Cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families

The more than $1 billion cut hits already strapped schools and food banks.

Marlene B. Schwartz, Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut • conversation
June 5, 2025 ~7 min

A more varied diet would help the world’s economy as well as its health

Humans rely on a very narrow selection of plant and animal food products – but more diversity could boost local and regional economies.

Emmanuel Junior Zuza, Senior lecturer, Royal Agricultural University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2024 ~8 min


3 ways AI can help farmers tackle the challenges of modern agriculture

AI is exciting and scary, but it’s also a very useful tool. Here’s how AI is helping farmers shore up their bottom lines, protect the environment and boost food security.

Joe Hollis, PhD student in Rural Sociology and Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University • conversation
Nov. 29, 2023 ~6 min

America's farmers are getting older, and young people aren't rushing to join them

It’s part of a decadeslong trend.

Mary Nelson Robertson, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Science, Mississippi State University • conversation
Oct. 10, 2023 ~7 min

Farmers face a soaring risk of flash droughts in every major food-growing region in coming decades, new research shows

If greenhouse gas emissions continue at a high rate, breadbaskets of Europe and North America will see a 50% chance of a flash drought each year by the end of this century.

Jordan Christian, Postdoctoral Researcher in Meteorology, University of Oklahoma • conversation
May 25, 2023 ~8 min

Environment plan for England asks farmers to restore nature – but changes are likely to be superficial

Tinkering around the margins of English farms won’t benefit biodiversity, research suggests.

Elise Wach, Research Advisor, Institute of Development Studies • conversation
Feb. 3, 2023 ~8 min

Installing solar-powered refrigerators in developing countries is an effective way to reduce hunger and slow climate change

Many developing nations have little cold storage and lose much of their perishable food before it gets to markets. Climate-friendly refrigeration can provide huge environmental and social benefits.

Abay Yimere, Postdoctoral Scholar in International Environment and Resource Policy, Tufts University • conversation
Jan. 19, 2023 ~9 min

Deforestation: proposed EU import ban may fail to protect tropical rainforests and farmers – here's how it should work

The EU have introduced a new regulation on the import of products linked to deforestation – but will this reduce deforestation globally?

Joss Lyons-White, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cambridge • conversation
Jan. 6, 2023 ~9 min


Which wetlands should receive federal protection? The Supreme Court revisits a question it has struggled in the past to answer

The Supreme Court opens its 2022-2023 session with a high-profile case that has major implications for both wildlife and landowners.

Albert C. Lin, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis • conversation
Sept. 26, 2022 ~10 min

India and Pakistan's heatwave is a sign of worse to come – podcast

And after India banned wheat exports in May due to the high temperatures, we find out how vulnerable crops are to extreme heat. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Gemma Ware, Editor and Co-Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation • conversation
May 26, 2022 ~5 min

/

2