to build momentum for this discussion and eat our way to a better future." For more information please visit: https://thesra.org/ *9.7 billion on Earth by 2050, but growth rate slowing, says new UN population report | UN News Hashtag: #EatForTomorrowhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sustainable-restaurant-associationhttps://www.instagram.com/foodmadegood/... — SME Business Daily Media, 26d ago
Governments can address the magnitude of malnutrition afflicting children and adolescents worldwide with a well-funded, nutritionist-monitored midday meal provision for students, as well as with food subsidies that ensure adequate food security for all, especially low-income households. For interventions to be effective, governments will need to address the socioeconomic dimensions underpinning both malnutrition and obesity. Fighting obesity and malnutrition-related diabetes through such a public food program strategy would be an investment that countries like India should pursue to reduce health care costs down the line and contribute to the health of future generations. — Scientific American, 25d ago
Armed with these powerful new medications, policymakers, physicians, and society can further turn away from championing priorities that will combat the root causes of the obesity epidemic and lead to better health for all, such as restructuring the workweek to help individuals better manage stress and get sufficient sleep, making urban and suburban areas more walkable or rideable, eliminating food deserts, putting stricter regulations on the quality of our water and food, or limiting the quantities of chemicals such as BPAs (which have been implicated as a cause of obesity) in our natural environment. — KevinMD.com, 17d ago
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the introduction of Freight Farms, a cutting-edge vertical farming solution that enables year-round production of fresh, local produce. This approach to farming will not only contribute to combating food insecurity but will also serve as an educational hub for young individuals to explore the intersection of technology and agriculture. — verticalfarmdaily.com, 14d ago
Consumers are encouraged to embrace these new, sustainable culinary options and support the advancement of a more environmentally conscious and healthy approach to food consumption. By doing so, they contribute to the fight against food insecurity and environmental degradation. — eitfood.eu, 28d ago

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new Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most crucial oil and protein crops, and contribute to more than a quarter of the protein utilized in both food and animal feed. It is widely acknowledged that cultivated soybean emerged through the domestication of its annual ancestor in the Yellow River basin. Therefore, the exploration of genetic resources within the origin region bears immense significance in advancing the global frontiers of soybean breeding.In comparison to the cultivar of Williams 82, ZH13 boasts higher genetic diversity and ecological type of origin reign. Furthermore, ZH13 is an ideal variety in the breeding strategy called “Potalaization”, which allows breeding of novel widely adapted soybean varieties through the use of multiple molecular tools in existing elite widely adapted varieties. To date, however, soybean genome analyses are incomplete and contain many gaps, which have so far limited in-depth investigations into its properties.To address this, a joint team of researchers from China, including senior author and co-corresponding author Dr. Yadong Wang from the Center for Bioinformatics, School of Computer Science and Technology at the Harbin Institute of Technology, and co-corresponding author Dr. Tianfu Han from the Institute of Crop Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, conducted a telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assembly of the Chinese soybean cultivar Zhonghuang 13 (ZH13), termed ZH13-T2T. The study was published in The Crop Journal.“Imagine you have a giant jigsaw puzzle, but it’s missing some pieces. This puzzle is like the genetic code, or the “recipe,” of ZH13. The missing pieces are like gaps in our understanding of this recipe,” explained by Dr. Yang Hu, co-corresponding author of the study. “In this effort, we used a super-advanced and precise method to find and fit in all those missing pieces. With this powerful tool, we could see everything—even the tricky parts that were hidden before”.The researchers used a multi-assembler approach to minimize biases and enhance assembly accuracy. Their assembly spanned 1,015,024,879 base pairs (bp), effectively filling in all the gaps from the previous analyses. In the process, they identified over 50,000 protein-coding genes, of which 707 are novel. ZH13-T2T was found to have longer chromosomes, 421 not-aligned regions (NARs), 112 structure variations (SVs), and a significant expansion of repetitive elements compared to earlier analyses.“We’ve delivered the first complete Chinese soybean cultivar T2T genome,” said Dr. Bo Liu, the other co-corresponding author. The complete, accurate genome sequence of the ZH13 cultivar can now be used to identify crucial genes, and genetic variants linked to desirable traits.”This information would also contribute to accelerating soybean breeding programs to develop new cultivars with specific enhanced traits, crop yields, improved resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptability to different regions and climates.“For instance, researchers can use the genomic information to manipulate specific genes that encode improvements in soybean traits, such as photothermal adaptability, oil content, protein quality, or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors," concluded by Baiquan Sun, an author of the study. — newswise.com, 1d ago
new In light of urbanization and its profound implications on public health, community gardens emerge as a compelling solution. As cities expand, green spaces diminish, contributing to sedentary lifestyles and limited access to fresh, nutritious food. Community gardens, however, offer a promising remedy to these urban health challenges. This article delves into the transformative potential of community gardens, examining both their myriad benefits and the nuanced challenges they face in urban settings. From physical and mental well-being to addressing food insecurity, these green havens present a holistic approach to nurturing healthier urban communities. — LA Progressive, 1d ago
new In a recent working paper (Sangani 2023), I revisit inflation rates experienced by different income groups using micro-data on food products. I find evidence of a systematic link between upstream costs and inflation inequality, leading to excessive food inflation rates for low-income households from 2020–2023. This excessive inflation is not due to higher expenditures on aggregate categories like food and utilities (e.g. Jaravel 2022, Hormuth et al. 2023, Cavallo 2023, Soldani et al. 2023), but to differences in inflation rates across products in narrowly defined categories. These results suggest that prices of low-end products grew at double the rate of prices of high-end products from 2020–2023. — CEPR, 1d ago
new In parallel, the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s latest flagship report highlights the exorbitant hidden economic costs of agrifood systems in Western Asia, exceeding $560 billion annually, largely driven by unhealthy diets. Global dietary patterns are shifting towards higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages, contributing to the food system’s global CO2 emissions (20-35%), and undernutrition, obesity, and other dietary risks for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) constitute the biggest cause (19%) of ill-health and premature death globally. — World Obesity Federation, 1d ago
new From extreme heat to the spread of infectious disease, global food security to air pollution, LSHTM researchers are exploring how climate change is affecting our shared health and solutions that tackle both the climate crisis and could lead to a healthier future for people around the world. — LSHTM, 1d ago
new Forum for the Future, one of the world’s leading international sustainability non-profits with a 26 year track record, works to influence the arc of change towards a just and regenerative future. We inspire change-actors to step up their ambition, stretch their vision and find pathways that are systemic, strategic and tackle root causes of our current crises. We focus on influencing the shape of 3 transitions: to renewable energy, to a sustainable food system and a transition in the purpose of business. We partner with influential organisations in business, civil society, government and philanthropy and host national and international multi-stakeholder projects from our 4 geographic offices: (Americas, UK/Europe, India and South-East Asia) driving deep systemic change. We operate as a global team, delivering both international and local projects. As a dynamic, international leader with a deep commitment to creating a better future, you will play a pivotal role in creating this change. — tabledebates.org, 1d ago

