Why Russia pulled out of its grain deal with Ukraine – and what that means for the global food system

Russia’s move, which it followed by bombing the key port city of Odesa and threatening to attack any ship sailing for Ukraine, sent global food prices skyrocketing.

Anna Nagurney, Professor and Eugene M. Isenberg Chair in Integrative Studies, UMass Amherst • conversation
July 19, 2023 ~7 min

A shrinking fraction of the world's major crops goes to feed the hungry, with more used for nonfood purposes

A new study finds that by 2030, less than one-third of the world’s major crop harvests will go directly to feed people.

Deepak Ray, Senior Scientist, University of Minnesota • conversation
May 13, 2022 ~6 min


Soybeans grow larger when bees are near

"...plants in fields that were adjacent to pollinator habitat produced seeds that were 6.5% heavier than the seeds from plants in distant fields."

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Feb. 24, 2022 ~7 min

Farmers are overusing insecticide-coated seeds, with mounting harmful effects on nature

Studies suggest that seeds coated with neonicotinoid insecticides may harm nontarget insects, mammals and birds. In response, states are starting to restrict use of these products.

John F. Tooker, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 22, 2022 ~9 min

The herbicide dicamba was supposed to solve farmers' weed problems – instead, it's making farming harder for many of them

Farmers are stuck in a chemical war against weeds, which have developed resistance to many widely used herbicides. Seed companies’ answer – using more varied herbicides – is causing new problems.

Bart Elmore, Associate Professor of History and Core Faculty in the Sustainability Institute, The Ohio State University • conversation
Jan. 26, 2022 ~10 min

What is bioengineered food? An agriculture expert explains

There’s a new label on many US food products – here’s what it means and who pushed to add it.

Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director, Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, Arizona State University • conversation
Jan. 21, 2022 ~6 min

The US biofuel mandate helps farmers, but does little for energy security and harms the environment

The US has required motor fuels to contain 10% biofuels since 2005. As this program nears a key milestone in 2022, farm advocates want to expand it while critics want to pare it back or repeal it.

John DeCicco, Research Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 2, 2021 ~10 min

Brazil’s economic crisis, prolonged by COVID-19, poses an enormous challenge to the Amazon

Because Brazil's economic prosperity in the last two decades is increasingly linked to the Amazon's good health, restoring the country's economy is a critical first step toward ending deforestation.

Peter Richards, Adjunct Professor, George Washington University • conversation
April 19, 2021 ~8 min


Ancient tooth tarter provides glimpse into early trade and menu items

Scientists study ancient human teeth to learn about their surprising diet.

Juan Siliezar • harvard
March 22, 2021 ~7 min

Rotating corn and soybeans may take a toll on soil

Rotating corn and soybeans offers environmental and management benefits to farmers, but could pose long-term tradeoffs for the health of the soil.

Fred Love-Iowa State • futurity
Oct. 3, 2019 ~3 min

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