A compilation of 2014 Seed Summit keynote papers, response papers, presentations, findings, and a summary of recommendations to address the seed crisis.
The 2013 Annual Report from the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.
For more information contact:
RAFI-USA
PO Box 640
Pittsboro, NC 27312
www.rafiusa.org
Feed & Seed is a company located in Greenville, South Carolina. It's a collaborative effort from farmers, educators, policy makers, health experts, and many more to connect food from the farms to our tables.
Food waste and loss is a large and increasingly urgent problem and is particularly acute in developing countries where food loss reduces income by at least 15 percent (according to the FAO) for 470 million smallholder farmers and downstream value chain actors, most of whom are part of the 1.2 billion people who are food insecure.
The 2013 Annual Report from the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.
For more information contact:
RAFI-USA
PO Box 640
Pittsboro, NC 27312
www.rafiusa.org
Feed & Seed is a company located in Greenville, South Carolina. It's a collaborative effort from farmers, educators, policy makers, health experts, and many more to connect food from the farms to our tables.
Food waste and loss is a large and increasingly urgent problem and is particularly acute in developing countries where food loss reduces income by at least 15 percent (according to the FAO) for 470 million smallholder farmers and downstream value chain actors, most of whom are part of the 1.2 billion people who are food insecure.
From Soil to Sovereignty—Good Food for AllNFCACoops
This keynote presentation was given by Ruth Tyson, Coalitions Coordinator for the Food & Environment program at Union of Concerned Scientists, from Neighboring Food Co-op Association's Eighth Annual Meeting & Celebration. Tyson facilitates the Good Food for All Coalition, which unites grassroots and national organizations around a vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable food system. Tyson asked NFCA's member food co-ops to consider: "How well does your Co-op’s Membership, Staff, and Board represent your community’s demographics? What are you doing to increase this representation and participation, and how can you, as an association of Co-ops, use your collective purchasing power and policy advocacy to support racial equity in the food system?”
Sustainable Fisheries Financing Strategies: Save the Oceans Feed the World Pr...The Rockefeller Foundation
Traditional strategies supporting ocean conservation and protection of fisheries have most often involved political advocacy, community engagement, and media campaigns that target protection of charismatic species and threatened habitats. In recent years, actors seeking to protect ocean environments have increasingly turned to market-based policies and incentives to better align commercial and conservation objectives. These strategies have included certification schemes, the emergence of eco-brands, small investment funds, and consumer-marketing efforts that generate greater demand for sustainably sourced seafood. Market principles also shape the use of rights-based fisheries management, or “catch share” systems, which attempt to integrate property rights into fishing access as a way to incentivize better long-term resource stewardship.
The Rockefeller Foundation marks its 100th year in 2013. The Foundation’s mission, unchanged since 1913, is to promote the well-being of humankind throughout the world. During the course of its history, the Foundation has supported the ingenuity of innovative thinkers and actors by providing the resources, networks, convening power, and technologies to move innovation from idea to impact. It supports work that expands opportunity and strengthens resilience to social, economic, health, and environmental challenges. The Foundation seeks to achieve its mission through work aimed at meeting four equally important goals: revalue ecosystems, advance health, secure livelihoods, and transform cities.
Starting in June 2012, the Rockefeller Foundation began investigating the pressing problem of the declining health of the oceans due to climate change, overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction, and the effects of this decline on poor and vulnerable people who depend on marine ecosystems for food and livelihoods. The goal was to better understand the nature of the problem and the potential impact of interventions in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, poverty, and food security.
The Foundation assembled a portfolio of learning grants that examined this problem from multiple perspectives in order to inform and assess the viability of and potential impact for future engagement on this topic. We supported four scoping studies that sought to identify populations dependent on marine fisheries, as well as review past experience with integrated approaches to fisheries management within a livelihoods and food security context. In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, we also supported scoping work in four countries to assess opportunities for a coordinated strategy integrating national policy, local management, and innovative financing.
We have learned a tremendous amount from the work our grantees have done, captured here by partner FSG in a summary and synthesis. We hope this information will contribute to the broader body of knowledge on this topic, as well as our own work.
