Head to Farm to Understand Today’s Chaotic Political Scene
The urban-rural divide has been a source of tension in American political, economic and sociocultural life throughout much of our nation’s history. As an historian, some of my work explores …
Think tank calls on Congress to prioritize ag research
AGree, a leading agricultural think tank which is co-led by former USDA secretary Dan Glickman, has released a report detailing “how to improve the food and agricultural research system. The …
Op-ed: Achieve global food security by investing in universities
One of the most effective strategies for building capacity in a nation is to strengthen its higher education system. It can be argued that the Morrill Land Grant legislation signed …
USDA urges “co-existence” as biotech factions clash
The debate between supporters of biotechnology and non-GMO adherents has grown increasingly strident. Biotech seed makers like Monsanto (along with some farmer groups) argue that GMOs are essential to global …
Changing demographics: Will fewer farmers be able to deliver political punch?
Sara Wyant from Agri-Pulse (@agripulse) has put together a fascinating piece on the politics for power. As America’s demographics change, can farmers still influence national politics? America has always suffered …
Report: Agricultural research should be a national priority
Agricultural research should be a national priority, according to a recently released report, Pursuing a Unifying Message: Elevating Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research as a National Priority. The report was …
Op-ed: Urban-rural split is threat to farm and food policy
In an op-ed appearing in the Huffington Post, former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman describes the partisan split between rural and urban America, and how it jeopardizes in significant ways the …