#organic agriculture

[meriol-lehmann]

récoltes de soya et de maïs bio, ferme bonneterre, saint-paul-de-joliette

[deep-down-in-drowsy-town]

“Organic food is so bougie and expensive” okay fair point but, in a perfect world, it wouldn’t be. In a perfect world organic, regenerative, seasonal, locally-grown food would be the cheapest and most accessible kind. We would combine age old indigenous knowledge of how to garden and herd in a way that works with the earth with modern scientific knowledge to make a system that feeds everyone, heals Gaia, connects us with our natural selves.

This kind of food system isn’t hippie and elitist by nature. It had become that way because industrial agriculture is like a parasite that entices us with promises of infinite growth for almost no cost, and then proceeds to take over everything, killing local economies and the earth in the process. Everyone else- everyone growing food the right way- is forced to shrink and raise their prices in the process.

Yes, it’s unfortunate that only those of a certain income bracket can by organic food. It’s unfortunate that the movement has become so elitist and snobby. But it’s also important to look at the picture. The enemy is industrial agriculture, the victims are everyone else.

[totesmag]

The Future of Sustainable Agriculture: Innovations and Best Practices

Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the world, providing food for billions of people. However, the current state of agriculture has a significant impact on the environment, from soil degradation to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. It is crucial for the future of our planet that we transition towards sustainable agriculture practices. we will explore the latest innovations…

[20may]

Opt for organic sustainable food choices.

“Bee engaged with Youth”. World Bee Day 2024.

Organic Ingredients are defined materials originating from crops derived  from organic agriculture. The USDA defines Organic Agriculture as :" Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony." It is a farming system based following the cyclical patterns of nature to produce crops from balanced living soils. It puts a strong emphasis on the protection on the environment, and by practice, bans the use of Pesticides, harmful chemicals and genetically modified crops. It relies heavily on biodiversity  promoting a diverse range of plants, insects and animals, with each piece, playing a specific beneficial role to the ecosystem. This is especially true for the bees, as they play a crucial role in pollination, which enables fertilization and reproduction of plants. Without the input of bees, the food and agricultural output is decreased by 33%, making only 2/3 of  the food production possible. As ecology defines, sustainability  as how biological systems remain diverse and productive, It can be presumed that in fact bees are actually essential to global food sustainability. Their loss is considered a threat to global food supplies and sustainability.

The current disappearance of bees, a peculiar phenomenon labeled called Colony Collapse Disorder has perplexed scientists and Beekeepers now for the past decade. However, a new study from Harvard University, published in the June edition of the Bulletin of Insectology has recently found that, neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides and pesticides allowed in agriculture, are killing bees at an exponential rate. The study finds the neonicotinoids to be the direct cause of the colony collapse disorder and the disappearance of the bees.

The study also found that the control bees, which were not exposed to the pesticides were not affected adversely and did not vanish from hives at the end of the study. It is then concluded that the focus on natural ecosystems and native species, as well as the lack of pesticides used in organic farming, is therefore beneficial to bees. By supporting biodiversity and balanced ecosystems for the bees, organic agriculture may just be helping conserve the livelihood of bees and allow for their continuous participation in our food systems. This highlights the growing importance of producing and consuming crops issued from organic agriculture to maintain bees ecosystems and food sustainability for humans. As chemists and brands , a quintessential part of the food and consumer product lifecycle, select raw materials to include in product development efforts, it will become increasingly important to consider organic options as a pillar for overall and global sustainability efforts. It seems that we are all related in our global ecosystem and various choices made have an ecological impact on the planet and our collective livelihood. Perhaps now is the time to consider adding additional criteria to the selection of product raw materials beyond pricing and quality.

[nitinsharmas-blog]

SPJ Group: Cultivating a Sustainable Future Through Organic Agriculture

SPJ Group is committed to environmental responsibility and fosters a healthier world through organic agriculture. We cultivate a range of eco-friendly farm products using sustainable practices, creating jobs and supporting communities. We have set up a 15-acre poly house in Alwar, Rajasthan for organic farming and sustainable farming practices. At SPJ, our commitment to the environment led us into agriculture.

[agri-implements]

Organic produce is becoming popular among the majority as people are becoming mindful of what they eat and how it affects their overall health. Organic agriculture uses practices that also ensure that no harm is done to the planet.

