In 2021, we are faced with a choice – do we continue the path of climate degradation or take bold steps toward change? One of those bold steps has been under our feet all along: regenerative organic agriculture. A new $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative will support University of Illinois scientists and collaborators as they develop improved seed corn tailored to the needs of the rapidly growing organic industry. Modern farmers must revive knowledge gained from thousands of years of traditional, chemical-free farming combined with scientific research into things such as soil fungi and bacteria, said Chris Trump, who grew up on a macadamia nut farm in Hawaii he later managed. Research needs in the organic industry are numerous and run the gamut from production to marketing, growers and others in the industry say. Reinforcing a body of scientific evidence, a new study finds that eating organic food lowers one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With 1 in 10 (34 million) Americans afflicted with type 2 diabetes, and 1 in 3 (88 million) with prediabetes, new strategies focused on prevention are urgently needed. The results of the study, published by a team of French and American researchers in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, reinforce the triple bottom line, profit, people and the environment, benefits of organic food for public health, the environment and the wider economy.
Groups assess organic research needs
Research needs in the organic industry are numerous and run the gamut from production to marketing, growers and others in the industry say.
Organic farming called blend of old and new
Modern farmers must revive knowledge gained from thousands of years of traditional, chemical-free farming combined with scientific research into things such as soil fungi and bacteria, said Chris Trump, who grew up on a macadamia nut farm in Hawaii he later managed.
https://www.producer.com/news/organic-farming-called-blend-of-old-and-new/
Illinois scientists rev up plant breeding for organic corn
A new $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative will support University of Illinois scientists and collaborators as they develop improved seed corn tailored to the needs of the rapidly growing organic industry.
Commentary: To improve our climate, safeguard what’s underfoot
In 2021, we are faced with a choice: Do we continue the path of climate degradation or take bold steps toward change? One of those bold steps has been under our feet all along: regenerative organic agriculture.
Food For Thought: Eating Organic Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Reinforcing a body of scientific evidence, a new study finds that eating organic food lowers one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With 1 in 10 (34 million) Americans afflicted with type 2 diabetes, and 1 in 3 (88 million) with prediabetes, new strategies focused on prevention are urgently needed. The results of the study, published by a team of French and American researchers in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, reinforce the triple bottom line (profit, people, and the environment) benefits of organic food for public health, the environment, and the wider economy.