The new book from CTA and Cgiar Research Program on Climate Change & Food Security, "Evidence of impact: Climate-smart agriculture in Africa", showcases many innovative climate-smart agriculture practices with the capacity to increase productivity and build resilience in Africa
This white paper offers a survey of eight strategies businesses along agricultural supply chains, civil-society organizations, investors, and nations are implementing to promote sustainable agricultural commodity production and ease pressures on tropical forests with some promising results, including a 70 percent reduction of deforestation over the past decade in the Brazilian Amazon, one of the largest deforestation hotspots on the planet.
Thematic Presentation on "Family farming"Amit Yadav
Welcome to the Thematic Presentation on “Family Farming”. We the MSW II year student of School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya select this topic for thematic presentation because 2014 is The”International Year of Family Farming”. Through this presentation our focus is to inform about the family farming, importance of family farming, what is International Year of Family Farming, 2014, Objectives of family farming and so on.
Discussion on Family Farming Criteria for definitions and typologiesFAO
The main object of the following presentation is to share with the audicence the progress made during this process, that is under construction, that will try to: (a) understand and (b) pay attention over the critical aspects presented by experts, family networks and representatives from governments and UN agencies during the Global Dialogue.
Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people. - Henry Clay
The International Year of Family Farming was launched on the 22nd November at UN Headquarters in New York.
What is Family Farming?
Family farming includes all family-based agricultural activities, and it is linked to several areas of the rural development. Family farming is a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour, including both women’s and men’s.
Objectives of the International Year include supporting the development of policies conducive to sustainable family farming and increasing knowledge, communication and public awareness.
Technological developments and strategies to prevent soil depletion Syngenta
A perspective from Syngenta's Head of Environmental Policy Romano DeVivo on the importance of soil health and fertility. Improving farming practices on the ground is not only key to making progress towards the environmental targets embedded in the SDGs but also to addressing multiple social and economic targets that depend on the benefits that ecosystems provide to people.
2003 Summit Proceedings Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century AgricultureRAFI-USA
Edited by Michael Sligh and Laura Lauffer
The Summit on Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture provides an open forum for the discussion of issues
related to public plant and animal breeding. The views presented and positions taken by individual participants and
presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RAFI-USA.
RAFI-USA grants permission to copy the Background and Summit Conclusions & Policy Recommendations.
Permission to copy individual presentations is retained by the authors.
Copying of this report or its parts for resale is expressly prohibited.
From Soil to Sovereignty—Good Food for AllNFCACoops
This keynote presentation was given by Ruth Tyson, Coalitions Coordinator for the Food & Environment program at Union of Concerned Scientists, from Neighboring Food Co-op Association's Eighth Annual Meeting & Celebration. Tyson facilitates the Good Food for All Coalition, which unites grassroots and national organizations around a vision for a just, equitable, and sustainable food system. Tyson asked NFCA's member food co-ops to consider: "How well does your Co-op’s Membership, Staff, and Board represent your community’s demographics? What are you doing to increase this representation and participation, and how can you, as an association of Co-ops, use your collective purchasing power and policy advocacy to support racial equity in the food system?”
Sustainable Fisheries Financing Strategies: Save the Oceans Feed the World Pr...The Rockefeller Foundation
Traditional strategies supporting ocean conservation and protection of fisheries have most often involved political advocacy, community engagement, and media campaigns that target protection of charismatic species and threatened habitats. In recent years, actors seeking to protect ocean environments have increasingly turned to market-based policies and incentives to better align commercial and conservation objectives. These strategies have included certification schemes, the emergence of eco-brands, small investment funds, and consumer-marketing efforts that generate greater demand for sustainably sourced seafood. Market principles also shape the use of rights-based fisheries management, or “catch share” systems, which attempt to integrate property rights into fishing access as a way to incentivize better long-term resource stewardship.
The Rockefeller Foundation marks its 100th year in 2013. The Foundation’s mission, unchanged since 1913, is to promote the well-being of humankind throughout the world. During the course of its history, the Foundation has supported the ingenuity of innovative thinkers and actors by providing the resources, networks, convening power, and technologies to move innovation from idea to impact. It supports work that expands opportunity and strengthens resilience to social, economic, health, and environmental challenges. The Foundation seeks to achieve its mission through work aimed at meeting four equally important goals: revalue ecosystems, advance health, secure livelihoods, and transform cities.