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FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said, “In the face of escalating global challenges: food availability, food accessibility and food affordability; climate crisis; biodiversity loss; economic slowdowns and downturns; worsening poverty; and other overlapping crises, the future of our agrifood systems hinges on our willingness to appreciate all food producers, big or small, to acknowledge these true costs, and understand how we all contribute to them, and what actions we need to take.”... — thefencepost.com, 27d ago
According to the World Bank's Global Economic Prospects Report (2022), an ideal inflation rate of 2.5 percent for developed economies and 3 percent for developing countries would be achieved by the end of 2023. However, the inflation rate in Nigeria has increased by over 11 percentage points from 15.60 percent in January 2022 to 26.70 percent in September 2023, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The end is not yet in sight for the current cycle of high inflation in the country. The rising trend in inflation in Nigeria is hurting the economy by eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians, making it more difficult for the poor to afford essential goods such as food, housing, education, and healthcare. It is also preventing many SMEs from operating profitably, thereby hurting job creation. Disaggregating the consumer price index, NBS data shows that between January and September 2023, core inflation – which excludes goods with volatile prices such as food and fuels – steadily rose from 17.2 percent to 21.84 percent, and food inflation increased from 25 percent to 30.64 percent. The Northern region of the country, where most agricultural production occurs, experienced even higher food price inflation. And while rural inflation has exceeded 30 percent in many states in the region, the prices of goods and services like housing and transport have surged in most of the urban cities to 28.68 percent.As is usually the case, these higher inflation rates have been especially damaging to the poor and vulnerable. These people are often less able to afford price increases and are more likely to work in the informal economy where incomes and salaries are often lower and less likely to be indexed to inflation. Several factors have contributed to Nigeria's growing inflation rates in recent times, ranging from external and internal risks to internal structural challenges. The persistent rise in the prices of energy and food commodities globally, the attendant supply chain interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine-Russia crisis are some of the external factors that have impacted the prices of goods and services in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian economy is also beset by several structural issues including overdependence on foreign exchange revenue from crude oil and a weak manufacturing base. The recent removal of petrol subsidies and introduction of market exchange rate policy have combined with long-term factors including infrastructure deficits and insecurity – which greatly affects farmers and frustrates efforts to stimulate economic activities – to trigger hyperinflation in the country. The NBS data confirms the high inflationary impact of the policies of President Bola Tinubu who came into office on 29 May 2023. Between June and September this year, the inflation rate jumped by approximately 4 percentage points, from 22.79 to 26.70 percent. Despite this negative impact of his policies in the immediate term, the administration has to support a downward trend of inflation over the long run.The main responsibility for achieving price stability is with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its control of money supply and setting of interest rate. The money supply increased steadily during the tenure of Godwin Emiefele as CBN governor. The currency in circulation grew by 80 percent from N1.67 trillion in May 2015 to N3.01 trillion in December 2022, as per CBN’s Money and Credit Statistics. This is attributable to the poor management and operations of the bank, which was characterised by the incessant printing of money as the then government relied heavily on direct borrowing from the CBN to fund its budget deficits. The over-use of the CBN’s Ways and Means Advances to the government saw the balance of the account increase from N590 billion in April 2015 to N22.7 trillion in December 2022. The CBN had wanted to address the naira liquidity surfeit by changing the currency. However, due to the poor implementation of the plan, the money in circulation only reduced from its level at the end of last year to N982 billion in February 2023. The naira redesign was wittingly or unwittingly tied to the last electoral cycle. Since the February 2023 general elections, the money supply has continued to increase, reaching N2.66 trillion this past August. The CBN, under its current leadership, must avoid its past mistakes while the government must support independent and sound monetary policymaking by curtailing its borrowing from the reserve bank. Overall fiscal prudence is necessary to reduce the upward pressure on prices. Despite the current demand pressure that is driving up the exchange rate of the naira, the current reform targeted towards the unification of rates in the official and parallel markets is a good step in the right direction. By reducing speculation on the value of the national currency, the reform will help stabilise the value of the naira in the longer term, with the effect of stabilising the prices of goods – both foreign- and locally-produced. The CBN must be courageous in enacting a tighter monetary policy. Most central banks, including the US Fed and the European Central Bank, aggressively raised interest rates to curb growth in inflation in their jurisdictions. This was done despite their awareness of the risk posed by the policy strategy to economic growth. The timeliness of such intervention and the management of the associated risk through other measures are proving to be effective – although global economic conditions remain concerning.For Nigeria, any consideration for interest rate hikes must factor in the large contribution of the removal of subsidies on petrol and market exchange rate. The impacts of these policies may linger – especially if oil prices remain above $90 per barrel or higher – and blunt the potential impact of interest rate increases in slowing price growth. An additional consideration on imported inflation is the likely continuation of supply shocks to food and energy, given lingering and new untoward geopolitical events – including the Russia-Ukraine war and the tension in the Middle East. So far, inflation has trended upward as the CBN has increased its Monetary Policy Rate. This leaves the reserve bank with a money supply as its veritable tool for fighting inflation.The so-called loan-for-infrastructure policy of the past administration contributed in large part to the inflationary environment. The current administration should, therefore, more carefully rationalise its expenditure, prioritising key productive sectors that would spur economic growth. In this regard, significant public investments should be allocated to directly and effectively support the agriculture and manufacturing sectors to improve the domestic supply of food and other essential consumer goods. To deliver on its onerous responsibility of price stability, the CBN needs public and investor confidence. This will come about only if it is perceived to be independent of political control. Therefore, the best way for the government to support this core mandate of the central bank is to not interfere with its policymaking directly or indirectly by making the CBN its automated teller machine like its predecessor did.Olusola Dahunsi, PhD, who is a chartered accountant, is a lecturer and researcher. — Financial Nigeria International Limited, 19d ago
Malnutrition in all its forms (underweight, overweight, and micronutrient-deficiency) heightens a person’s vulnerability to infections, fuelling a harmful cycle of adverse health outcomes. Meanwhile, the constant struggle to secure adequate nutrition – even to avoid starvation – takes a toll on one’s mental health, leading to anxiety, stress, depression, and more. As a recent United Nations report underscores, the right to food and the right to health are inextricably linked. — Khaleej Times, 25d ago
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new Scope and PurposeOur report is a comprehensive guide designed to equip industry stakeholders with actionable information. It covers various aspects of the non-gmo feed market, including market dynamics, competition, growth avenues, challenges, and regional variations. This information goes beyond mere descriptions; it is intended to help stakeholders make critical decisions that can shape their strategies and endeavors in the market.Request for Sample Report:https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Non-GMO-Feed-Market/request-for-sample-reportPromising Comprehensive AnalysisTo fulfill our promises, we commit to providing a comprehensive analysis that leaves no stone unturned. We pledge to unravel the factors propelling the market's growth, dissecting shifts in consumer preferences and technological breakthroughs that are driving the demand for non-gmo feed products. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that challenges and obstacles are part of any industry landscape, and we vow to illuminate these hurdles, be it economic uncertainties or the intense competition that often characterizes such markets.Some of the major companies in the Non-GMO Feed market are as follows: Scratch and Peck Feeds, Modesto Milling, Creek Farms, New Country Organics, Kraft Heinz, Givaudan, Unilever, ConAgra, 2 Sisters Food Group, Nestle, The Hain Celestial Group, General Mills, Dr. Schar, Zeeland Farm Services, Canadian Organic Feeds, Riverside Feeds, Purina, Nature's Best, Texas Natural Feeds, Hiland Naturals, FW Cobs, SunOptaGuiding the Path ForwardOur report extends an invitation to its readers to explore its contents and sets the stage for uncovering the competitive landscape. It introduces the major players in the non-gmo feed market and their strategies, offering insights into what makes them thrive. This insight-rich analysis is meant to guide others on their path forward - whether it's to navigate the competition more effectively or to find inspiration in successful strategies.Anticipation of InsightsRecognizing that the market is not monolithic but rather a composition of various segments, the report pledges to provide a nuanced understanding of these segments. It promises to detail their sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends. This targeted knowledge assists stakeholders in carving out specialized strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.Balancing Forces and Strategic ImplicationsBy elucidating both the driving forces and potential obstacles, the report paints a holistic picture of the market dynamics. It enables industry stakeholders to navigate the competitive landscape with a deeper understanding of the forces at play. Manufacturers can align their innovation efforts with consumer preferences and regulatory trends, thereby enhancing their market position. Investors and decision-makers can be better prepared to address economic uncertainties and supply chain vulnerabilities. Overall, this section equips readers with insights to make strategic decisions that account for both growth opportunities and challenges in the non-gmo feed market.Exploring the Competitive LandscapeThe section dedicated to the competitive landscape of the non-gmo feed market offers an intricate exploration of the market's key players, their strategies, and their impact on the industry. This segment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics, the role of major companies, and the strategies they employ to thrive.Segment CharacteristicsThe report initiates the analysis by outlining the unique characteristics that define each segment. Whether these segments are categorized based on product types, customer demographics, use cases, or other distinguishing factors, the report provides a clear picture of how these segments are defined and differentiated.Market SizeUnderstanding the size of each market segment is crucial for gauging its significance within the overall market landscape. The report likely provides quantitative data to illustrate the market share and contribution of "Product Type" and "Application" segments to the entire non-gmo feed market. This information helps stakeholders appreciate the relative importance of each segment.Growth PotentialBeyond current market size, the report delves into the growth potential of these segments. It explores factors such as emerging trends, consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and regulatory influences that could drive the future expansion of these segments. This forward-looking perspective aids stakeholders in identifying where the market's growth opportunities lie.Key TrendsThe analysis likely captures the key trends specific to each segment. Whether it's changing consumer preferences, evolving technology adoption, or shifting regulatory landscapes, the report provides insights into the forces shaping the behavior of "Product Type" and "Application." These trends inform stakeholders about the directions these segments might take in the coming years.Strategic InsightsThe segment analysis extends beyond descriptive data to offer strategic insights. By understanding the characteristics, potential, and trends of "Product Type" and "Application," industry participants can make informed decisions. Manufacturers can tailor their product development strategies to meet the demands of these segments, and marketers can create targeted campaigns to reach specific customer groups.Market Segmentation:Product Type: Cakes and Meals, Feed Cereals, Co-Products From Food Sector, Oil and Fats, Others... — openPR.com, 1d ago
new War worsens these problems. A common misconception is that market shocks come from “acts of God” like natural disasters or pandemics. But political events, including armed conflicts, are far more common causes of day-to-day instability in global markets. There are some straightforward reasons for this. Not least, conflict can interrupt trade and investment relationships by damaging manufacturing infrastructure within countries at war and slowing the production of non-essential goods. For example, a country like Syria, whose economy is heavily focused on agriculture, lost about one-third of its GDP when farming ground to a halt. Similar food security issues have already arisen in Ukraine. — The National Interest, 2d ago
new The food cultures industry is growing with the new advances in the microbial technological sphere and has also brought changes to the field of food sciences. Incorporation of synthetic biology, under which cellular engineering is used to develop new solutions, improve existing strains of food cultures which altogether lead to improvement in final products with minimum wastage. These developments collectively lead towards the development of safer food. In addition, these developments are anticipated to assist manufacturers to innovate food more sustainably and economically. Changes in climate and land degradation are the leading causes for increased food scarcity, prices and insufficient supply of food in many regions. Manufacturers are addressing these challenges with the use of microbial food cultures. . These further allow brands to address the sustainability challenges, as microorganisms have low carbon footprints. — Allied Market Research, 2d ago
new Dr. Durrance has an interdisciplinary research and education program in long-term human space exploration. The hazards associated with long-term exposure to the space environment, such as radiation damage and the loss of bone mass, are not sufficiently understood to determine whether they pose acceptable risks or not. Research focused on these hazards is critical to sustained human presence outside the protective environment of the Earth ’s atmosphere and magnetosphere. This program uses the Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLS Lab) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC); as well as labs at Florida Tech.Lunar dust physics: Enabling technologies must be developed, including systems to mitigate the damaging effects of dust contamination; technologies that use the local planetary resources to produce consumables such as oxygen, water and rocket propellant; food production systems; innovative range technologies and many more. We are currently studying the induction charging characteristics of lunar dust.Bone Loss: The objectives of the bone project are (1) to provide a dynamic model of the structure and function of bone in response to loading with sufficient precision to predict the effect of any arbitrary loading history and (2) to develop and refine new countermeasures against bone loss.Radiation damage: Solar and galactic radiation is a major hazard to space crews during long-duration flights and planetary bases beyond the Earth ’s magnetic field. Intense solar flares can induce acute radiation sickness, galactic cosmic rays can kill brain cells that the body cannot replace, and all forms of radiation can induce cancer. The only known safety measure is shielding to prevent the high-speed particles from reaching the crew.Dr. Durrance is has an interdisciplinary research and education program in astrobiology addressing three fundamental questions: How does life begin and evolve? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? What is the future of life on Earth and beyond? Research addressing these questions is highly interdisciplinary involving fields such as physics, biology, chemistry, geology, and planetary science.Extrasolar Planets: Most of the newly discovered planets have been found using indirect techniques, where the planet ’s effect on light emitted from the parent star is detected, not the light emitted by the planet itself. The most likely technique for detecting life on these planets is a detailed analysis of their spectra; therefore, we are developing a system that may be able to detect IR emissions from exoplanets using large, ground-based telescopes along with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques developed for radio astronomy.Amyloid Fiber Formation: We are pursuing research that may shed light on a fundamental question regarding the origin of life: how did the transition from non-living to living matter occur? We are investigating the spontaneous formation of long linear fibers from a weak solution of proteins using dielectric spectroscopy. This phenomenon may be important in neurodegenerative diseases and it may help to understand the emergence of ordered biological structures that are far from thermodynamic equilibrium.Dr. Durrance Director of the Sub-Orbital Research and Training Center that utilizes flights of high performance F-104 jets from the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at KSC. In addition to the testing of prototype spaceflight hardware for NASA and commercial companies, we are developing an imaging system designed specifically for imaging Earth ’s coastal regions. The coastal zone is not only the most significant ocean area in terms of productivity, economics, recreation, and natural resources but it is also the most difficult to image. — fit.edu, 2d ago
new He told Khaleej Times: “This gathering of world leaders at COP 28 should not be missed as an opportunity to demand an immediate end to the genocidal war on Palestine. We cannot stand by and claim to act for the future of humanity, while scores of women and children are being killed as we speak. Climate justice means upholding the rights of rural peoples who grow our food and safeguard the planet. Farming communities in the West Bank are being bombed, their olive trees being cut down, and their land grabbed by Israeli settlers.”... — Khaleej Times, 2d ago
new One of the objectives for the joint work was to promote a holistic approach to addressing issues related to agriculture and food security, taking into consideration regional, national and local circumstances, in order to deliver a range of multiple benefits, where applicable, such as adaptation, adaptation co-benefits and mitigation, recognising that adaptation is a priority for vulnerable groups, including women, indigenous peoples and smallholder farmers... — Inter Press Service, 2d ago

