Farming & Agriculture News

Farming & Agriculture

With the vastly increased productivity of today's farmer comes added responsibility to ensure the environment is protected and the production is sustainable.

Agricultural practices can be very damaging. They contaminate rivers and streams, resulting in fish kills, reduced biodiversity, increased turbidity, eutrophication, algal blooms and more problems that can impact human and animal health. Agriculture is also a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, one should not overlook its many positive environmental benefits. Agricultural practices that conserve soil and increase productivity while improving soil quality also increase the amount of carbon-rich organic matter in soils, thereby providing a global depository for CO2 drawn from the atmosphere by growing plants. The same farming practices that promote soil conservation also decrease the amount of CO2 accumulating in the atmosphere. (Source: EPA / Photo: Flickr)

Articles about Farming & Agriculture

Brazil farmers in legal feud with Monsanto over GM soy

Sun, Jun 03 2012 at 1:18 PM

Transgenic soy was smuggled into Brazil in 1998 and now accounts for 85 percent of total production, but by refusing to pay crop royalties, Brazilian farmers are caught in a legal feud with the US seed manufacturer.
James Cameron scoops up more of New Zealand

Fri, Jun 01 2012 at 11:42 AM

The famous director and deep-sea explorer has added 4 more properties since March.
Most people want equal access for all to good food

Thu, May 24 2012 at 11:57 AM

A new survey reveals that people want produce that is healthy, affordable, green and fair – and they want equal access for all.
Plant the Plate infographic argues for increased fruit and vegetable production

Wed, May 23 2012 at 2:50 PM

America does not grow enough fruits and vegetables to satisfy USDA recommendations for all citizens. This infograhic makes the argument easy to understand.
Brain tapeworms: More common than you thought

Wed, May 23 2012 at 12:46 PM

When pork tapeworm larvae take a wrong turn, they can end up in the human brain with devastating effects.
Why you should buy food at the farmers market

Thu, May 10 2012 at 6:25 PM

If you like delicious, nutritious food, then this is the right place for you to shop.
China probing claims of toxic cabbage

Tue, May 08 2012 at 3:14 AM

Formaldehyde is sprayed over cabbages to keep them fresh for both national and international travel.
Where do urban chickens go to retire?

Wed, May 02 2012 at 11:11 AM

Two Portland sanctuaries have become popular retirement spots for chickens past their egg-laying prime.
New Zealand bovine research to help farmers' bottom line

Tue, May 01 2012 at 12:19 AM

The U.N. estimates that 18 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions blamed for climate change come from livestock.
Pesticide exposure linked to brain changes

Mon, Apr 30 2012 at 1:25 PM

When pregnant women are exposed to a common pesticide, their children may experience changes in brain structure linked to lower intelligence.

MNN - Mother Nature Network

Farming & Agriculture

Articles about Farming & Agriculture

Brazil farmers in legal feud with Monsanto over GM soy

James Cameron scoops up more of New Zealand

Most people want equal access for all to good food

Plant the Plate infographic argues for increased fruit and vegetable production

Brain tapeworms: More common than you thought

Why you should buy food at the farmers market

China probing claims of toxic cabbage

Where do urban chickens go to retire?

New Zealand bovine research to help farmers' bottom line

Pesticide exposure linked to brain changes

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