Starting in June 2012, the Rockefeller Foundation began investigating the pressing problem of the declining health of the oceans due to climate change, overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction, and the effects of this decline on poor and vulnerable people who depend on marine ecosystems for food and livelihoods. The goal was to better understand the nature of the problem and the potential impact of interventions in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, poverty, and food security.
The Foundation assembled a portfolio of learning grants that examined this problem from multiple perspectives in order to inform and assess the viability of and potential impact for future engagement on this topic. We supported four scoping studies that sought to identify populations dependent on marine fisheries, as well as review past experience with integrated approaches to fisheries management within a livelihoods and food security context. In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, we also supported scoping work in four countries to assess opportunities for a coordinated strategy integrating national policy, local management, and innovative financing.
We have learned a tremendous amount from the work our grantees have done, captured here by partner FSG in a summary and synthesis. We hope this information will contribute to the broader body of knowledge on this topic, as well as our own work.
The new book from CTA and Cgiar Research Program on Climate Change & Food Security, "Evidence of impact: Climate-smart agriculture in Africa", showcases many innovative climate-smart agriculture practices with the capacity to increase productivity and build resilience in Africa
This white paper offers a survey of eight strategies businesses along agricultural supply chains, civil-society organizations, investors, and nations are implementing to promote sustainable agricultural commodity production and ease pressures on tropical forests with some promising results, including a 70 percent reduction of deforestation over the past decade in the Brazilian Amazon, one of the largest deforestation hotspots on the planet.
Thematic Presentation on "Family farming"Amit Yadav
Welcome to the Thematic Presentation on “Family Farming”. We the MSW II year student of School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya select this topic for thematic presentation because 2014 is The”International Year of Family Farming”. Through this presentation our focus is to inform about the family farming, importance of family farming, what is International Year of Family Farming, 2014, Objectives of family farming and so on.
Discussion on Family Farming Criteria for definitions and typologiesFAO
The main object of the following presentation is to share with the audicence the progress made during this process, that is under construction, that will try to: (a) understand and (b) pay attention over the critical aspects presented by experts, family networks and representatives from governments and UN agencies during the Global Dialogue.
Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people. - Henry Clay
The International Year of Family Farming was launched on the 22nd November at UN Headquarters in New York.
What is Family Farming?
Family farming includes all family-based agricultural activities, and it is linked to several areas of the rural development. Family farming is a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour, including both women’s and men’s.
Objectives of the International Year include supporting the development of policies conducive to sustainable family farming and increasing knowledge, communication and public awareness.
Technological developments and strategies to prevent soil depletion Syngenta
A perspective from Syngenta's Head of Environmental Policy Romano DeVivo on the importance of soil health and fertility. Improving farming practices on the ground is not only key to making progress towards the environmental targets embedded in the SDGs but also to addressing multiple social and economic targets that depend on the benefits that ecosystems provide to people.
2003 Summit Proceedings Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century AgricultureRAFI-USA
Edited by Michael Sligh and Laura Lauffer
The Summit on Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture provides an open forum for the discussion of issues
related to public plant and animal breeding. The views presented and positions taken by individual participants and
presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RAFI-USA.
RAFI-USA grants permission to copy the Background and Summit Conclusions & Policy Recommendations.
Permission to copy individual presentations is retained by the authors.
Copying of this report or its parts for resale is expressly prohibited.
2012 Annual Report: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USARAFI-USA
Annual report for fiscal year 2012 for Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.
For more information contact:
RAFI-USA
PO Box 640
Pittsboro, NC 27312
www.rafiusa.org
Scott Hamilton’s Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrit...RAFI-USA
Hamilton, a farmer from Alabama, shares his insights about the contract system. Draft testimony of Scott Hamilton, poultry grower from Phil Campbell, Alabama before the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry United States Senate hearing on Economic Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Agricultural Producers Today. April 18, 2007.
The Come to the Table Guidebook is a 40-page downloadable publication that includes an overview of the theology and issues surrounding farming and food security in North Carolina, perspectives from faith leaders, easy tools for identifying the needs and resources in your community, example projects for congregations to relieve hunger and support local food production, and a resource list.
Compulsory Pooling & Landowner Protections; Presentation to Compulsory Poolin...RAFI-USA
Presentation to Compulsory Pooling Study Group of the North Carolina Mining & Energy Commission on Forced Pooling and Landowner Protections.