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You Can Purchase Complete Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2157✦ Ammonia Market Drivers: Increasing Demand For Ammonia In Agricultural SectorThe demand for ammonia is increasing at a rapid pace in the agricultural sector primarily used in the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Ammonia plays a vital role in boosting crop yields by providing essential nitrogen to plants. With the growing global population, there is rising pressure on farmers to produce higher crop yields to meet the increasing food demand. This is one of the key factors propelling the ammonia market growth. According to recent estimates, over 80% of the worldwide ammonia production is consumed in the agricultural industry for fertilizer manufacturing. The farms and crop lands across major agricultural hubs like North America, Asia Pacific and Europe are expanding at a fast rate to fulfill rising global food requirements. As a result, the consumption of nitrogen fertilizers containing ammonia is escalating noticeably.✦ Ammonia Market Drivers: Growing Use Of Ammonia In Industrial ApplicationsBesides agriculture, ammonia also finds myriad applications across different industries like textiles, rubber, plastics, paper, explosives etc. It acts as an important building block and intermediate for manufacturing numerous commodity and specialty chemicals. Ammonia is extensively used in the production of nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and other nitrogen products which then go into making dyes, explosives, pharmaceuticals and other industrial goods. Expanding industrial sector globally has boosted the demand for ammonia over the recent years. Moreover, many industries in emerging economies are augmenting their manufacturing capacities which is amplifying ammonia consumption. For example, China has emerged as a major ammonia consumer owing to rapid industrialization and urbanization activities. This growth in industrial applications is another pivotal driver propelling the global ammonia industry forward.✦ Ammonia Market Restrain: Stringent Environmental RegulationsOne of the major challenges impeding the ammonia market expansion is the increasingly stringent environmental regulations imposed by various government agencies regarding ammonia emissions. Ammonia is considered a toxic substance and improper handling during production and transportation can discharge harmful ammonia fumes in the air. Extended exposure to ammonia gas can cause severe health issues in humans as well as damage crops and natural ecosystems. Thus, several regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing strict norms to curb ammonia leaks and minimize environmental pollution. This has increased compliance costs for ammonia manufacturers. Additionally, regulatory hurdles also affect the adoption of ammonia as fuel. Complying with evolving emissions standards can limit future ammonia market growth to some degree.✦ Ammonia Market Opportunity: Rising Adoption Of Ammonia As Marine FuelThe burgeoning opportunity for ammonia producers lies in leveraging ammonia as a carbon neutral marine fuel. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 40% (compared to 2008 levels) by 2030 and aims to cut emissions in half by 2050. This goal has triggered intense R&D towards developing and commercializing carbon neutral fuels to replace conventional bunker fuels used in ships. Ammonia, owing to its hydrogen carrying properties, is regarded as one of the most viable clean marine fuel options with zero carbon emissions. Many global ports and maritime authorities are investing heavily in building ammonia infrastructure and developing ammonia-fueled vessels. This opens up new avenues for ammonia companies to expand their footprint in the shipping and marine transportation industry.✦ Ammonia Market Trends: Growing Focus on Renewable Ammonia ProductionOne of the major trends gaining traction in the ammonia sector is use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydro for green ammonia production. Growing climate change concerns are propelling investments towards lowering the carbon footprint of ammonia manufacturing. Major industry players are collaborating with research institutes and renewable energy companies to develop carbon-free ammonia synthesis technologies. For instance, Yara International - one of the leading ammonia producers - has ongoing projects to produce carbon-free ammonia using offshore wind power in Norway. Simiarly, other companies are exploring generating ammonia from renewable hydrogen. This shift towards eco-friendly ammonia production aligned with sustainability goals will be a defining trend shaping the future course of the ammonia industry.Key Questions:• Who are the key market players?... — openPR.com, 12d ago
Agricultural research conducted in the U.S. benefits American farmers as well as those in developing countries, where crop yields lag significantly behind world averages. Doing our part to alleviate global hunger and malnutrition is the right thing to do, but it also leads to other tangible benefits. Countries that are more food-secure are ultimately more stable, which supports our national security interests, and evidence shows that when developing countries’ economies expand, they can become strong trading partners with the U.S. Ultimately, investing in agricultural research creates a win-win situation – keeping U.S. agriculture at the cutting edge while creating a more food-secure world for all. — agri-pulse.com, 27d ago
The idea that increasing agricultural productivity will free up land for biodiversity and solve global hunger is gaining popularity in Europe and beyond. In Our World in Data, Hannah Ritchie argued that “If we can find ways to produce enough food on less cropland we can preserve more habitat for the world’s wildlife.” In December 2022, Dutch MP Nilüfer Gündoğan claimed that thanks to agricultural intensification, “in Europe alone, we could give 75 per cent of our agricultural surface back to nature, without this leading to cold winters, food shortages, economic scarcity.”... — resilience, 27d ago
Anthem, Inc. is one of the largest health benefits companies in the United States. Through its affiliated companies, Anthem serves more than 106 million people, including over 42 million within its family of health plans. It’s an insurer that provides a range of medical, pharmacy, dental, and disability products and services. These are designed to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities. One of the key challenges facing Anthem and other insurers is going through the complex infrastructure of healthcare regulation and reform in the U.S. The company actively works to adapt to changes in legislation and market conditions, aiming to offer affordable and high-quality insurance products. Over the last few years, the company witnessed remarkable growth, and its stock price made massive growth. As a result, there’s a rising demand to invest in Anthem stock price in anticipation of a long-term profit. Anthem has also been involved in philanthropy and community support, providing funding and resources for various causes, including disaster relief, food insecurity, and mental health support. Its Anthem Foundation is a significant conduit for these efforts, which emphasize measurable and sustainable impact on community health. Nevertheless, a series of lawsuits and disputes, alongside the transformation in infrastructure coinciding with the company’s rebranding to Elevance Health, has led to a shift in investor sentiment. In this article, we’ll explore Anthem stock price after its rebranding to ELV stock and its future price prediction with technical analysis from Anthem share price prediction. — blockchainreporter, 21d ago
In both national and multilateral fora, Bolivia is increasingly showing its reluctance to curb deforestation. President Luis Arce, soon to be entering the penultimate year of his term, has built up a poor environmental record, supporting the unbridled growth of a largely extractive economy, continuing to renege on its commitment to the Rights of Mother Earth Law, and refusing to commit to deforestation targets. While food insecurity and a wavering economy require immediate action, the economic over-reliance on the extraction, or cutting down, of natural resources is pushing Bolivia’s forests towards a potential tipping point. — Mongabay Environmental News, 18d ago
Importantly, biodiversity underpins substantial swathes of agriculture across the world, and its loss can lead to acute food insecurity for several reasons, including by leading to precipitous declines in pollination services and to reduced control, and so devastating outbreaks, of pests and diseases. From the other perspective, food insecurity can stir instability. It can fuel violent conflicts, such as in sub-Saharan Africa where higher temperatures and reduced rainfall can increase the likelihood of violent conflict as a result of their impacts on food availability, as well as spur rioting, as shown by the waves of riots in 2007/08 in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, water and food insecurity can be exacerbated by disturbances; for example, a recent worldwide threat assessment outlined how water and food insecurity, aggravated by droughts and floods, were elevating the risk of conflicts in places that include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Jordan. Biodiversity loss can weaken the capacity of ecosystems to buffer against disturbances like droughts and floods, which allows their impacts to be more severe. — E-International Relations, 26d ago

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new ...“A lack of access to enough nutritious food can have a devastating impact on a person’s health,” said MetroHealth President & CEO Airica Steed, Ed.D., RN, MBA FACHE. “As Cuyahoga County’s super-safety-net hospital, we see the devastating effects of food insecurity every day in our clinics. If we truly want to improve the health and well-being of our community, if we truly want to eradicate health disparities, we must work collaboratively to address this crisis. I am delighted and encouraged to work in a community where all the major health systems share that commitment. Together, I know we can make a difference.”... — News 5 Cleveland WEWS, 2d ago
new With a growing world population, changing climate, and increasing environmental degradation, ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food has become a global challenge. Prof. Chew Fook Tim, from Department of Biological Sciences at National University of Singapore, then introduced a groundbreaking solution — Unlocking Opportunities for Urban Farms through Seeds R&D, Deep Phenotyping and In Silico Breeding, which is an example of current SFA grant research programme. This approach aims to enhance food self-sufficiency, with a focus on stable domestic supply as opposed to relying on potentially unstable international trade. — Eco-Business, 2d ago
new Pivoting to a “beyond 1.5°C” narrative could provide the jolt necessary to reject a business-as-usual mindset in favour of interventions that break from accepted norms and disrupt the status quo. Consider, for example, the existential issue of food security. Helping vulnerable smallholder farmers shift to regenerative practices might work in a world where warming is limited to 1.5°C. But it could hinder their pivot away from farming methods and livelihoods that will no longer exist if temperatures exceed that target. — Eco-Business, 2d ago
the Guardian, 4d ago
Plans to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’ at Cop28 revealed
Global Landscapes Forum, 14d ago
News: Scientists issue rallying cry for greater global cooperation to safeguard seeds for future food and nutrition security - Global Landscapes Forum
CEPR, 1d ago
new Evidence – and an explanation – for the recent surge in inflation inequality
The National Interest, 2d ago
new “Local” Wars Keep Punishing Global Markets
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new Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 2 December 2023 – CGIAR, the world’s largest publicly-funded agricultural research network, has secured more than USD 890 million to accelerate progress against the ongoing global food and climate crises. With this funding, CGIAR will expand its work supporting smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries to shape more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems, reduce emissions from farming, and boost access to nutritious, healthy diets. — CGIAR, 2d ago
new I came to a country of 90 million people in 1991 and I looked at the consumption level of protein based food, it was 120 grams per capita and now in 2023 consumption is about 1.5 kg, so the growth was above1,000 percent in one generation. The Nigeria population now is almost 228 million compared to 90 million in 1991 when I came. In 2050 Nigeria population will be 450 million people. This company is working with long term planning, we have plans up to 2050 and beyond which is another one plus generation. 50 years ago before I came to Nigeria, the level of urbanization was 17 to 18%. 2023 is 53.5% and in 2050, out of 450 million people, 70% will be living in the cities and when you move from village to city, your standard is changing, life style is changing and nutrition is changing. While those living in the village look for source of protein mainly from the field, you in the city look for better nutrition venues, and that’s where we come in. We live in a food production sector that has such huge potentials, so we took upon ourselves the challenges to meet the demand. Another mission, which is to educate both medium and small scale farmers to move from cost orientation to yield orientation. That is, it is not how much it costs but how much you yield out of your operation. And moving from cost to yield requires different ways of thinking and so we are working with the assumption that Nigeria, being the biggest economy and most populous country in Africa, will not trail behind in protein consumption due to some social and cultural reasons. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 2d ago
Global heating and increased drought and flooding represent a significant threat to public health, likely leading to the escalation of vector, food and water-borne diseases. The world’s poorest are likely to suffer the most from this escalation and urgent action is needed from the global health community (and beyond) to help us understand these changes, strengthen systems and develop interventions to support communities to adapt to this unprecedented threat. — preventionweb.net, 3d ago
new Unfortunately, division and distraction among wealthier nations have slowed or halted progress on more ambitious efforts. The delay has also increased frustration among emerging economies. For example, the IMF moved urgently to assist Ukraine in its darkest hour, as it should have. Given the terrible human costs of the combined food security, debt, and the fuel crises, other countries deserve the same urgent response. One way to do so would be for major World Bank shareholders to contribute significantly next year to an ambitious replenishment of the bank’s International Development Association. — Foreign Policy, 2d ago
Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer, said: “We are proud to partner with Aquagrain and introduce a vital soil improving technology that harnesses organic waste to significantly enhance the economic and innovative value of circularity in the waste management sector. Together, we are confident we can have a significant impact on sustainable and regenerative farming, delivering measurable progress towards reducing emissions, whilst increasing food and water security in the UAE and beyond.”... — mid-east.info, 3d ago
While offering a solution to the threat of food shortage by providing fresh and healthy food, urban farming can also help reduce the harmful effects of climate change. The livestock industry has been identified as among the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Eating less meat and more greens would thus reduce such calamitous environmental impact. It would also help produce a healthier nation, since a meat-based diet has been linked to chronic lifestyle ailments, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. — INQUIRER.net, 3d ago

