Veteran Farmers Get Our Respect
As another Veterans Day is upon us, UC Food Observer would like to salute all of our veterans – and all veteran farmers in the United States. It’s no secret …
Strawberry Production in Post-Methyl Bromide World
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Said no conventional strawberry farmer in California, ever. In 2016, the powerful soil fumigant methyl bromide–a chemical strawberry farmers relied on for decades–was finally phased …
It is summer and the farmers markets are in full swing around the United States. Crispy carrots, beets in jewel tones and multicolored radishes are just some of the local …
Solar Eclipse 2017, Science Literacy + Space Farming
Summer nights are made for stargazing. But this summer’s solar eclipse is generating a lot of extra excitement about the heavens. “On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America …
Feasts of Resistance: Understanding Conflict with Food
Can we all better understand global conflict around the dinner table? Two non-profits in Chicago say yes. “Food shapes culture and conflict shapes food. Resistance doesn’t only take the form …
UC Santa Cruz Farm Inspires Alum and “Writer Farmer” Jason Mark
Graduates of the ecological horticulture program at UC Santa Cruz go on to accomplish many things. Some become farmers, writers, and educators. Some provide food security to precarious communities with …
Growing Food? Need Help? Ask A Master Gardener!
Are you growing food this year? If so, it helps to have a credible source of growing information. Maybe you need someone to answer your questions about pests or plant …
Obesity Conference Elevates Voices of Youth Advocates
It’s no secret that obesity is a serious health issue in the United States. Obesity rates have doubled for adults and preschool children over the last 30 years, and they’ve …
Raising Pigs on California’s Small Farms Has Benefits
For small farms in California, there can be real value in raising pigs. The animals need less space than most livestock, such as cattle or sheep. Pigs also have two …
Cinco de Mayo is a popular annual celebration of Mexican-American culture. It’s a day that honors a victorious battle fought during the French-Mexican War. But many people think of it …