Q & A: UC’s Doug Parker on California’s drought
“I find it rather disturbing that some people see this as an urban vs. agriculture issue. The California Constitution states that water belongs to the people of the state. It is …
Urban farming taking root in the wide open spaces of Wyoming
Wyoming is known for its wide open spaces. Beef and a few other crops are produced here, but the state imports much of its food. That’s changing, as urban farming …
USDA announces $27M in grants to end child hunger
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than $27 million in grants to fund projects designed to help end childhood hunger in America. The announcement was made at a large anti-hunger …
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 …
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: the USDA reports trends …
Has farm-to-table helped the actual farmer yet?
The farm-to-table movement has grown tremendously in the last number of years, bringing new kinds of opportunities to producers. Selling directly to consumers can bring higher prices and is rewarding. …
Food Stamp use in rural America challenges stereotypes
Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a USDA program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families; it was previously called the “food stamp” …
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 …