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I leave it to many others to write long, definitive accounts—scientific, medical, historical, political, sociological—on the COVID-19 pandemic that began to wreak havoc on humans of planet Earth in 2020 AD. This compilation portrays how I saw and experienced the pandemic as a Filipino journalist and citizen. And wrote about it in my media space while the anni horribiles lasted and was leaving in its wake lost lives and livelihoods, hospitals bursting at the seams, health-care frontliners exhausted, an economy in shambles, people angry and hungry for food, clear directions and good governance. But ours was not a totally desolate, dystopian landscape. There were shafts of light that gave us solace and hope …... — INQUIRER.net, 3d ago
Water is the special focus of this issue of the Somalia Economic Update. Access to water is crucial for Somalia's transition from fragility and improving household resilience to shocks. Water plays a central role in human development, urban development, job creation, and long-term economic growth. Balancing food demand and water supply is essential for Somalia's growth. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 3d ago
Many of the hardest-hit regions lack prevention programs for young women, and the few existing programs often miss girls who are not in school. Girls facing a lack of education, poverty and food insecurity have an especially high risk of HIV, as do girls with older male partners. Intimate-partner violence and sexual coercion often mean they cannot control when they are exposed to HIV. Plus, in some countries, HIV services require parental consent, which can also reduce girls' access to prevention and treatment. — livescience.com, 3d ago
According to the FAO Statistical Yearbook 2020, over 800 million people, or 27% of the world's labor force, find their livelihoods in agriculture. Agriculture is essential to human livelihoods and well-being; however, many agricultural operations are responsible for releasing substantial amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases include significant quantities of methane, which contributes to hazardous levels of tropospheric ozone and air pollution and is more powerful than carbon dioxide at warming our planet. Methane emissions from agriculture have often been viewed as more difficult to abate, both because of regulatory and financial challenges as well as a perceived risk to livelihood and food security. But that makes a focus on agriculture methane emissions all the more important, and many opportunities to reduce emissions have not been widely enough understood—both to scale existing solutions and to drive forward innovation and R&D. Now is the time to scale up efforts to reshape the agriculture sector to support farmers, improve the productivity of farms, build resilience, keep jobs available, and reduce methane emissions across agriculture and food systems. — World Resources Institute, 3d ago
The community investments from Aetna will bolster programs designed to address food insecurity and promote health literacy among youth, families and other individuals. These programs will offer access to fresh and nutritious foods, while also providing resources to enhance understanding of food and health. — Drug Store News, 3d ago
She is currently employed by GAIN as a Senior Advisor on Food Security & Nutrition and has been providing policy advisory support to Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development in Nigeria since June 2016. Her role harnesses Government, private sector, and development partners’ efforts to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in the country and promotes the recognition that the nutrition challenge is multi-faceted, and that actions to address them are paramount to efforts to reduce poverty and drive sustainable economic development in Nigeria. — Agrilinks, 3d ago

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Virgin Atlantic’s historic flight on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) takes off from London Heathrow to New York JFK today, marking the culmination of a year of radical collaboration, to demonstrate the capability of SAF as a safe drop-in replacement for fossil derived jet fuel, compatible with today’s engines, airframes and fuel infrastructure. SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of long haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050. The fuel, made from waste products, delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%, whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces. While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. Flight100 will prove that the challenge of scaling up production is one of policy and investment, and industry and government must move quickly to create a thriving UK SAF industry. As well as proving the capabilities of SAF, Flight100 will assess how its use affects the flight’s non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London and University of Sheffield. The research will improve scientific understanding of the effects of SAF on contrails and particulates and help to implement contrail forecasts in the flight planning process. Data and research will be shared with industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement with contrail work through RMI’s Climate Impact Task Force, which is part-funded by Virgin Unite. The SAF used on Flight100 is a unique dual blend; 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The HEFA is made from waste fats while the SAK is made from plant sugars, with the remainder of plant proteins, oil and fibres continuing into the food chain. SAK is needed in 100% SAF blends to give the fuel the required aromatics for engine function. To achieve Net Zero 2050, the innovation and investment needed across all available feedstocks and technologies must be harnessed to maximise SAF volumes as well as continuing the research and development needed to bring new zero emission aircraft to market. Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding more sustainable ways to fly, taking action across every part of the journey. Already operating one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets in the sky, Flight100 builds on the airline’s 15-year track record for leading on the development of SAF at scale. Collectively, industry and government must go further, to create a UK SAF industry and meet aviation’s 10% SAF by 2030 target, capitalising on the significant social and economic benefits it will bring – an estimated contribution of £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK and more than 10,000 jobs. Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic said: “Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be usedas a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it’s the only viable solution for decarbonising long haul aviation. It’s taken radical collaboration to get here and we’re proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further. There’s simply not enough SAF and it’s clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by Government, are in place. Flight100 proves that if you make it, we’ll fly it.” Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said: “The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit. “Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic’s beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels. “I couldn’t be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation.” Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Today’s historic flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, shows how we can both decarbonise transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want. “This Government has backed today’s flight to take-off and we will continue to support the UK’s emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero.” Sheila Remes, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Boeing said: “In 2008 Virgin Atlantic and Boeing completed the first commercial SAF test flight on a 747 and today we will accomplish yet another significant milestone utilising a 787 Dreamliner. This flight is a key step toward our commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030. As we work toward the civil aviation industry’s net-zero goal, today’s historic journey highlights what we can achieve together.” Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic today. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.”... — freightweek.org, 3d ago
Unhealthy dietary choices (e.g., low consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and high consumption of red and processed meat, added sugar, and salt) are key contributors to the development of non-communicable diseases and premature deaths (19% of total deaths in Europe in 2017). Alongside this, our current global food production system has a negative impact on the environment. Agriculture alone generates 30% of greenhouse gas emissions and uses 70% of freshwater resources. — Open Access Government, 3d ago
Newswise — Ana Mateos and Jesús Rodríguez, scientists at the Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana (CENIEH), have published a paper in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology which shows that large herbivore carrion, a resource that had formerly been abundant and accessible to hominins, became scarcer at the end of the Early Pleistocene due to changes in the Iberian fauna.Hominins arrived in the Iberian Peninsula about 1.4 million years ago, where they found a wide variety of food resources including a great abundance of carcasses of large herbivores partially consumed by a diversity of predators, important among which were two species of sabre-tooth cats (Homotherium latidens and Megantereon whitei).They also encountered a powerful competitor in these ecosystems, the giant hyena (Pachycrocuta brevirostris). However, as the same authors showed in earlier work, the wealth of food and diversity of the ecosystems at this period made the coexistence of hominins and giant hyenas competing for carrion possible.That being said, around one million years ago there were major climatic changes which restructured the ecosystems of the whole of Europe. In the Iberian Peninsula, the large mammal fauna suffered the extinction of several species, including the giant hyena and one of the sabre-tooth cats (M. whitei), leading to lower availability of carrion.Virtual simulationsThe researchers employed a computational model which enables experiments in a virtual environment that simulate the behavior of hyenas and hominins competing for carrion. Each experiment represents a different ecological scenario, defined by the predator species present, the productivity of the ecosystem, and the competition for carrion with other species like vultures or small carnivores.“The giant hyenas and hominins could coexist in competition for carrion prior to the extinction of the sabre-tooth Megantereon and other predators, like the lycaons (canids) and pumas. However, after those predators disappeared carrion became scantier. This coincides with the extinction of the giant hyena”, explains Mateos.According to the results of these experiments, among the key factors that determined these changes were the low productivity of the ecosystems during the very cold intervals of the period, strong competition with scavengers other than the giant hyena, and the likely social behavior of the other great sabre-tooth (H. latidens).Unlike hyenas, which would have depended exclusively on large herbivore carcasses for food, hominin behavior would have been much more flexible as they could also exploit plant resources like fruit, berries or roots, hunt small animals and even kill larger ones.“This greater flexibility in procuring food would have allowed them to survive and adapt to the new prevailing ecological conditions following the changes in the climate and fauna one million years ago”, adds Rodríguez.The only participant in this paper from outside the CENIEH was Ericson Hoelzchen, a scientist at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), at Trier University (Cognitive Social Simulation Lab). This work forms part of the project TROPHIc (PID2019-105101GB-I00, MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033). — newswise.com, 3d ago
elifesciences.org, 5d ago
Trade-offs in dormancy phenology in endotherms and ectotherms
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new Why Agroecology Should Be Considered as Key for Climate Negotiations
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Raising frozen food temperature by 3°C can make global food chain more sustainable, say experts - University of Birmingham
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Cropped 22 November 2023: COP28 curtain-raiser; Food security fear; Dust, bugs and ice - Carbon Brief
tabledebates.org, 6d ago
Will animal welfare be COP28's sacrificial lamb?

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This is just the latest hit for developing nations already coping with shortages in staples like rice and bans on food trade that have added to food inflation. All of it contributes to food insecurity because of the combined effects of the naturally occurring climate phenomenon El Nino, the war in Ukraine and weaker currencies. Wealthier Western nations can absorb the higher costs, but poorer nations are struggling. — The Columbian, 6d ago
In Niger, WFP worked with communities on an integrated resilience programme – combining land rehabilitation, efforts to get children back to school and improve access to food and nutritional support. Following a particularly poor rainy season in 2021, 80 percent of participating villages did not require humanitarian assistance – illustrating their ability to withstand climate shocks now. — wfp.org, 18d ago
Indigenous food is culture. It is tradition. It reflects the landscape of Native communities. And, it adds value to USDA’s priorities that are addressing climate change, tackling food and nutrition insecurity, and creating more and better market opportunities that advance rural prosperity. Advancing Tribal food sovereignty initiatives is key to addressing hunger, economic, and health issues in Native communities. USDA is committed to identifying opportunities to empower and strengthen Tribes and Tribal food systems by addressing these kinds of challenges. One example of this is USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program. This program provides funding to Tribes so they can work directly with their own partners to purchase food from local farmers and ranchers and use that for emergency food assistance. — usda.gov, 4d ago
We might also be lured in by the feeling of control afforded to us by the microbiome. In the mid-1970s, the social critic Ivan Illich described the “medicalization of life” as a sinister transformation of collective problems like pollution, food insecurity, and exploitative labor practices into scientifically legible, clinically profitable diagnoses. Ravella, Nelson, and Chutkan suggest that the reverse is possible, and that caring for one’s digestive system could also address sociopolitical issues. “Once you understand that you, as the host, are in the driver’s seat when it comes to battling viruses,” Chutkan writes in her instructions on Covid prevention, “the path forward for how to emerge victorious becomes clear.” In the face of the intractable problems that loom over our lives—corporate farming, global warming, zoonotic infections—what a gift it is to have something to do about them, no matter how little sense it makes. — The New York Review of Books, 18d ago
For SDG 11, which aims to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” insurance is vital to ensure that cities recover fast from disasters, prevent long-term displacement, and maintain the continuity of essential services. Related to SDG 2’s objectives to end hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year round, crop insurance can provide farmers with a safety net as unpredictable weather patterns threaten agricultural yields, preventing a single season of drought or flooding from resulting in long-term food insecurity. — Modern Diplomacy, 12d ago
In our interview with Meiny Prins, CEO of Priva, the focus is on the flaws in current food production and distribution systems and the need for sustainable solutions. Ms. Prins emphasises the importance of optimism, collaboration, and setting the right priorities to address these issues. She highlights the chaotic agricultural and food distribution system as a significant problem, leading to malnutrition, hunger, and environmental damage. Priva’s solutions involve climate controls, data-controlled systems, and technology-driven approaches to make food production more efficient and environmentally friendly. Ms. Prins discusses the urgent need for policy changes at the federal level to tackle food security and hunger, as well as the importance of moving food production back to cities. — The European Business Review, 21d ago

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Early-life environmental effects on mitochondrial aerobic metabolism: a brood size manipulation in wild great tits

