Agriculture

Have you ever considered combining travel with hands-on experience in sustainable living? WWOOFing lets you work on organic farms around the world in exchange for food and lodging. You can immerse yourself in local cultures, make new friends, and gain valuable skills — all while helping small farms thrive. Find out more and discover how to get started WWOOFing.

This article from nonprofit media organization Grist delves into the ongoing evasion of animal agriculture’s impact on climate change and explores the urgent need for a transformative approach to the global food system.

Corn is one of the most widely eaten foods in the world. It’s also incredibly versatile. You’ll find corn in baked goods and bread, popped as a snack, grilled on the cob, fed to cows, used to fuel cars, and as the base ingredient for a huge range of processed foods and additives. But is corn good for you? And how do you choose the healthiest corn to eat?

In a world of increasing climate chaos, farmers are more and more vulnerable to extreme weather events that threaten their livelihoods. Farming can be hard work under the best of circumstances, and a changing world is making matters harder and impacting farmers’ mental health. This article from Nexus Media News sheds light on the urgent need for culturally appropriate mental health services and stronger community support systems to help farmers navigate increasingly turbulent times.

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns. So is it a good idea to include strawberries in your diet? And if you do, what are the best ways to minimize the risks and potential harms while still taking advantage of their robust nutrition and health benefits?

Not all US farmers fit into the stereotype of an old white man in flannel and overalls. There is a growing queer agricultural contingent seeking increased inclusivity and community. LGBTQ+ farmers challenge historical barriers in agriculture, while also leading the way in envisioning (and bringing to fruition) a more equitable and sustainable farming future, where anyone can grow healthy food, and everyone can thrive.

Climate change is turning modern agriculture into a risky proposition, with droughts and heat waves threatening production around the globe. Hydroponics may be part of the solution. Using artificial lighting, circulating water, carefully controlled nutrient solutions, and no soil, hydroponic systems can allow us to grow crops anywhere, anytime, regardless of latitude or season. And they could be a helpful option for home gardeners as well. But how do you get started? And what are the easiest fruits and veggies to grow hydroponically?

Organic fruits and vegetables cost more than conventional ones — sometimes a lot more. But if you want to avoid pesticide exposure, is it always necessary to choose organic? Or are some conventional fruits and veggies less contaminated? In this article, we go in-depth into the Environmental Working Group’s US-based report on the twelve dirtiest and fifteen “cleanest” produce items of 2024, to help you make smart decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful pesticides.

Over 200 endangered species are threatened by the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which are applied as seed coatings on major crops and have been linked to significant ecological harm. While the EPA has analyzed the impact of many pesticides, some researchers say the EPA’s analysis has gaps, and that the organization is choosing to ignore decades of research. This article looks at the failures of the EPA and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of current regulatory frameworks in protecting endangered species and ecosystems from pesticides.

Dairy milk consumption is at an all-time low, and the market for nondairy milk is rapidly expanding, offering an unprecedented variety of options. So, if you want moo-free milk, what should you keep in mind? And, which milk alternatives are best, considering flavor, uses, and environmental impact?

Wheat is one of the biggest sources of calories in the human diet. But is it good for you? Should you avoid gluten? What about all those carbs? And is there a difference between modern wheat and ancient grains in terms of nutrition and health?

This inspiring article unveils how young farmers are revolutionizing urban agriculture. By turning to eco-friendly techniques and battling systemic challenges, they're not just growing food — they're cultivating a more vibrant and sustainable future. From combating water pollution to supporting more healthy communities, this piece explores a movement that’s reshaping America's urban agricultural landscape. Join us in exploring how some green-thumbed visionaries are sowing seeds of change in their communities and beyond.