Garland's Letter from Atlanta

Ever wonder what farmers do when they aren’t planting, tending or harvesting their crops? D2D wanted to find out, so we attended a winter conference to learn a few new things. And pick up a side of gratitude just in time for the holidays, too.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Feeding the World while Healing the Planet

The Nature Conservancy's Global Regenerative Food Systems Director, Saswati Bora, provides a new way of thinking about solving humanitarian, climate and biodiversity crises with the introduction of Foodscapes.

Food Production, Food Security

Anybody Want a Job in Ag?

Finding the workers needed to make our modern food system function is a major challenge across our supply chain. And now we have a perfect storm of labor issues affecting us all.

Agricultural Labor, Food Production

The Ins & Outs of Climate-Conscious Eating

Think you know what climate-conscious eating looks like? Think again. Its complexities extend far and wide, from effects on soil, water use, and farming practices, to just name a few...

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Fertilizer Restrictions' Unintended Consequences

Want to cut greenhouse gases? Mandate less fertilizer use...right? Farmers and others ask if we know what that really means for our food security. Beware the perils of unintended consequences.

Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

We're only as healthy as our soil

A new study concludes that soil quality via regenerative agriculture is the key to nutritious food.

Soil and Crop Management

Flying the friendly skies on green fuel

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel? Where is it going to come from? And what does it mean for our food and agriculture system? We look at this complex issue fueling the aviation industry and what it means for you.

Soil and Crop Management

Can genetically engineered salmon save the world?

AquaBounty is known for its development of the first genetically engineered salmon. Now that the AquAdvantage Salmon has finally hit the market, we want to see where they are now.

Food Production, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Jupiter Ridge: Regenerative Stewards of the Land

Will Lorentzen and Adrian White of Jupiter Ridge Farm detail their experience with regeneratively-grown farming practices in Iowa. Their long-term objectives can shape our understanding of what regenerative ag really looks like.

Soil and Crop Management

Trading Carbon and Talking Plants

Carbon trading can enable farmers to sequester carbon, sell a ton of carbon credit on the market for consumers, and enable companies to purchase as credits. But how does this happen?

Soil and Crop Management

We've got questions for you, 2022...

Governments and companies are changing the way we address food security, the environment, and consumer health. At D2D, we have covered some of these subjects previously but are now looking harder at how the future will be shaped by those who grow, trade, process, and consume food.

Food Production, Food Technology, Food Trade, Health, Soil and Crop Management

FFA's Nicholas Mello: The Importance of Seed Science

In partnership with the Future Farmers of America, we will be highlighting a series of finalists from 2020 and 2021 to share their stories and passions. Today, read about Nicholas Mello of California and his hybrid corn seed experimentation.

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

How Is Ag Helping Battle Climate Change?

Despite ag's substantial carbon footprint, cropland can offset greenhouse gases and regenerate healthy soil. Few if any other sectors have the opportunity to help battle climate change while reducing costs, improving yields, and boosting farm profits.

Conservation, Soil and Crop Management

Toigo's Transition from Tomatoes to Cannabis

Mark Toigo had to pivot his multi-generational farm when low-cost tomatoes flooded the organic market. Converting his tomato crops to cannabis saved his struggling farm, and perhaps a few lives along the way...

Want to Save the Planet? 'Break Boundaries' at Home

Netflix documentary, Breaking Boundaries, has been criticized as another over-the-top and scary climate change film. But at its core, the message is simple – 'Be the Earth's Conscience.' But what does that mean, and how can I personally make a difference?

Climate Change, Conservation

Five Reasons Why I Started Using Conservation Practices On My Farm

This article was written by Keith Mears, who farms with his family near Delphi, Indiana, and is a Conservation Steward with America’s Conservation Ag Movement.

Conservation

The Gabels: From Wall Street to little Grassy Creek

Farming can be far more than a profession or a bottom line. Meet two very special people who have traded the traditional model of career success for something they find even more rewarding. Welcome to little Grassy Creek Farm.

Animal Welfare and Health, Soil and Crop Management

Serving Up Sustainability at Fast Food Restaurants

Fast-food chains have started to go public with their sustainability initiatives, but how are these efforts regulated? And are we willing to pay more for “greener” fast food? Experts in the space help us take a bite out of this topic.

Animal Welfare and Health, Soil and Crop Management

What do probiotics have to do with it? Why soil health matters.

TNC's Renée Vassilos details how soil microbiomes drive healthy environmental ecosystems to increase productivity and profitability. Here are five innovative companies leading the way in this field...

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

Can Rural America Lead in AgTech?