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...1 December 2023, Dubai: “To be successful, climate negotiations need to fulfil three purposes: set the agenda and targets, put in a process for their implementation, and monitor enforcement and progress. The year 2023 has underlined clearly why the UN’s Conference of Parties can not kick the can of climate justice, climate action and climate finance down the road. It has been the hottest year on record—with floods, droughts and wildfires—as well as a geopolitically turbulent one. The Global Stocktake will be a report card to our collective pledges so far,” said Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). “But climate action expected from developing countries can’t be divorced from ensuring livelihoods and security of the basics for the vulnerable–such as access to energy, food and water. In order for the Global South to shift from ambition to action and from action to acceleration of their energy and low-carbon transitions, finance needs to flow in a manner that is cheap, long and convenient. For developed country Parties to retain credibility, promises must convert into delivery along with a serious introspection about sustainable lifestyles. COP28 must take concrete steps to bridge inequities and set in a process that monitors progress and ensures accountability.”... — CEEW, 3d ago
Here, we experimentally manipulated brood size in wild great tits (Parus major) to test how rearing conditions (altered sibling competition for food and potential change in food availability/quality) affect nestling red blood cell mitochondrial metabolic phenotype: a promising proxy of individual performance. We aimed to test (i) whether brood size is important in determining nestling mitochondrial metabolism traits and associated ROS production; (ii) differences in nestling growth trajectories, and whether these are associated with differences in mitochondrial metabolic rates; and (iii) whether differences in mitochondrial metabolic rate affect offspring future survival. We further tested (iv) whether early-life determination of mitochondrial aerobic metabolism could affect adult phenotype with potential medium-term costs (e.g. consequences for juvenile mitochondrial metabolic rates and ROS production). Finally, our experimental design allowed us to (v) assess the relative contributions of the foster rearing environment (from 2 to 14 days post-hatching) versus the combination of genetic background, prenatal effects and early-stage rearing conditions (until 2 days post-hatching) on offspring mitochondrial metabolism. To test the impact of brood size manipulation treatment on postnatal parental care, we recorded parental feeding rates on a subsample of nests. We predicted nestlings raised in enlarged broods would have a lower body mass and size compared with control and reduced brood sizes. According to prior literature, offspring mitochondrial function is sensitive to postnatal environmental conditions. In rodent models, chronic stress exposure and separation from the mother during lactation led in most of the cases to a decrease in mitochondrial complex activity and an increase of ROS production (Picard and McEwen, 2018; Zitkovsky et al., 2021). We may therefore expect an enlargement of the brood size and its associated consequences, such as a decrease in parental feeding rates, to create a stressful environment leading to a general decrease of offspring mitochondrial metabolism and an increase of ROS production. Nevertheless, most of the work assessing how a stressful early-life environment may impair mitochondrial function has been so far realized on mammals and the consequences in avian species and long-term effects remain elusive. Here, we tested the importance of brood size as a proxy for early-life environmental rearing conditions in shaping nestling mitochondrial metabolic rates, associated ROS production and later growth and survival patterns. — The Company of Biologists, 3d ago
One of the key themes we’ll be exploring is the impact of AI on food security. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is escalating. How can AI contribute to sustainable and resilient food systems that can withstand the shocks of climate change, pests and other external pressures? Can AI help us unlock new pathways to enhance the nutritional value of crops, diversify agricultural practices and ensure that no one goes hungry?... — Agrilinks, 3d ago
Scientific discoveries hold the potential to revolutionize society, yet there often exists a significant gap between their relevance and public perception. In an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world, science plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives, addressing global challenges, and driving progress. The prioritization of research on the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide exemplifies the critical role of science in times of crisis. In the realm of plant research, scientists have made substantial contributions to society by enhancing crop productivity, food nutritional value, and reducing chemical disposal. Notable breakthroughs like the Green Revolution, which improved rice and wheat production, have successfully reduced hunger. The future New Green Revolution incorporates genetic modification and microorganisms to boost crop yields further. However, securing public funding for science often hinges on public perception and impact, needing effective science communication and engagement with the wider community. — Plantae, 3d ago
Adipose tissues are organs that have vital physiological roles in human health and disease. Functionally, white adipose tissue (WAT) is the principal repository for triglyceride energy, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) consumes fat and glucose to generate heat via chemical uncoupling and futile cycling (1). Excess calories stored in WAT lead to overweight and obesity and cause dysfunction in many organ systems, including WAT and BAT themselves. Reversing the ravages of obesity requires a net negative energy balance, which can be achieved through a combination of reduced food consumption, reduced caloric absorption, and increased energy expenditure. For decades, it has been recognized that chronic adrenergic stimulation of rodent BAT, either physiologically by cold exposure or pharmacologically via adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists, leads to a range of metabolic benefits, including resistance to diet-induced obesity (DIO), improved glycemia, and improved lipoprotein and cardiovascular risk profile (2). In this context, the question emerged: if adult humans had functional BAT, could its activation and growth be utilized to treat obesity and related metabolic diseases?... — jci.org, 3d ago
More to the current point would be his 2005 book The Long Emergency: Surviving the Converging Catastrophes of the Twenty-First Century. It looks like there are plans to turn this into an updated feature-length documentary film as well. His basic thesis is that the modern world cannot sustain itself. He takes seriously the threat of climate catastrophe manifesting itself first in crises of food production and distribution (though in later works he sees food crises more likely to arise from other causes). There are also various societal dynamics that threaten, from global financial Ponzi schemes to cultural exhaustion. Probably most famously is his idea of ‘peak oil’. The idea here is that given that oil (and other fossil fuels) are finite and that the more of them you consume, the costlier it becomes to access the remaining reserves, there will be a tipping point where there is not sufficient cheap energy to keep our world running as it currently does. Further, cheap energy is the foundation on which the modern world is built and it was a bad wager from the beginning given that it becomes ever more reliant on a finite resource. — substack.com, 3d ago

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Small-scale farmers in developing countries who depend on fertilizer imports to produce food, are particularly vulnerable and at risk. Reduced crop yields and high food prices directly affect these households, and lead to food insecurity and limited economic access to health and education services. — phys.org, 16d ago
Communities and organizations are mobilizing against rare earth mining on the Ampasindava Peninsula in northwestern Madagascar. This area is home to northern Madagascar’s last remaining forests, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot and home to IUCN-listed endangered and vulnerable species. The well-being of the populations on the peninsula depends largely on the maintenance of these ecosystems, which provide them with numerous products (food, energy, construction materials, pharmacopoeia and sources of income) and ecosystem services (water, protection against cyclones, microclimate, soil fertility). Since 2016, local communities have been opposing the mining project on the basis that it will infringe on many of their human rights. This includes their land rights and livelihoods, as most live mainly from fishing and agriculture—particularly the cultivation of high-value-added export crops such as vanilla, cocoa and coffee that would be put at risk. Since the beginning of the Tantalus Rare Earths Malagasy project –which was acquired by Reenova, then by HARENA Resources Pty Ltd in 2023– it has affected local communities that have denounced the irregular nature of mining permits, neglected test pit rehabilitation work, a lack of local participation and free, prior and informed consent, as well as disregard for the social, human rights and environmental impacts that would result from this project. — Foreign Policy In Focus, 6d ago
By contributing more than 25% and 10% to the global beef and milk supply, Latin America and the Caribbean plays an important role in the global cattle industry. The cattle sector generates internal and external benefits as it guarantees food security and strongly contributes to economic development. Cattle production in the region not only has a long tradition but also is foreseen a promising future. By 2050, global meat consumption will increase by 100%, favoring the Latin American cattle industry due to its geographic location and availability of both human and natural resources. Despite this positive panorama, traditional cattle systems are still predominant in the region and can cause multiple environmental impacts, such as on water and soil resources, the loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and deforestation. The political debate thus centers around the transition from traditional to sustainable cattle systems, in which natural resources are being conserved and social and economic benefits increased. Despite the existence of numerous sustainable production alternatives, such as silvo-pastoral systems (SPS), adoption levels are low and the shift towards sustainability is perceived as slow and uncoordinated. — CGIAR, 11d ago
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Opinion: Grain market whiplash shows need for ag research to increase self-reliance on food

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Building on the Plan of Action adopted in September, Partnership members agreed to collaborate on marine spatial planning and to advance scientific and research exchange. Many also reflected interest in exploring how the Atlantic Ocean can contribute to food security, respond to Sargassum inundation, and address marine plastic pollution. The Partnership will continue to create new avenues for promoting greater scientific cooperation by sharing information and building capacity. — United States Department of State, 3d ago
In addition to the physiological implications, this study opens up new perspectives on the conservation biology of Cetacea. Indeed, showing that the quantity of fish ingested by Cetacea, as well as their nutritional value (protein and lipid composition), are important parameters for maintaining the water balance in these organisms, could help to guide fishing policies in certain regions where Cetacea populations live. Going even further, this study raises questions about the future of Cetacea in the face of global warming. Rising ocean temperatures mean that certain species of fish will migrate to greater depths than cetaceans are able to dive to. So what impact will this scarcity of prey have on Cetacea populations? Will they migrate, at the risk of upsetting the food chains in certain regions of the globe, or will they disappear?... — The Company of Biologists, 3d ago
Click here to listen to the recording as a podcast. Click here to watch the recording in French translation. Over the coming decades, smallholder farmers throughout Africa will play a pivotal role in supporting the continent’s economic development and enabling food security. However, these farmers currently face numerous constraints that hinder their productivity and profitability. Challenges include a lack of support and access to resources such as financing, technology, inputs, and markets.Accelerating Africa’s regenerative agricultural transformation requires a farmer-centric, ecosystem-led approach that involves actors across the whole value chain. Impactful partnerships and collaborations between farmers, governments, developmental organisations, entrepreneurs, food companies, and stakeholders must yield innovative solutions to help smallholder farmers overcome this complex set of constraints. Access to resources and opportunities through resilient value chains is essential to optimising profitability and improving smallholder livelihoods.Our panel of experts drew on from real-world examples and experiences, as they discussed:... — innovationforum.co.uk, 3d ago
The Rome-based UN agency, tasked with improving the agricultural sector and nutrition, is seeking to strike a balance between the climate transition and ensuring food security for the growing global population. So as well as calling for less meat consumption for the world's well fed, the plan would also encourage farmers in developing countries to bolster productivity of their livestock and supply more sustainably. — Sott.net, 3d ago
Kayla de la Haye is one of the members of the research team who could help answer that question. De la Haye is the Director of the Institute for Food System Equity at USC Dornsife Center for Economic Research, and has a background in public health, nutrition, and psychology. "One of my roles in this research was to bring expertise in how people make decisions about what to eat, and the consequences of food environments that inundate people with unhealthy options and put them at risk for many diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes."... — medicalxpress.com, 3d ago
...“This is an opportunity for countries to increase their ambition to protect and nurture fresh water when the linkages between water and food have never been more urgent. These plans must also ensure that everyone can access nutritious food, bolster people’s livelihoods, especially for smallholder farmers whom we depend on so much, and actively contribute to protecting and restoring nature. — World Resources Institute, 3d ago