[kdkeenan]

Costa Rica, Day 13: A country drive to a coffee plantation and almuerzo con comida typica

We got up early to take an hour and a half drive to a coffee plantation. Our hotel hostess provided fresh fruit and other things for breakfast, knowing we would have to leave before the hotel served breakfast. Our driver was a cheerful gentleman named Roger, who pronounced his name in the Anglo fashion. We asked about it, never having met a Roger in a Spanish-speaking country. He then pronounced…

[bharatvarsh22]

WHAT ORGANIC FOOD HAVE TO OFFER – 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF ORGANIC PULSES, VEGETABLES, AND FRUITS

Organic food has become increasingly popular over the past few years. There are several benefits of consuming chemical-free food that is grown without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. They can promote overall better health. In today’s article, we will explore 10 amazing benefits of organic pulses, vegetables, and fruits.

Good health begins with healthy choices. Organic food is one of the ways to ensure the quality of what we consume, getting higher nutrients and richer flavors while reducing the risk of illnesses. Whether you want to lose some extra pounds, control diabetes, or build strong immunity, Organic food offers everything you need.

10 Amazing Benefits of Organic Pulses, Vegetables, and Fruits

1. Higher Nutrients

Organic fruits and vegetables are known to have higher nutrients than conventionally grown produce, as they are grown in nutrient-dense soils without synthetic fertilizers. It is one of the main reasons why people choose organic products. The pulses, vegetables, and fruits are grown in soil that is naturally rich in nutrients and minerals, without the use of fertilizers. It involves using cow dung and other methods to prepare the soil before cropping which acts as a natural fertilizer.

2. Lower Risk of Exposure to Pesticides

It is not a secret that pesticides and herbicides are widely used in conventional farming to control pests and weeds. However, these chemicals can be harmful to human health. Long-term exposure to them has been linked to multiple health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems and more.

3. Richer Flavor

Another benefit of choosing organic fruits and vegetables is their richer flavor and texture. Because they are grown using natural farming methods, they usually have good flavors and textures compared to conventionally produced foods. This is due to the different kinds of nutrients and minerals found in organic soil, as well as the lack of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.

4. Lower Risk of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing concern in modern healthcare. Overusing antibiotics in livestock farming has been linked to the cause of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Organic farming practices don’t include the use of antibiotics in animals, which can help reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promote their better health.

5. Improved Digestion

One can find the difference between organic and non-organic food by checking their freshness. Unlike others, they are often fresher and richer in fiber, promoting better digestion and reducing the risk of digestive issues such as constipation and bloating. The fiber found in non-GMO products can also promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria which is important for overall digestive health.

Read More: https://bharatvarshnaturefarms.com/what-organic-food-have-to-offer-10-amazing-benefits-of-organic-pulses-vegetables-and-fruits/

[jrbustamante]

Bacolod Farmers Help Each Other to Succeed

[divine-nonchalance]

Making Desert Land Fertile with Water Bunds

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. The slowest of trailblazers: Better DNA testing means trafficked turtles can go home

““You don't want to just get a turtle and just throw it anywhere,” says Rodrigues, especially because box turtles have a big range, spanning numerous states. So [after they’re confiscated from black market animal traffickers] they wind up stuck in captivity. However, DNA testing has gotten cheap enough and good enough that individual box turtles can finally be traced back to the state where they came from.”

2. New progenitor cell type discovered, may aid in tissue repair and generation

“A team of SAHMRI scientists has discovered a completely new type of cell that […] could be used to boost healing in conditions like diabetes, where the body struggles to repair itself properly. Crucially, these cells don't express typical "self" markers, meaning they could be ideal candidates for stem cell transplantation as they're much less likely to be attacked by the recipient's immune system.”

3. How a Children’s Playground Is Helping With Flood Mitigation

“[This park sits above] a below-ground tank capable of holding hundreds of thousands of gallons of stormwater that city officials say would have otherwise spilled onto the streets or streamed into the basements[….] Others increase resilience with newly planted trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants; once they mature, those trees also provide shade cover that can reduce the heat island effect of urban areas[….]”

4. Transforming agriculture from carbon source to sink

“The study results indicate that by 2050, these agricultural practices [using cover crops, biochar, and agroforestry] could reduce as much greenhouse gas emissions as planting new forests[….] Carbon sequestration on agricultural land is not only important for climate change mitigation efforts but can also enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change[….]”

5. Rewilding success for long-lost bird population

“Conservation charities have successfully completed the second round of rewilding of a long-lost bird breed in Dover [… after working] over 40 years to restore a suitable grassland for the birds. […] Earlier this year, 108 choughs fledged successfully in Cornwall, according to charity Cornwall Birds.”

