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Sunset farmers in field

Farm Bill Updates

About every five years, the U.S. Congress passes the biggest set of food and farming policies that define the majority of federal farm, food, nutrition, and rural economic programs. At a cost of about $440 billion over five years, these programs influence: What is grown; who grows it; how it is grown or produced; what is done with those products and where they are sold; who can access and afford those goods; and how we invest in rural communities.

Watch and listen as two experienced farmers share stories and practical approaches for small-scale, diversified farms that use the principles of agroecology.  This discussion may provide you with ideas that small farms where you live can adapt and thrive.

After many long days of negotiations, the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) made a historic move for safer food and farming by passing a resolution on highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) that calls for action to globally phase out the use of the world’s most toxic pesticides by 2035. Tied with this resolution was the passing of a mandate for UNEP to implement this commitment by forming the Global Alliance on HHPs.

organic-farming

It’s Farm Bill time again

Approximately every five years the U.S. Congress passes a multi-billion dollar set of policies collectively known as the Farm Bill — although it really should be called the “Food and Farm Bill” since about 80% of funds support food access and nutrition programs. Other policies

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lead image science matters sign 1

Clovis USDA Nomination Withdrawn

Washington, DC – In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee staff, Sam Clovis announced he is withdrawing his name for consideration as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top scientist. The controversial former talk show host has come under increasing scrutiny for past inflammatory statements and

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global-farming

Positive pesticide news

In the midst of uncertain times, I’m finding comfort in an array of good news regarding pesticide bans and restrictions from around the world. Last week, PAN Staff Scientist Emily Marquez returned from the scientific committee meeting of the Stockholm Convention in Rome where several

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hurricane-devastation

When disaster strikes. . .

In the past weeks and months, many have been rocked by natural disasters — hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastating southern states and the Caribbean, a strong earthquake shaking Mexico City and destructive fires ripping through western states, Portugal and Spain.

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white-wash-book

Monsanto’s playbook, revealed

Monsanto executives will not be happy about Carey Gillam’s new book. Released last week, Whitewash documents the corporation’s aggressive efforts to establish, promote and protect their RoundUp Ready seed and pesticide empire.

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