Research: Cultivated sweet potatoes were genetically modified (naturally)
Drum roll, please. According to research, the first genetically modified foods weren’t human creations. Scientists have discovered that sweet potatoes contain bacterial genes that were introduced by microbes. (The discovery …
Picnics in art history: beauty and lessons
As the weather warms up, many of us grab a picnic basket, our loved ones, and find a scenic place to dine outside. It’s an annual tradition. According to Walter …
Protein consumption considered
Americans eat more meat per capita than any other country in the world. We buy high-protein products of all kinds: bars, cereals, and even drinks. Many of us eat animal …
UC Food Observer chooses a handful of important stories for you to read as you finish your work week. On the menu, in no particular order: a Q & A …
Three-quarters of Starbucks employees – and an equal share of American adults— don’t have a bachelor’s degree. The big problem for people isn’t starting college…it’s finishing. And some research indicates …
Making a living as a farmer? Depends on the scale.
One of my favorite U.S. food policy wonks is Parke Wilde (@usfoodpolicy), a professor at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. He was previously on staff at …
Fruit growers try tricking Mother Nature
Producers in northern Michigan grow a variety of fruits, but tart cherries – sour cherries – are one of their biggest crops. Fickle spring weather has resulted in extreme temperatures …
In Brazil, indigenous peoples battle land law change
A battle is shaping up in Brazilian politics that is pitting that nation’s indigenous peoples against powerful agribusiness, timber and mining interests. Brazil’s indigenous peoples are organizing against PEC 215, …
Risk low for human infection from U.S. avian flu
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced that a genetic analysis of the two avian influenza viruses wreaking havoc on the U.S. poultry industry reveals that they are different …
U.S. disappointed by EU proposal to allow biotech bans
Leaders from the United States are expressing concern about a European Union (EU) proposal that would allow its 28 member states to “opt out” of imports of GMO food and …