6. Over 30 celebrities join auction to put LGBTQ+ books in classrooms

“Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting its fourth annual #BannedTogether virtual auction this weekend with the goal of raising $20,000 to send 1,600 free LGBTQ-inclusive books to elementary schools across the United States.”

7. Advancement of Indian Buffalo Management Act Underscores Bipartisan Support for Tribal-led Buffalo Restoration

“The advancement of [this Act] reaffirms bipartisan support of Tribal sovereignty, self-determination and capacity building for bison restoration on Tribal lands. […] The Indian Buffalo Management Act would secure funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations that have an established buffalo herd and management program, as well as provide resources for Tribes to establish new herds.”

8. Anti-inflammatory drug shows promise in boosting motivation for patients with depression

“Growing evidence suggests one potential cause of low motivation may be persistent inflammation, which suppresses activity within key circuits in the brain. […] Patients who received infliximab demonstrated a greater willingness to exert effort in pursuit of rewards compared to those who received the placebo. […] "By targeting inflammation, we're not only addressing the biological underpinnings of these deficits but also offering new hope for more effective treatment options."”

9. Pig transplant research yields a surprise: Bacon safe for some people allergic to red meat

“Some people who develop a weird and terrifying allergy to red meat after a bite from a lone star tick can still eat pork from a surprising source: Genetically modified pigs created for organ transplant research. […] The company that bred these special pigs shares its small supply, for free, with allergy patients.”

10. Brussels tries out a novel rooftop wind turbine suitable for cities

“Just like solar panels, the Renewind mini wind turbine can be installed on the roof of a building[….] Renewind's invention is designed to make the most of wind acceleration at the edge of the roof, a phenomenon that could produce between 1 and 3 MWh per year.”

September 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[reasonsforhope]

"A new community housing development in the Bronx will feature a cool piece of kit: an on-site aerobic digester that can turn 1,100 pounds of food scraps into 220 pounds of high-quality fertilizer every single day.

Built by Harp Renewables, it’s basically a big stomach filled with bacteria that breaks down food scraps and wasted food into their component parts, and in the future could be a standard part of all apartment units as the amount of food waste in American reaches 30% of the total mass of all trash collection.

The Peninsula, organized by Gilbane Development Company, will feature 740 units of affordable housing, 50,000 square-foot light industrial space and equal sized green space, and 15,000 feet of commercial space, all of which will send their castaway comestibles right into the digester...

Fast Company reports that Christina Grace, founder of a zero-waste food management company, helped plan the design and implementation of the digester into The Peninsula, and helped organize a 40% grant from the city to pay the $50,000 upfront cost.

“The goal is for this material to work its way into the community garden network in the Bronx,” [Christina Grace, who helped plan the design] told the magazine, adding that she expects it to pay for itself over just a few years. “We see this as highly replicable in both commercial and residential venues. We know there’s a need for fertilizer.”

Producing fertilizer right there in the city reduces the need for it to be trucked in from afar, chipping away, even if just a bit, at NYC traffic.

Big problem solver

Perhaps uniquely beneficial to New York City compared to other spots in the U.S. is that the digester will have a significant impact on the Bronx’s share of the city’s rodent problem.

Those who’ve watched the Morgan Spurlock documentary Rats will understand why that’s significant—while those that haven’t will have to imagine what living in a megacity where rats outnumber people by around 8 or 10 to 1 looks like.

Another big problem the bio-digesters could potentially help is pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Fertilizer is a big emitter of all three of the most-targeted GHGs. Fertilizer, like quarry dust and ammonia is, like so many commodities, often imported from countries who specialize in its production, such as Norway, but also Russia and Ukraine, whose conflict has recently highlighted the fragility of the supply chain with sharp increases in prices...

Bio-digesters by design keep the CO2 and methane in the fertilizer produced, rather than it entering the atmosphere.

For these reasons and more, the aerobic bio-digester is slowly making its way into residential and industrial spaces around the country.

GNN reported on an enormous bio-digester at the heart of the D.C. advanced resource (sewage) recovery center outside the capital, and on the use of bio-digesters on Australian pig farms which are helping reduce the environmental and psychological impact of the effluent produced from such operations.

Harp Renewables tweeted how happy they were to have installed their bio-digester in the town of Cashel, Ireland.

Expect to see more stories like this pop up around the globe."

-via Good News Network, March 17, 2022

Note: Obviously gentrification bad and "affordable housing" is sometimes nowhere near as affordable as it should be, etc. etc. That said, this is such a fantastic use case that I felt I had to post it anyway.