Lucy spoke to Pennsylvanian business leaders and politicians about rural America leading the way for the future of agricultural innovations. Here is her speech...

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Technology

Keeping Score on Biden's Ag Initiatives

Six months into the Biden Administration, Washington claims a mixed scorecard of fulfilling the promises made during the 2020 campaign. Let’s take a look at some of the food and ag-related hits and misses recorded so far.

Food Regulations & Policy

5 Ways to Know if Your Seafood is Sustainable

Have you seen Netflix’s ‘Seaspiracy?’ It made us wonder if we can trust our seafood. Good news is we can – it just made take a little bit more work.

5 Things ‘Seaspiracy’ taught me about Seafood

Aside from its distorted facts and questionable agenda, the Netflix film, 'Seaspiracy', smartly spotlights glaring issues in the sustainable seafood industry. However, options exist that support a healthy seafood system -- we just need to ask the right questions.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy

7 Things to Know about Indoor Farming

There have been some big headlines lately regarding vertical farming. What is vertical farming, and what do we need to know about it?

Soil and Crop Management

Food Transparency Starts With Farming’s Digital Transition

A lack of transparency into food production is one of the fastest-rising concerns among U.S. consumers. But building out the surprisingly complex web of information from the grocery store shelf to farmgate is complicated...at best. Can it be done?

Agricultural Technology, Food Technology

5 Ways Cows Can Help the Environment

Epicurious recently announced they would no longer post recipes with beef because of cattle’s role in climate change. What they didn’t take into account is that cows can actually play a positive role in climate change!

Food Site Epicurious Cuts Beef Recipes: A Short-Sighted Decision

Epicurious.com cut its beef recipes because of its effect on global warming. They claim to be "pro-planet” with this move, but aren’t we all? Especially the ranchers and farmers proactively finding ways to further reduce methane output?

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Saving Our Soil...One Billion Microbes at a Time

Despite their meager size, soil microbes have a significant impact on the health of plants, animals, and our planet. Innovative microbial technologies have been found to increase soil fertility and plant health, as well as understanding our own needs and those of the Earth's.

Food Production, Food Security, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

5 Regenerative Ag Trends for Earth Day

Earth Day presents an annual opportunity to spotlight how important this big, blue ball is to the world’s farmers, ranchers, and growers who depend on its natural resources to grow the food, fuel, and fiber that powers our lives.

Climate-Smart Farming Paves the Way Toward Carbon Negative

AgMission, a partnership among two farm-related organizations, has the goal to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and even make farming carbon-negative. And, in the process, they might also help us find products promoting sustainability.

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Regenerative Ag in Your Own Backyard

To an expanding array of people from the inner city to suburbia and beyond, the ideas behind the regenerative ag movement are changing our thinking about the role we play in sustaining our food system...and the health of our environment.

Soil and Crop Management

Lucy Stitzer x Farm Journal: Soil, Plant & Human Health

D2D's founder talks with Trust in Food's Nate Birt about Regenerative Ag's rapid evolution and its power to restore health.

Soil and Crop Management

5 Things You Didn't Know About Soil

When many of us think of soil, we think of dirt. But, soil is so much more than just dirt. Soil gives life to all of the food we eat. Let’s get to know our soil a little better.

Building a Sustainable U.S. Beef System

Sasha Gennet of The Nature Conservancy shares her experience implementing livestock grazing practices with farmers to benefit the local ecosystem's soil, water, and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and a healthier environment.

Conservation, Soil and Crop Management

Q&A with FFA’s Tyler Gardner

Future Farmers of America member, Tyler Gardner, is one hard-working college student. His work at his family’s cranberry marsh has evolved his mission to produce healthy and sustainable food for generations to come.

Soil and Crop Management

Regenerative Ag: The New ‘Sustainable’

Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming practices that promises to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Each farming operation differs not only in the application of these practices but in their measurement process.

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

5 Benefits of GMOs

GMOs are one of the most controversial topics in mainstream culture, even though they are proven to have many benefits for our farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Will New Wheat and Barley Genomes Help Feed the World?

Scientists have discovered a new genetic variation in both barley and wheat through genetic sequencing. This global effort to breed higher-yielding crops can help feed a growing population.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Future of Food

Meeting Demand: A New Type of Salmon

There's a new breed of salmon that requires less food and water, takes less time to grow, and supports the rural American economy all while having the same health benefits as farmed or wild-caught salmon. Will you buy it?

