From small farming to urban agriculture: El Monte and subsistence homesteading
The UC Food Observer loves history. A site that we’re intrigued with – and really enjoying – is Tropics of Meta (ToM). The site’s mission? “Tropics of Meta is meant …
Pesticide use near schools spurs push for statewide regulation
California grows nearly 90% of the nation’s strawberries. About 30% of the state’s strawberry production takes place in coastal Ventura County, with much of the crop being grown in the …
The next drought victims? Ducks, geese and rice.
As California’s historic drought continues, the implications for the state’s environment and wildlife are becoming more apparent. California’s working landscapes provide important habitat for some wildlife. Consider birds and rice. …
Baja farmworkers win raises and benefits in landmark deal
A months-long labor dispute ended as Mexican farm workers accepted a deal with Baja growers. Farm workers had pressed for a wage equal to about $13 a day; currently, the …
The 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: UC research helps …
A wage hike for Baja farmworkers may come unraveled
A tentative deal that ended a farmworker strike in Baja, Mexico may be unraveling. Last month, in an effort to end a crippling labor action that had slowed produce exports …
Before we can address the drought, we need a geography lesson
In a must-read piece, LA Times political columnist George Skelton writes about the California drought. He tackles the convenient but inaccurate sound bites we’ve become accustomed to hearing. He challenges …
Laws on junk food in schools fail to help poor fight obesity, study says
A research team analyzing the impacts of two California laws that target “competitive food and beverages” – including food sold on campus from vending machines and snack bars – has …
California regulators adopt unprecedented water restrictions
Eyder Peralta (@eyderp) provides an excellent summary of the latest development in California’s drought story for NPR’s The Two-Way. Saying that state officials and residents haven’t done enough to curb …
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 UC Food Observer …