John Humphrey
McSwain Agriculture Center
Sanford, NC
January 11, 2013
Disaster Programs and the Changing Face of Agriculture in North CarolinaRAFI-USA
Written by Scott Marlow, Executive Director, RAFI-USA.
Published August 2007.
After each disaster, farm families across North Carolina sit down at their kitchen tables to figure out how to recover their losses and go forward. For an increasing number of families, the best and sometimes only option is to leave farming.
Disaster preparedness and response is a constant aspect of North Carolina agriculture. North Carolina experienced 28 agricultural disaster or emergency declarations between 1980 and 2004, including droughts, floods, killing frosts, and Hurricanes Floyd, Fran, Hugo, Ophelia, Isabel, Bertha, Irene, Ivan, Frances, Dennis and Bonnie. Yet today federal disaster relief programs protect less farm income and fewer farm assets in North Carolina than they did in 1980. If Hurricane Floyd were to happen today, by all likelihood, North Carolina farmers would receive less, not more, assistance from the federal government.
More information online at http://rafiusa.org/programs/farmsustainability/disaster-programs/report/
Written Statement of W. Scott Marlow: Subcommittee on Commodities and Risk Ma...RAFI-USA
Written Statement of W. Scott Marlow
Director of Farm Sustainability Program
The Rural Advancement Foundation International – USA
To the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Commodities and Risk Management Hearing
May 14, 2007
Proceedings of the 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century AgricultureRAFI-USA
To address both the growing crisis in seed biodiversity and our global capacity to develop diverse seed and breed varieties, RAFI and the Coalition for Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture organized the 2014 Summit on Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture.
The event, which was held in Washington, DC in March of 2014 brought together plant breeders, experts on the seed industry, farmers, activists and academics representing ten universities, twelve civil society organizations and four seed collections to discuss the state of our global seed supply and develop recommendations for reinvigorating public breeding research and increasing seed availability in the country.
The Proceedings of the 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture provide a compilation of the summit keynote papers, response papers, presentations and findings, as well as a summary of recommendations collaboratively developed by summit participants during discussion.
The publication includes the summit keynote papers authored by well-known plant breeders and researchers in the plant breeding field including:
• William Tracy, a sweet corn breeder with the University of Wisconsin;
• Major Goodman, a corn breeder and professor of crop science at North Carolina State University;
• Tommy Carter, a research geneticist and professor of crop science at North Carolina State University;
• David Ellis, the head of the Genebank Unit at the International Potato Center in Peru;
• Kathy Jo Wetter, Research Director of ETC Group’s Action Group on Erosion, Technology & Concentration;
• Michael Mazourek, a vegetable breeder and professor of plant breeding at Cornell University; and
• Charles Brummer, Senior V.P. Director of Forage Improvement at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.
Learn more: http://rafiusa.org/publications/seeds/
From the Margins to the Mainstream: Advancing Organic Agriculture in the U.S....RAFI-USA
January 2010. The National Organic Action Plan (NOAP) articulates a vision for the future of organic food and agriculture in the United States. It engages collaborators from across the organic community. NOAP sets out a broad set of goals to guide organic agriculture in the United States over the next ten years.
Community Seed Banks ~ fao
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For more information, Please see websites below:
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Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Region Old Fertilizer New Fertilizer 1 147 160 151 162 2 156 1.pdfalaaishaenterprises
Region Old Fertilizer New Fertilizer
1 147 160
151 162
2 156 161
151 151
3 165 159
166 138
4 158 132
149 159
5 139 164
131 164
6 146 168
118 169
7 161 158
164 147
8 143 174
147 157
A biotech firm conducts an experiment to examine potential differences between a new organic
fertilizer and a traditional fertilizer product. A large parcel of land is broken down into regions,
and two trials with each fertilizer are used on plots of land within each region. The corn yield
obtained for each of the plots is shown in the above table.
(a) Perform an appropriate analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the data shown in the table.
Construct an ANOVA table and determine whether there is a significant difference among the
fertilizers. Is there a significant difference among regions? (Assume a significance level of ? =
0.05) Is the interaction effect significant?
(b) Assess the treatment and block means using the t-distribution.
