Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years. Saturday, May 18, 2024

Articles by Amy Mayer

The conservation stewardship program (CSP) allows farmers and ranchers to enroll working lands, like these acres in South Dakota.

NIFA outlines climate-smart ag priorities

Amid calls for agriculture to engage fully in the Biden administration’s climate change mitigation plans, the director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has outlined the agency’s priorities for funding and supporting public research.
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Compost is spread on a research field. (Courtesy UC Davis)

Animal compost helps reduce risk of foodborne illness

A new study finds animal compost may prevent harmful microorganisms from surviving in farm fields. The research, published today in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, could inspire changes in soil management. Some farms have veered away from animal compost in favor of synthetic fertilizers in part because of fear the compost would introduce pathogens that, when they hitch a ride on fresh produce, make people sick.
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