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We remain committed to promoting rules-based, open, fair, transparent, predictable, and non-discriminatory trade as an essential basis for building more resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems, promoting food security, and making nutritious food more available and affordable. We welcome the launch of and intend to actively engage in the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils and to continue addressing food insecurity, including by collaborating on climate adaptation for nutritious crops and healthy soils in Africa and beyond. Recognizing the impact of the climate crisis on global food security, we intend to work together to support ambitious public and private agricultural research and development efforts to pursue increased agricultural productivity, soil health, and nutrition to meet the food needs of a growing global population. We encourage the private sector to be involved in efforts to make small farming more resilient and sustainable around the world and commend the Enhanced Linkages between Private sector and Small-scale producers (ELPS) initiative as welcomed in the 2023 G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Communique. We welcome the establishment of the Japan-U.S. Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture as announced in Miyazaki, Japan. We condemn Russia’s weaponization of food exports and recognize the importance to global food security of resuming the shipment of grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea. We intend to continue cooperating with like-minded countries to urge Russia to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative to enable more normal shipments of Ukraine’s grain and to improve global food security. — United States Department of State, 19d ago
Our journalism on the nature crisis brings much-needed attention to the worrying state of the health of our planet. A central part of our reporting is to find and highlight the most significant, peer-reviewed scientific studies. This year, that included the key findings from WWF’s Living Planet Report – its most comprehensive research to date examining the trends in global biodiversity. It found that the Earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69% in just under 50 years, as humans continue to clear forests, consume beyond the limits of the planet, and pollute on an industrial scale. From the ocean to tropical rainforests, the abundance of birds, fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles is in freefall. This has huge knock-on impacts – from our food supplies to our drinking water, and our enjoyment of leisure and culture – and the Guardian will continue to report on it all. As well as covering the global picture of species loss, we have delved into the complex threats facing individual species. Our podcast investigation Killing the Skydancer explored the murky world of the illegal killing of birds of prey, why the crimes are so hard to solve, and what they reveal about human relationships with the natural world. — the Guardian, 6d ago
Some Kenyans said the surprise holiday was too sudden to allow them to plan around it, find out about designated planting sites or travel upcountry to plant in their village homes. Others, like Mosoku, hope that the tree-planting holiday can become a regular event like Rwanda’s monthly national cleanup days. Rivers in the Kisii highlands where he comes from have thinned over the years, with wetlands destroyed by the planting of water-consuming eucalyptus trees. He has also been saddened by changing rain patterns that have made rural communities in his home town more vulnerable to food insecurity. — the Guardian, 20d ago
Under the measure, each state correctional institution would have to install a portable air conditioner or some sort of “air-cooling system” in each housing unit. Those would not be as efficient or effective as full central air, but it’s a start.“We must make it clear that air conditioning is not a luxury, it’s a basic human right and necessity for human decency,” said State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, who represents parts of Orange County including most of Ocoee. “By providing air conditioning to our prisons we are not only ensuring the physical comfort of those incarcerated but also creating an environment conducive to rehabilitation and growth.”Last week Bracy Davis joined Representatives Nixon, Yvonne Hayes Hinson, who represents parts of Alachua and Marion counties, and State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, at the Florida Capitol to gather support for the bills.“Florida has one of the largest incarceration rates in the nation. That is a problem,” Eskamani said. “What makes the situation even worse is the conditions in our prisons. Whether it’s the quality of food available, the quality of recreational activities or in this case the basic fundamental need for air conditioning.”Over 75 percent of state-run correctional housing units, or more than 500 dorms, don’t have air-conditioning. Those that do are usually reserved for the most vulnerable populations inside prison, including the mentally ill, pregnant and geriatric.Last year, Connie Beroth Edson, an advocate for air conditioning in prisons, and Rep. Hayes Hinson helped authorize a pilot program that tested large portable evaporative coolers at Lowell Correctional Institution in Marion County, the state’s largest women’s prison.The Florida Department of Corrections bought five of the coolers, but after several months of testing them officials concluded the devices were faulty, dripping water on bunks, according to Beroth Edson.Representatives at FDC did not respond to a request for comment.Beroth Edson said FDC is also in the process of testing a donated mini-split A/C unit, which is a small, ductless cooler that has the power to cool down up to 600 square feet of space.“I know that doesn’t solve the problem completely but we cannot wait until something is built,” she said. “We need a solution now. People are suffering.”Equipping Florida correctional institutions with a proper HVAC system could take up to 20 years to complete and would require the state spend $582 million, according to the auditing firm KPMG. The firm was hired by FDC last year for $2 million to create a modernization plan that looks at ways to address the chronic staffing shortages and high turnover rates at FDC, in addition to meeting maintenance and infrastructure needs to avoid potentially costlier issues in the future.Their final report is due next month and will likely emerge as hot button topic during next year’s legislative session.At a Nov. 15 Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice meeting, consultants said the state would need to invest up to $12 billion to modernize Florida’s carceral system, but it can choose to spend less where it deems necessary by choosing to mitigate problems instead of fixing them.Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, suggested it would be better to spend half a billion dollars on the salaries of correctional officers instead of investing in HVAC, but KPMG representatives called air conditioning a significant factor when it comes to staff retention.“Especially in states with significantly hot and humid summers it’s a very important working condition,” said William “Bill” Zizic, a managing director in KPMG’s government and infrastructure practice.“Of course, logic would tell us if you give raises it’s going to have an impact on some, but I would still say there are many who have walked the floor in those facilities on those 100-plus-degree days, that it is very difficult.”©2023 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. — Governing, 12d ago
The trade-off between food security and environmental degradation in a world with a rising demand for calories and animal protein can only be eased by increasing crop yields. High-yielding crop varieties associated with the Green Revolution and genetically modified crops have, for instance, substantially increased agricultural production without any expansion of cropland, on balance leading to better outcomes for both the environment and the poor (Gollin et al. 2021, Hansen and Wingender 2023b). Further investments in such innovations should have a high priority for both humanitarians and environmentalists. — CEPR, 20d ago
A major concern of true cost accounting is that it will raise the price of food and transfer the burden of paying for the negative impacts of the food system onto consumers. However, the authors note, this depends on the hidden costs being addressed and the instruments used. For example, addressing social hidden costs from distributional failure could improve agrifood productivity and therefore exert downward pressure on food prices. In other words, true cost accounting could identify and help alleviate poverty, thereby increasing productivity and as a result food supply, driving actual prices down. Equally, if producers are made to pay for measures (polluter pays) through taxes or regulations without simultaneous advice on how to limit costs where a hidden cost occurs, then these will be passed down the value chain or on to consumers in the form of higher food prices. The alternative is to apply the beneficiary pays principle, which places the burden of covering the true costs of agrifood systems activities on the beneficiaries – usually the public. One set of policies involving a mixture of the polluter pays principle and the beneficiary pays principle is the repurposing of agricultural subsidies. Shifting underperforming agricultural subsidies to protect and restore degraded farmland can better support local communities and help countries achieve their climate, biodiversity and rural development goals. These could also be designed to increase the availability of healthy and sustainable diets. Targeted TCA assessments can inform the design of taxation to change the relative prices of different foods to encourage nutritious and sustainable diets. These might have a net neutral or beneficial effect on household food budgets. — tabledebates.org, 17d ago

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Housing Works is a founding member of EngageWell and will receive and administer Empire BlueCross BlueShield 'food as medicine' funding on behalf of the IPA. For over 25 years, Housing Works has strived to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts. Our 12 Thrift Shops and signature events directly benefit our trailblazing work in grassroots activism, healthcare, and housing. Housing Works led the way during the height of the AIDS crisis in New York City and continues to lead resistance efforts across the country in this current political climate. — tmcnet.com, 3d ago
Questions will then be put to the panelists so that, with different points of view, they can create a broad perspective on: i. public policies on food and nutrition security, ii. sustainable chains and their role in combating hunger and iii. agrarian development and its socio-economic impact. — World Resources Institute, 3d ago
Insectivorous bats at northern latitudes need to cope with long periods of no food for large parts of the year. Hence, bats which are resident at northern latitudes throughout the year will need to undergo a long hibernation season and a short reproductive season where foraging time is limited by extended daylight periods. Eptesicus nilssonii is the northernmost occurring bat species worldwide and hibernates locally when ambient temperatures (Ta) limit prey availability. Therefore, we investigated the energy spent maintaining normothermy at different Ta, as well as how much bats limit energy expenditure while in torpor. We found that, despite being exposed to Ta as low as 1.1°C, bats did not increase torpid metabolic rate, thus indicating that E. nilssonii can survive and hibernate at low ambient temperatures. Furthermore, we found a lower critical temperature (Tlc) of 27.8°C, which is lower than in most other vespertilionid bats, and we found no indication of any metabolic response to Ta up to 37.1°C. Interestingly, carbon dioxide production increased with increasing Ta above the Tlc, presumably caused by a release of retained CO2 in bats that remained in torpor for longer and aroused at Ta above the Tlc. Our results indicate that E. nilssonii can thermoconform at near-freezing Ta, and hence maintain longer torpor bouts with limited energy expenditure, yet also cope with high Ta when sun exposed in roosts during long summer days. These physiological traits are likely to enable the species to cope with ongoing and predicted climate change. — The Company of Biologists, 3d ago
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The projects will support conservation education programs, increase tree canopies in high need areas, support urban farming to reduce food insecurity and contribute to innovative approaches to carbon capture in public spaces, Navistar said. — Transport Topics, 3d ago
But the creation of reservations severed the Indeh’s access to the landscape and limited their mobility. Government rations, and later commodities, became the most accessible sources of sustenance, leading to major social and health problems. Despite the devastating tactics of eradication and assimilation of Indigenous peoples in the United States, the Indeh sustain their cultural connection to their ancestral homelands and traditional food practices to this day. — YES! Magazine, 3d ago
Secondly, it is important to ensure Quality and quantity of production. Bureau Veritas is able to support clients through satellite crop mapping for tracing the productivity in each area. We are able to advise whether more or less water is needed, which is invaluable in the supply chain. We need to link Africa’s agricultural development to sustainable practices to ensure longevity of food security for the people. Soil, water, pesticide and fertilizer requirements and hydrology testing all point to the type of crop that can be cultivated in an area. Climate change has also impacted the fertilizer and irrigation processes. We have all the expertise available to provide support in these areas to ensure a good quality crop is produced. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 3d ago
Participating teams span coast to coast, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and are all working to connect BIPOC producers with community members facing food insecurity. Each team will receive coaching from a diverse group of advisors, take part in monthly peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and contribute to a larger research effort aimed at building awareness and understanding of the impacts of Farm to Food Assistance work. Each team will receive $20,000 for their participation in and contribution to the Learning Lab.The overall goal of this initiative is to strengthen the growing field of Farm to Food Assistance ─ with a specific emphasis on advancing racial equity in this work ─ while increasing the sustainability and impact of participating teams’ Farm to Food Assistance programs. — winrock.org, 4d ago
Newswise — People in Sweden of non-European descent have almost three times as many eating disorder symptoms as people born in Sweden. But despite this, they have significantly less access to specialist treatment. This is according to new research from Karolinska Institutet published in BJPsych Open.Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia were previously seen as conditions that mainly affect white women from socioeconomically privileged families. In the 1980s, eating disorders were even described as a uniquely Western 'culture-bound syndrome'.Today, it is well established that this stereotype is incorrect and outdated; eating disorders can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background. From a global perspective, eating disorders are becoming increasingly common, especially in East and Southeast Asia.Researchers at Karolinska Institutet can now show that the problems with disordered eating are significantly greater for people born in non-European countries than for people born in Sweden."There is a perception that eating disorders mainly affect white people, but these results show a higher prevalence of symptoms among individuals born abroad, especially among migrants from non-European countries who also tend to be persons of color," says first author Mattias Strand, postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Psychiatry Research at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet.The study is based on the 2014 Health Stockholm public health survey, which contained four questions on eating disorders and was answered by more than 47 000 people. The analysis shows that people born in another European country had slightly more symptoms than those born in Sweden, while people born outside Europe had almost three times as many eating disorder symptoms. The researchers can also show that people born in Sweden but with two foreign-born parents have twice as much eating disorder symptoms as people with both parents born in Sweden.The researchers also analyzed who receives specialist treatment at the Stockholm Center for Eating Disorders based on where they live."It turns out that the four residential areas with the highest likelihood of receiving specialist treatment have a fairly low prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and also a low proportion of people with a foreign background," says Mattias Strand.Conversely, residents in the five areas with the highest incidence of eating disorder symptoms (Botkyrka, Skärholmen, Rinkeby-Kista, Spånga-Tensta and Hässelby-Vällingby) have the lowest probability of receiving specialist treatment. Notably, all of these areas also have a high proportion of migrant residents.“There is a strong imbalance between the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and access to specialized care. In other words, there is a significant gap between those who have problems with disordered eating and those who receive specialist treatment, and this is something that needs to change," says Mattias Strand.“For too long, there has been a misconception that eating disorders mainly affect a certain demographic group. Our findings show that this is not the case in Stockholm. We need to broaden our understanding and ensure that healthcare resources are available to all individuals, regardless of their background.”The research is now continuing with interviews with eating disorder patients from foreign backgrounds to identify possible obstacles and barriers to care.The Center for Psychiatry Research, the Mental Health Fund, and the Fredrik and Ingrid Thuring Foundation funded the research. The researchers declare that there are no conflicts of interest.Facts:The Health Stockholm public health survey is sent out every four years to a large number of Stockholmers. The 2014 survey included four questions on symptoms of eating disorders.1. Do you vomit because you feel uncomfortably full?2. Do you worry that you have lost control over how much you eat?3. Would you say that food dominates your life?4. Where would you place yourself on a scale from 1 to 8 where 1 means no food restrictions (I eat what I want when I want) and 8 means complete food restrictions (I always limit my food intake and I make no exceptions)?... — newswise.com, 4d ago
The dramatic shift of the earth’s human population to cities is not only straining urban infrastructures, but also the human population itself. Three significant human threats resulting from rapid urbanization in developing countries are increased intense agriculture from the commoditization of food, rising diabetes and heart disease rates, and brain waste of our global youth. — Geography Realm, 4d ago