(c) Calculate and interpret the model residuels.
(d)Summarize what has been learned from the experiment.
Solution
Diversity means life; diversity means choice. Unfortunately, around the world the
spaces for the maintenance and creation of (new) diversity are becoming more and more
confined. Biological diversity, in environments increasingly disturbed by human intervention, is
under serious threat. Globalization forces are imposing limits on the ways people shape and
reshape socioeconomic, cultural, and political diversity. At the same time, in many places efforts
are underway to maintain or open up new room for the appreciation, use, and further evolution of
diversity. In 1992, following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED or the \"Earth Summit\"), staff at Canada\'s International Development Research
Centre (IDRC) developed a program to support these efforts. IDRC\'s biodiversity program was
born to put and keep biodiversity high on the agenda of research and development organizations
in the South, in Canada, and around the globe. In 1997, the biodiversity program evolved into the
Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (SUB) program initiative, retaining its major objectives and
approach: Image to promote the use, maintenance, and enhancement of the knowledge,
innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities to conserve and sustainably use
biodiversity; Image to develop incentives, methods, and policies that facilitate the development
of strategies for the conservation and enhancement of in situ agricultural and aquatic
biodiversity; and the participation of communities in their design and implementation; and
Image to support the creation of policies and legislation that recognize the rights of indigenous
and local communities to genetic resources and to the equitable sharing of benefits of the use of
these resources. This In_Focus book presents fragments of the arduous biodiversity research
work carried out and ongoing in numerous, often far away and little known places around the
world. The book b.
Towards a better understanding of custodian farmers and their roles: insights...Helga Gruberg Cazon
This publication is the result of a research collaboration between Bioversity International and the Fundación para la Promoción e Investigación de Productos Andinos (PROINPA). It deals with issues regarding on-farm conservation of agrobiodiversity, which is a poorly addressed field of research in spite of its pivotal role in the maintenance of global crop diversity. Strategic actors in on-farm conservation are those farmers who, for various reasons, distinguish themselves from others by their contribution to conserving crop diversity. We call them ‘custodian famers’, even though the terminology may not be suitable to all social contexts. Understanding who these custodian farmers are, their presence over the territory, the types of crops they maintain, why and how, as well as gaining insights on the cultural, social and economic drivers behind their efforts is, for scientists, a very important step in devising effective on-farm conservation strategies and this booklet is a contribution in that direction. The open-ended interviews and participant observation methodologies provided in this study are helpful in guiding future methodological approaches and advancing our understanding of how the roles of custodian farmers can be better recognized, harnessed and supported by society. This work has been carried out in the framework of a major global UN Project supported by IFAD and the European Commission, which is focusing on the development of innovative participatory approaches for the conservation of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) on farm.
Presented by Barbara Gemmill-Herren during the seminar How to Feed Nine Billion within the Planet’s Boundaries - Agroecology for Food Security & Nutrition organised by the SIANI Expert group on Agriculture Transformation on March 10, 2015. Read more here: http://www.siani.se/expert-groups/agriculture-transformation-low-income-countries-under-environmental-change
Come to the Table Guidebook: Second EditionRAFI-USA
The second edition of the Come to the Table Guidebook is a 40-page publication released in 2015 by RAFI, the NC Council of Churches and Resourceful Communities. It includes snapshots of community groups that have pioneered innovative food access work, the current status of hunger and agriculture in North Carolina and nationally, along with new resources and stories from faith leaders and from the field.
RAFI's #UnSelfie Template for #GivingTuesdayRAFI-USA
Join thousands of individuals and organizations across the globe on December 2, 2014 to celebrate #GivingTuesday, an international day of giving back. Celebrate generosity by giving your time, talent, money or voice - and start by sharing your very own #unselfie.
Creating an #unselfie to support RAFI in four easy steps:
1) Print out the #unselfie template or grab a piece of paper.
2) Write down how and why you are giving back this #GivingTuesday.
3) Take a moment to snap a selfie - but instead of showing your smile, feature a handwritten message about why you are giving back by supporting RAFI.
4) Post your photo to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest - and be sure to tag @rafiusa so we can celebrate together!
Are you ready to vote in your FSA county committee election but not sure how? This document will show you how to properly fill out an FSA county committee ballot.
