California’s bullet train: will it save farms or herald sprawl?
California’s Central Valley is home to some of the world’s most productive agricultural land…and it’s poised for growth. The state of California projects a whopping 85% jump in population by …
“Workshop on wheels” may link Hmong farmers to new markets
A “workshop on wheels” hosted by the University of California provides Hmong farmers from Fresno County with some resources to access larger markets in the Bay Area. Michael Yang from …
Ebola leaves food insecurity in its wake
While the Ebola crisis has lessened and moved out of the news cycle, a related crisis remains and appears to be growing: food insecurity in the affected regions. Efforts to …
Strains in U.S. grain sector become more evident in Midwest
Strains in America’s grain farming sector are becoming more evident. Plunging grain prices in the Midwest are creating financial tensions between landowners and the tenant farmers they lease land to. …
“Freight Farms” used to grow fruits and vegetables in Boston year round
Boston has been slammed with record snowfall this year, and the city is still struggling to dig out. Meanwhile, despite the deep freeze, fruits and vegetables are being grown in …
“Agriculture must change” UN FAO leader tells international gathering
On the eve of an important international gathering focused on agriculture and climate change, the director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) said, “Agriculture must change.” …
School cafeterias get a makeover
A few years ago, only 57% of San Francisco public school students who were eligible for free or reduced-price lunches used the program. Changing up the menu didn’t seem to …
The dockworkers union and employers reached a tentative agreement late Friday. An ongoing contract dispute has impacted 29 West Coast ports, contributing to an extended slowdown which has stranded cargo, …
Hunkering down for the weekend? Comfort food.
We’re the University of California Food Observer, so you know that we’re based in the Golden State. California is a large and diverse place in all ways, including weather-wise. The …
Proposed U.S. dietary guidelines draw praise, ire; a look at Brazil’s
The nation’s Dietary Guidelines are set to be revised this year, and a panel of scientific experts advising the federal government says that Americans should eat “more fruit, vegetables, dairy, …