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Agriculture is the largest contributor to exceeding planetary boundaries. The system contributes to 30 percent of global GHG emissions, consumes 70 percent of world’s freshwater resources, and is the leading cause of biodiversity loss. There are several solutions available, and many of them come with significant nature co-benefits. However, implementing these at scale will require the majority of growers and billions of consumers to change their practices and behaviors. A shift of this magnitude will require changes in incentives. This session will frame the day by charting the path forward for a more sustainable food system; in the second part, global leaders and innovators in the sector will focus on how to unpack the incentives required for a net-zero and nature-positive food system transition. — McKinsey & Company, 4d ago
In its messaging, the industry also heavily references the role of meat in relieving hunger in the global south, claiming that it “plays a key role in reducing food insecurity and malnutrition”. However, the UN-linked Committee on World Food Security has repeatedly pointed out that hunger and malnutrition are not caused by a lack of food, pointing instead to problems with access, distribution and power. — the Guardian, 4d ago
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and short break! It is hard to believe that the semester is coming to a close. Each year, I rent a house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to spend the break with my two sons. Sometimes, it’s just us. Other times, friends come along and fill the house. This year, it was just us. On one of the days, it rained – not in the way it rains in Colorado, but a 14-hour soaking rain. The day opened space to contemplate the future of public health how we make strides toward improving the health of our society.The COVID-19 pandemic was, and may continue as, one of the most substantial infectious disease threats in modern times that required an immediate public health response. However, the United States alongside other nations, was slow to provide widespread and convenient testing, distribute masks, and effectively communicate about safe practices and the changing scientific landscape. Nonetheless, the United States invested in new technology and developed an efficacious vaccine in record time. While its distribution, deployment, and uptake could have been improved, the scientific community achieved remarkable breakthroughs by sharing data and tissue samples at a pace not previously seen. Researchers openly collaborated at an international level. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare an inadequate public health infrastructure especially around inconsistent communication between federal, state, and local policies that prevented a cohesive response to the pandemic.What can we learn from the public-private partnerships that brought us exciting new treatments but also highlighted some of the shortcomings of public health? How can we use these lessons to reimagine the public health infrastructure? As the new dean of the Colorado School of Public Health, I’ve reflected at length as to why and how our nation rapidly responded to developing a new treatment, but large scale, transformational public health investments such as access to health care, new models of care delivery, and data integration across systems for policy development have been slower to come. In my first State of the School address, I suggested that public health, as a field and practice, is plagued by three myths that must be overcome. These myths are: public health isn’t sexy; public health isn’t a science; and public health is invisible until it fails.Myth #1: Public health isn’t sexy.As a society, we are drawn to new treatments and promises for a cure. The technology is exciting; the breakthroughs are breathtaking. What government or individual donor does not want to invest in an early-stage treatment that may cure or slow the progress of a disease that affects millions of people? The motivation for financial support is higher if this disease affects them or their loved ones. This enthusiasm remains high, almost without regard to a treatment’s chances of success, costs, and possible risk. How do we make the case for public health to be as equally exciting and breathtaking? Public health breakthroughs (e.g., clean water, sanitation practices, food inspection) have changed the course of history for civilization and have prevented countless deaths. Yet, the achievements of public health are not widely promoted as life-saving interventions. Public health interventions have a high chance of success, often come at low costs relative to the development of pharmaceutical interventions, and are generally associated with few downside risks. Tobacco companies made smoking sexy, a habit that is deadly, stinky, costly, and turns its users’ teeth yellow. Surely the case for public health’s ‘sex appeal’ is easier to make than the case made for tobacco products. We must be creative in how we change the narrative for public health.Myth #2: Public health isn’t a science.A quick google search defines science as “the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.” Public health professionals produce research that is grounded in theory, data driven, and evidence-based. Our papers are subject to rigorous review and our researchers compete for incredibly scarce resources—it is public health after all. Yet, the message of “science” often gets lost in the work we do and has even come under attack in recent years. “Science” is sometimes lost when we disseminate our evidence to colleagues in basic, translational, and clinical science who may not appreciate the complexity of our work. The average person understands that microbiology is a science but is unaware that public health research and practice is also a science and is guided by economic, social, and behavioral theories, among others.As a public health community, we must take responsibility for this perception and communicate more effectively about the thought and rigor that goes into what we do. Public health science uses data from complex tracking systems assembled for public health purposes, and often enhances those data with additional data that were assembled for other purposes but can inform our models and subsequent decisions. These data are stress tested with varying assumptions and sensitivity analyses and then frequently updated with new data. Furthermore, our scientists develop new methods to handle the ensuing complex analyses. Public health science exists at the intersections of human behavior, environmental forces, policy, society at large, and health. Therefore, our landscape is continually changing, and our scientists have to be nimble in response. A good example is how well our faculty worked together to produce evidence for Colorado’s governor to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions. We must do much more to educate everyone within and outside of our field about the science of public health and that our process is no different than basic, translational, and clinical science.Myth #3: Public health is invisible until it fails.Despite public health’s struggles with sex appeal and perceptions about its science, much of public health is “invisible” because it works so well. We take for granted that our food and drinking water are safe and that smoking is prohibited on airplanes. Most of us instinctively reach for the seatbelt when we settle into a car – all because of public health. However, when these measures were first introduced, they were met with resistance. We owe it to our field to point out the areas where public health continues to save lives. It is in these examples where we regain trust and convince the population, including policymakers, to adopt new measures that make our world a safer place where we can all thrive.How is public health not sexy when it saves so many lives? How is it not science when public health is theory grounded, data driven, and evidence-based? And how is public health invisible when there are so many examples of public health in action all around us, every day? Public health is visible, but it needs to be clearly understood.There are not enough resources in our society to treat each individual who has a health need. Because of this, societal level interventions are needed to make us safer, saner, and stronger. It is public health where such interventions are developed – and it is worthy of repeating that they are grounded in theory, data driven, and evidence-based, or simply put, science. — cuanschutz.edu, 4d ago
Many factors go into the competitiveness and strength of U.S. food and agricultural exports,including for example, the economic impacts of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, availability andcosts of shipping and farm inputs, climate and weather. The last few years, American agriculturehas been buffeted by these factors as well as the coronavirus pandemic and market disruptionsdue to retaliatory trade actions by our largest trading partners. American farmers andagribusinesses have risen to the challenges to adjust, be resilient, and continue to feed Americansand the world. Through the adoption of technology, conservation practices, and production anddistribution efficiencies, American farmers produce sustainably, with fewer inputs and enhancedyields. In particular, the ability to leverage leading-edge research and innovation in agriculture-related technologies will be vital to enhancing the competitiveness of American farmers.The charter of the President’s Export Council explicitly identifies an objective that the Councilreport to the President “on its recommendations for expanding U.S. exports” and “examine theneeds of business, industry, and agriculture to expand their efforts.” With the current and futuretrade deficit in food and agricultural products, however, actions are needed now to support andexpand opportunities for U.S. exports, in order to support the economic health of this sector andthe U.S. economy. With these objectives in mind, the Council encourages action on thefollowing recommendations:... — thefencepost.com, 4d ago
Honourable Teeruthraj Hurdoyal, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, acknowledged UNDP’s contribution through the IAS project, which has secured funding of 4 million USD from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Minister Hurdoyal stressed the importance for Mauritius to effectively implement Article 8(h) of the Convention of Biological Diversity along with other international instruments, such as the International Plant Protection Convention. He concluded by highlighting that “the introduction of organic scanners offers a promising avenue for the control and management of invasive species in a manner that aligns with our commitment to ecological balance and environmental stewardship.”... — UNDP, 4d ago
Moss has been on a campaign to promote greater investments in the health of children, saying that it’s the best long-term strategy for improving public health. He emphasizes the need to focus on addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and education, to give children better opportunities to grow into healthy adults. — OncLive, 4d ago