Note: FSA ballots are mailed to farmers prior to an election. The back of the mailing has a large print of the USDA logo.
Source: RAFI's Farmer Leadership Network
For more information visit: http://rafiusa.org/farmer-leadership-network/
The Final Report released by the North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission (MEC) in response to public comments on the draft fracking rules. A few of the proposed changes strengthen the rule set, especially those requiring Surface Use Agreements for any proposed drilling unit application. Unfortunately, some of the most inadequate rules, such as setbacks for high occupancy building, remain unchanged.
Managing Specialty Crop Risk in North Carolina 2013RAFI-USA
Addressing risk is critical to the survival of family farms. Specialty crops in particular face a greater challenge. Over the past year, RAFI worked with specialty crop farmers across North Carolina to research and write Managing Specialty Crop Risk in North Carolina.
Presented by Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA) Research & Policy Associate James Robinson. August 8, 2013.
Contact James Robinson with any questions: james@rafiusa.org
919-542-1396 ext. 209
For more information about forced pooling and landowner rights visit: http://rafiusa.org/issues/landowner-rights-and-fracking/
By Alethea Harper, Annie Shattuck, Eric Holt-Giménez, Alison Alkon and Frances Lambrick
What lessons can be taken from North America’s three-decade experiment in formulating local food policy? Food Policy Councils: Lessons Learned is an assessment based on an extensive literature review and testimony from 48 individual interviews with the people most involved in Food Policy Councils.
Food Policy Councils: Lessons Learned is the result of a collaboration between Food First and the Community Food Security Coalition. This study would not have been possible without the help of Mark Winne, Thressa Connor and the Community Food Security Coalition, the dozens of interviewees who gave their time to this effort, and the team of researchers and interns at Food First who helped conduct the research. We would like to extend a special thanks to Ashly Wolf who helped manage the Food First research and interview team and Sarah Treuhaft of PolicyLink for her invaluable first review. Funding for this report was provided by the Clarence Heller Foundation and member supporters of Food First.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Alert-driven Community-based Forest monitoring: A case of the Peruvian Amazon
Executive Summary from Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture
1. Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background
Agricultural biodiversity and site-specific plant and animal adaptation have sustained and
nurtured communities around the world since the dawn of farming. The diversity of crop
varieties and breeds that we enjoy today come from the combination of art and science of public
plant breeding with keen field-based observations and selections. Never before have these
cultural and biological resources been needed so much, nor have they ever been under such
stress and threat.
As part of their long-term work to address seed and breed biodiversity and democracy, RAFI-USA
organized the Coalition for Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture in 2003.
Since its inception, the coalition has worked to:
● Reinvigorate our public plant and animal breeding capacity,
● Ensure that regionally adapted public cultivars are readily available to provide greater
choice to farmers,
● Prioritize support and training for the next generation of public cultivar developers, and
● Protect, enhance and utilize our agricultural diversity to address the key challenges of
21st century agriculture.
RAFI and the Coalition for Seeds and Breeds for 21st Century
Agriculture organized the 2014 Summit on Seeds and Breeds for 21st
Century Agriculture. The summit builds upon work accomplished
during two previous Seeds & Breeds summits and through
information gathered from stakeholders and breeders around the
country.
The summit was convened to address both the growing crisis in seed biodiversity and our global
capacity to develop diverse seed and breed varieties. The purpose of the event, and key to this
renaissance of resilience, was to address the need for more public cultivars and breeds that are
regionally adapted, readily accessible to both breeders and farmers, and housed in the public
domain.
Executive Summary section of Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture.
Published by the Rural Advancement Foundation International. October 2014.
2. Held in Washington, DC in March of 2014, the gathering brought together plant breeders, seed
industry experts, farmers, activists, academics representing ten universities, twelve civil society
organizations and four seed collections. This diverse group of experts came together to discuss
the state of our global seed supply and develop recommendations for reinvigorating public
breeding research and increasing seed availability in the country.
