Author: Owen Roberts

U.S. agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack is pumping about $1 billion in USDA funding into pilot projects designed to move food production closer to net zero emissions, without reducing yields. More than 1000 prorojects have been submitted to-date. Vilsack says he expects to see “enormous opportunities” come out of this initiative. Photo: usda.gov

McCain Foods Limited and MacDonald’s Canada are putting up $1 million to show potato farmers how to adopt regenerative growing practices that are good for the environment. Encouraging growers to reduce tillage and chemical applications and increase biodiversity are positive moves. But although the environment comes out a winner, consumers are losers when sustainably grown potatoes are turned into fast-food french fries.

When it comes to school lunchboxes, keep things simple with fruits and vegetables. There’s plenty of great information available on every food topic, but what’s most important is that kids enjoy eating what you’ve sent and it’s good for them too. Photo: Food-Guide-Canada.ca

Earlier this week, US lawmakers agreed to take a $20-billion gamble on what’s called climate-smart farming practices, as well as investments in renewable power, biofuels and forestry. With climate change upon us, there’s no time to lose. Research innovations that produce more food with less environmental impact will be essential. Image: dairynow.ca

It seems that most people are confident in existing food safety systems…even if they have little faith in the government. For example, a recent US survey showed that public concern about the safety of fresh produce, which is government regulated, has declined in recent years. Unfortunately though, that confidence hasn’t inspired people to change their diets “ too few of us consume enough fruits and vegetables. Image: southeastagnet.com