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Women are key actors in the food system. Yet, they face barriers in accessing, adopting, and benefiting from agricultural technologies, finance, and other productive resources. This has resulted in a “gender yield gap”. Empowering women and closing gender gaps in agrifood systems does not just help towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, but also leads to better food and nutrition security at the household level and results in resilient and sustainable food systems overall. Sustainable agricultural mechanization has immense potential to benefit women smallholder farmers by relieving labor shortages, saving time, reducing drudgery, ensuring efficient use of resources, enhancing agricultural productivity, and making farming more profitable. — ESCAP, 4d ago
There is no managed way out unless you can persuade a majority in all major countries in the world to voluntarily lower their standards of living back to the 1970s - further back if you want an equitable distribution. So we will march forward until we crash and then get forced back to 1920s living standards and mass depopulation (from increasing deaths, not falling birth rates). The crash will not be overnight but drawn out over 20 years with each year worse than the previous one - it will not be pretty with food shortages, mass unemployment, climate impacts and war. — interest.co.nz, 5d ago
Its vast diversity, spanning massive industrial farms in developed nations to small subsistence plots in the developing world, complicates scalable solutions. Additionally, stringent emissions measures here risk undermining food security for the most vulnerable in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia—a dire trade-off that violates the fundamental human right to food. Yet, we urgently need this sector to move towards low emissions pathways, but in ways that do not further harm the interests of the small-scale producers in the Global South. — CGIAR, 5d ago
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But in the Summit agenda, too, there are signs of the pre-Sen world asserting itself. One of the four ‘action pillars’ is called “Anticipating and preventing famine and food security crises”, as if the same medicine that can treat food insecurity will also prevent famines. That can’t be the case. If those medicines worked, there wouldn’t be any famines! The global aid sector may have a lot wrong with it, and the international humanitarian system has its share of failings, but it is very good at stopping lots of people from dying. When mass mortality does occur (such as in Somalia 2011, Tigray 2022), that’s usually because at least one warring party has prevented people from reaching the assistance that they need. Dealing with that is a huge political challenge, not one that can be addressed by learning the lessons from ‘early response’ to food crises. Putting food insecurity and famine into the same discussion risks leading to a combined analysis of the solutions, or of solutions from one dominating the whole discussion, when very different kinds of measures are needed for each. The humanitarian sector is putting a lot of faith in the ability of anticipatory action to prevent crises. I've written elsewhere that I am somewhat more cautious than some in my optimism of its potential to help in difficult crises– but it would be a mistake of a different order, indeed a dangerous fallacy, to think of famines as the kinds of events that can be headed off by a few anticipatory action projects. — ODI: Think change, 17d ago
One of the benefits of being cared for in the home is that home health clinicians can identify challenges a patient may be experiencing as well as potential safety risks that could impede recovery or cause further harm. For instance, having a healthy diet and proper nutrition is vital to a person’s ability to recover from an injury or illness and is also critical for the health of patients with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart failure. Home health clinicians are specially trained to educate patients and their caregivers on a personalized nutrition plan. Prior to developing that plan, they’ll assess whether the patient is experiencing food insecurity (or other social health challenges), and if so, help secure the appropriate food sources and assistance programs. — MedCity News, 23d ago
Jan VanderHout, President of FVGC, added, “As we confront the challenges of rising operational costs and environmental pressures, it’s clear that a sustainable fresh-fruit and vegetable sector is essential to Canada’s health and food security. At Fall Harvest, we’ve highlighted the importance of regulatory review, financial-protection measures, and the critical role that the fresh-produce industry must play in shaping new sustainable packaging regulations. Our meetings these past few days have been dedicated to helping Parliamentarians and the Government build a resilient fruit and vegetable sector that can thrive amid challenges, striving to ensure that we can continue to grow and distribute the nourishing produce that Canadians depend upon.”... — Canadian Packaging, 11d ago
PwC Middle East has launched its first Net Zero Future50 report, revealing 50 pioneering start-ups in the Middle East driving innovation focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the impacts of global warming across key economic sectors in the region.The report highlights their groundbreaking technologies and achievements in climate management and carbon emissions reporting, in addition to opportunities and challenges in growing and scaling their businesses. Using PwC networks and tech partner expertise, we identified 500 climate and sustainability-focused start-ups operating in the region - with over 200 coming forward in response to their public call for nominations at COP27 in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year. A rigorous selection process, including in-depth interviews and evaluations, led to the Net Zero Future50, chosen by PwC and Strategy& judges specialising in ESG, digital innovation, and energy transition.Breaking away from global trends in tech and innovation, over half of the featured Future50 companies boast female founders or mixed-gender leadership teams. A remarkable 25% have a female founder, while an additional 32% have a diverse team of both female and male founders, highlighting that the majority of startups feature women as leaders.Moreover, a large proportion of these founders are young, with nearly half aged between 30 and 39, highlighting a fresh perspective and dynamic approach in the sector.The 2023 Middle East Climate Tech report was also launched and found that despite the region's commendable increase in investment into global climate tech funding - which nearly tripled to US$5 billion in 2023 from US$1.8 billion in 2022 - a concerning funding gap persists for local and regional climate tech entrepreneurs. Funding for these entrepreneurs saw a stark decline to US$152 million in 2023, down from nearly US$1 billion in 2022. Nevertheless, entrepreneurial spirit remains resilient in addressing regional climate issues through innovation.Dr Yahya Anouti, Partner at Strategy& and Sustainability Leader at PwC Middle East, said: "Climate tech innovation in the Middle East is being driven by some of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in our region, championing new technologies to accelerate the path to net zero."He added: "While Middle East players are ramping up climate tech spending globally, they can do much more to fund and empower local entrepreneurs, who may represent the ‘missing link’ in their strategy. We call for governments and corporations to play a vital role by establishing specialised funds and off-take agreements, fostering demand and reducing investment risks in the climate tech sector. With COP28 just around the corner, we are delighted to spotlight the contributions of these innovators which are instrumental in driving down emissions and propelling the momentum of decarbonisation in the region”.Positively, the majority of the Future50 innovators are operating within sectors responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in the region, signalling investment is going where it’s needed the most. Specifically, Industry, Manufacturing and Resource Management make up 22% of the total list, while Energy makes up 20%; when combined both these sectors account for 75% of regional GHG direct and indirect emissions. The Food, Agriculture, and Land Use (FALU) sector is the third most represented comprising 18% of the list - despite only contributing 2% of GHG emissions in the region. This reflects the focus on climate and sustainability challenges related directly to food security, in a region that imports more than 80% of its food and is vulnerable to supply chain disruption.Despite this, significant barriers continue to shape the journey for climate tech innovators.Commenting on the report, Jon Blackburn, Partner, part of the Energy, Resources and Sustainability practice at PwC Middle East, said "The Future50 entrepreneurs identify legal and regulatory complexities as a major obstacle. This hampers talent acquisition, product development and brand establishment. The scarcity of investors and the limited market size in the Middle East creates hurdles, leading to direct competition with larger global companies operating in the same space.’“On a broader level, it’s also widely acknowledged that the region - much like the rest of the world - is facing a shortage of ‘green skilled’ professionals with the training and knowledge to help develop some of the most-needed technologies - from environmental engineers to experts in advanced technologies like carbon capture. According to our Middle East CEO Survey published earlier this year, 35% of regional leaders have cited a lack of talent in specialised professions. This gap is further compounded by the intense competition for experienced hires. Addressing this issue requires both short-term solutions, such as intensive training programs, and long-term strategies, including the development of new educational curricula to enhance capabilities in key climate disciplines."Launched last year at COP27 with a public call for submissions, the PwC Middle East’s NetZero Future50 initiative aims to support innovators addressing the biggest climate challenges facing the region. Following a rigorous selection process which reviewed over 500 profiles, PwC Middle East has identified 50 who have developed pioneering technologies set to make the greatest impact. The firm is committed to providing these companies with a platform for growth and scalability, including benefitting from PwC’s ESG transformation offerings, receiving expert advisory on corporate investments and supporting the innovators in their fundraisers as they look to grow and scale their operations. — Energy Connects, 13d ago
Governments should also resist the temptation of price controls and subsidies in response to higher food and oil prices. These benefit the rich at the expense of the poor. A far better option is to improve social safety nets, diversify food sources, and increase efficiency in food production and trade. Over the longer-term, all countries should pursue the logical next step: accelerating the transition to renewable energy, which would mitigate the effects of oil-price shocks, bolster energy security, and reduce carbon emissions. — Brookings, 18d ago
Over one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted, undermining efforts to end hunger and malnutrition while contributing 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In low- and middle-income countries, over 40 percent of food loss occurs before a crop even makes it to market, whether due to inadequate storage, pests or microbes, spoilage, spillage in transport or otherwise. Eliminating food loss and waste (FLW) would provide enough food to feed two billion people, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing FLW is critical to global food security, nutrition and climate change mitigation, with climate-smart cold chain playing an important role in these efforts. — Agrilinks, 6d ago

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Agriculture faces the challenge of feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. Machine learning can be harnessed to optimize crop yields, monitor soil health, and predict disease outbreaks. Startups focusing on sustainable agriculture solutions can contribute to increased efficiency in food production while promoting environmental stewardship, making them appealing to socially conscious investors. — Analytics Insight, 5d ago
Nigeria's livestock sector is poised to play a major role in shaping the country’s food security in the coming decades, accounting for roughly 10% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and supporting the livelihoods of nearly 15 million households. The country's population is projected to double to almost 400 million by 2050, and the livestock sector is already a vital source of nutritious food, income and employment. However, the sector is currently underdeveloped and faces several challenges, including low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, disease outbreaks, climate change and insecurity. — International Livestock Research Institute, 5d ago
These include smoke-related air pollution that causes lung and heart disease, damage to the water catchments and agricultural land we rely on for safe drinking water and food, and disruptions to power, communications, health and other services. — Monash Lens, 5d ago
With its potential for improving food security and nutrition, healthy diets and local development fonio can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IYM2023 provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote fonio as a globally important crop for the future and bring together researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines to share their work and join forces to promote its use for sustainable agriculture and improving local livelihoods. — Imperial College London, 5d ago
In 2013, CLF partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the MAPC to conduct an assessment of the potential relationships between planned transit-oriented development (TOD) and health. The intent of this work was to develop criteria that could guide decisions about HNEF investments.In its recommendations, the health impact assessment (HIA) identified 12 determinants of health associated with TOD, the types of projects that could address them and the potential health impacts of such projects. It also identified data sets that could be used to monitor whether the expected positive health impacts were being achieved in the real world.The HIA was updated in 2020 to help guide the work of HNEF II. It expanded the original 12 health-related “pathways” to 15 and provided a literature review and recommendations for each.This work has ensured that CLF and MHIC have a playbook for guiding “multilayered” development that backs up public-sector investments in public transit with equitable access to housing, food and parks. “We also want to incent developers to build in a way that is greener and lower-carbon that code currently requires, putting solar arrays on rooftops, using heat pumps, installing EV charging stations and bike racks,” Foote says.Barry Keppard, director of the MAPC Public Health Department, was part of the team for the initial health impact assessment (HIA). A regional agency in a state where county-level government is not the norm, MAPC serves 101 cities and towns.Local governments are under pressure to balance demands from residents and fiscal responsibility, he says. Many default to thinking that creating equal conditions will give residents equal opportunities for well-being.But simply making things “equal” doesn’t account for variability among the people themselves, whether language, disability or community culture. (Or unintended consequences such as gentrification or displacement.)As it has worked to clarify how the built environment can foster health, CLF has explored the human side of healthy development through a parallel research effort in partnership with MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. — Governing, 5d ago
The world faces a critical moment. We must balance economic progress with industrial decarbonisation if we are to secure our lives and livelihoods for tomorrow.To do so, we must focus on greening the energy sector. Energy is deeply linked to economic growth, but also accounts for an estimated three-quarters of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whose impact is being felt in extreme weather events and food supply disruptions.Understanding the new green transformationDecarbonisation is crucial to mitigating climate change. Yet, it also presents the opportunity to green the entire energy value chain.Industrial decarbonisation involves designing and building new clean energy assets to capitalise on up-and-coming market opportunities. At the same time, existing operations can be optimised for better efficiency and sustainability.Creating this greener future rests on the transformative power of data-led technologies in combination with human insight.The World Economic Forum estimates that 70% of new value created in the global economy over the next decade is likely to be based on digitally-enabled business platforms. Existing digital technologies can deliver up to 20% of the reductions in energy consumption needed to achieve the International Energy Agency's 2050 net-zero trajectories. According to forecasts from Accenture and the World Economic Forum, three sectors would benefit the most: the energy, materials, and mobility industries.Advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics can help to measure and reduce GHG emissions for all kinds of industries, including hard-to-abate sectors such as petrochemicals, steel, and cement. They provide the industrial intelligence that energy business leaders need in order to build safe, efficient, and agile operations that are also more sustainable.Bringing these technologies together within a connected ecosystem enables further gains. When internal and external teams can collaborate around a digital source of truth, they can innovate business processes, and reduce time and resource costs. — Energy Connects, 5d ago

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Other factors exacerbate the challenges, from food shortages (“We’re also seeing a lot of malnutrition, and if you don’t have enough food in your system, it becomes much more difficult to fight any infection.”) to air pollution (“Families in these countries cook inside the home using appliances that burn fossil fuels such as charcoal. The children inhale all those carcinogens, and thus their lungs are already compromised when they come down with a serious respiratory infection.”). — Hollins University, 26d ago
Under high climatic, disease and market uncertainty, smallholder farmers make heuristic decisions on whether to manage risk and invest in profitable alternatives or, as a risk-averse mechanism, continue with the traditional low-risk low-return practices. The goal of this paper is to investigate the role of information, social capital, and resource endowments on farmers’ decision to invest in insurance bundled with fertilizer and modern improved seeds and its impacts on food security indicators including surplus produce, marketing share, and produce storage. Results show that insurance induces a 113% increase in the proportion of maize sold and an increased probability to keep food reserves for the lean period by 42%. Impacts of insurance on marketing and storage are contingent on cropping system, agro-advisory and resource endowments with differentiated effects. These findings reveal that bundling crop insurance with high-cost productivity improving inorganic fertilizers and modern improved varieties bred for drought tolerance is a viable option for farmers to make risky productivity-enhancing investments and improve livelihoods that contribute economic development and food security. — CGIAR, 10d ago
This process can happen in different ways. The degradation of conserved areas and the diversion of rivers and extreme drought, can, for example, lead to water and food shortages. And this poses a direct threat of malnutrition, affecting the health of local populations and leaving them more vulnerable to known diseases. — jamaica-gleaner.com, 14d ago
NH Business Review, 17d ago
(Opinion) Come Nov. 17, Congress’s continuing resolution for WIC funding will expire - NH Business Review
MedCity News, 20d ago
From Inequality to Empowerment: The Role of Automation Technologies in Healthcare - MedCity News
Mondoweiss, 14d ago
U.S. medical and public health institutions are complicit in genocide
UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom, 27d ago
Bi-weekly press briefing - 07 November 2023
MedCity News, 27d ago
Emerging Technologies and It’s Impact On Global Food Insecurity - MedCity News