These proceedings provide a compilation of the summit’s keynote papers, response papers,
presentations and findings. It also provides a summary of the recommendations developed by
participants during summit discussions, including short, medium and long-range
recommendations and positive goals for reversing this crisis. Summit keynote papers were
authored by well-known breeders and researchers in the field including:
William Tracy, a sweet corn breeder with the University of Wisconsin;
Major Goodman, a corn breeder and professor of crop science at North Carolina State
University;
Tommy Carter, a research geneticist and professor of crop science at North Carolina State
University;
David Ellis, the head of the Genebank Unit at the International Potato Center in Peru;
Kathy Jo Wetter, Research Director of ETC Group’s Action Group on Erosion, Technology
& Concentration;
Michael Mazourek, a vegetable breeder and professor of plant breeding and genetics at
Cornell University; and
Charles Brummer, Senior V.P. Director of Forage Improvement at the Samuel Roberts
Noble Foundation.
Summit Findings
Based on keynote papers, response papers and discussion, summit participants identified the
most critical challenges threatening the future of plant breeding. Key summit findings can be
summed up as seven major challenges:
1. Our current agricultural systems are increasingly vulnerable to weather and pest
disruptions due to the decline of agro-biodiversity in our commercial seed choices. This
vulnerability is especially important as we face shifting and unpredictable climatic
conditions.
2. Public cultivars developed through classical breeding techniques are an extremely
successful and powerful public asset and critical to addressing the increasing
vulnerability of our agricultural systems. The lack of adequate funding and loss of
institutional capacity have significantly reduced our ability for this critical public cultivar
development.
3. Consolidation and concentration in the ownership of seeds have caused negative impacts
on cultivar development, genetic diversity and farmer choice.
Executive Summary section of Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture.
Published by the Rural Advancement Foundation International. October 2014.
3. 4. The adoption of utility patents has caused a decline of farmer and researcher access to
and innovation in the development and adaptation of elite cultivars.
5. The number of public cultivar developers continues its decades-long decline, increasing
the urgency for renewed institutional capacity to support the next generation of public
plant breeders.
6. New and innovative partnerships and models for collaboration are critical to address
more regionalized and participatory approaches to public cultivar development.
7. Public germplasm collections and the genetic resource conservation system lack adequate
funding to steward our genetic heritage, and facilitate democratic access.
Summit Recommendations
Summit participants developed the following recommendations to address these challenges:
1. Develop a comprehensive national plan to restore funding and institutional capacity for
the development of public plant and animal varieties.
2. Encourage and reward agricultural biodiversity on farms and in our commercial seed
choices in order to increase resilience against shifting and unpredictable climatic
conditions.
3. Address the negative impacts of consolidation and concentration in the ownership of
seeds by empowering farmers to save and own seeds and encouraging more
independent regional seed companies.
4. Increase farmer and researcher access to innovation in the development of elite
cultivars, and confront the negative impacts of utility patents and restrictive licenses.
5. Increase the number of public cultivar developers in each of the seven US climatic
regions with a focus on renewing institutional capacity to support future public plant
breeders.
6. Create new, innovative partnerships and models to address regionalized and
participatory approaches to public cultivar development.
7. Strengthen and democratize public germplasm collection systems and address
germplasm access and sharing at an international level.
8. Commit adequate resources to determine critically missing data, budgets and baseline
information to better articulate both the challenges and the solutions ahead.
Executive Summary section of Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture.
Published by the Rural Advancement Foundation International. October 2014.
4. 9. Build greater public awareness of the importance of public cultivar development and of
the positive solutions mapped out by this national summit. We can do this best by
expanding our regional communities of seed advocates and identifying on-the-ground
regional priorities and challenges to ensure that our solutions meet the needs of
stakeholders in each region.
A Call to Action
This summit marks yet another call for greater action and is aimed at resetting our priorities
with increased urgency and vigor. Public plant breeding is a critical tool to foster greater seed
choices, longer cropping system rotations and much greater public utilization of our collective
germplasm collections. These effects are crucial to increasing agricultural resilience to withstand
and adapt to the coming challenges.
Unless action is taken quickly, we stand to lose both agricultural diversity of seeds and breeds
and our capacity for public variety development. The future will be shaped by the magnitude of
our response now. We must be clear and honest that we are not prepared. We are behind and
must pick up the pace, especially as global conditions force us from more proactive to reactive
responses.
Download the
Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture
http://rafiusa.org/publications/seeds/
Executive Summary section of Proceedings of 2014 Summit on Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture.
Published by the Rural Advancement Foundation International. October 2014.