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy

Behind the Scenes with a Local Beef Farmer

Dave and Holly Albert, owners of Misty Mountain Farms, raise cattle for their local Pennsylvanian market. Their operation runs on a strong value system, adherence to conservation, continued profitability, and consumer relationships.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Epicor: Strengthening our Immune Response

As we approach winter, we're pursuing ways to strengthen our immune system. Some of us have recently added EpiCor, a postbiotic, to our balanced diets and have felt its benefits. Let's take a closer look at this supplement...

Animal Welfare and Health, Health

Farmer & Rancher Election Survey Results

D2D set out with a goal to better understand the issues affecting American farmers - their concerns, hopes, and thoughts about the next four years. Here are our results...

Food Regulations & Policy, Food Trade, Health, Soil and Crop Management

Trump vs. Biden: Comparing Ag Platforms

Election Day is almost here. So where do Trump and Biden stand on American food and agriculture? We compare the candidates' views on the major issues affecting farmers and ranchers today.

Agricultural Labor, Conservation, Food Regulations & Policy

Making the Case for Sustainable Aquaculture

More than half the fish we eat comes from fish farms. But some countries' farms operate with little to no health or safety standards and zero traceability. With our rising need for fish, are we willing to pay more for high quality and transparent aquaculture production?

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Safety

5G’s Revolution: Will Ag be Ready?

5G - the new frontier in technology. For ag, 5G will result in a smarter, more efficient, and more transparent supply chain. So what are some of the technologies that will benefit? And will the broadband infrastructure in rural farmland areas be ready for the leap?

Agricultural Technology, Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

SOS: Save Our Soil

Today, we are more aware and proactive about soil erosion than ever before. Rumor has it that we only have 60 years of soil left. Is this true? If so, it is the same as losing 30 soccer fields of soil every minute. How is this possible?

Soil and Crop Management

What is Soil?

We live in a world with a growing population where understanding the importance of vital elements has never been more necessary. Understanding all that sustains us, and keeps us healthy, is critical to our survival. At the root of that is soil.

Soil and Crop Management

Combating Desertification & Land Degradation

On June 17th of each year, people concerned about the scourge of desertification, land degradation, and drought work to raise awareness and promote solutions to these important issues. Think this day may not pertain to you? Think again...

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

Demanding Equality: Women Farmers in Africa

These women farmers in Africa not only challenge the status quo, but have dramatically improved their local economies...and beyond.

Agricultural Labor, Food Security, Soil and Crop Management

A Farmer's Life on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Farmers, ranchers, and the industry at large depend on an immigrant workforce to help with food production every year. But how can we continue to fortify an agricultural workforce while protecting farmers at the border?

Agricultural Labor

Bettering Farms in Zimbabwe...and Beyond

Nyasha Mudukuti of Cornell's Alliance for Science reveals the challenges facing her family's farm in Zimbabwe, and how her plight to save African smallholder farms hangs on educating farmers about ag biotechnology.

Agricultural Technology, Food Security

Dirty Tactics from EWG’s Dirty Dozen

EWG recently released its annual “Dirty Dozen” produce list, which stokes fears of eating produce with pesticide residues...as if we don't already have enough to fear with COVID. But is EWG right? Or do the benefits of eating produce to maintain our health far outweigh these concerns?

Food Safety, Health, Soil and Crop Management

Jack Bobo: How We Choose Our Food

Especially during chaotic times like this, we rely on Jack Bobo's insights into our behaviors as food consumers to educate us and help us make better decisions. While we search our supermarket for a new "superfood" to cure us or a "natural" product to make us feel healthier, Jack is searching for the answers to why our brains want us to behave this way and what we can do to better evaluate our purchasing decisions.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

People and Nature: Thriving Together in the African Grasslands

Michael Doane of The Nature Conservancy returns to Kenya to witness the Northern Rangelands Trust program's success in restoring wildlife while preparing tribal pastoralists and their cattle for a fruitful livelihood.

Animal Welfare and Health, Conservation

Can Technology Save Urban Farming?

With a growing population and demand for sustainability, innovations in ag are more crucial than ever. Let’s see how pioneers in indoor ag are developing technologies that could prove impactful for our growing needs.

Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food, Soil and Crop Management

D2D's "Nice List" for the Holidays

Here's our "nice list" of helpful posts to keep you healthy, happy and in-the-know through the holidays and into the new year. Everything from delicious, low sugar recipes to global trade and alternative proteins, we've got you covered!

Food Regulations & Policy, Health, Soil and Crop Management

2 Trade Deals and Plant Food in a Pear Tree: Top News in 2019

2019 has been a wild ride! News about our food and how we get it – from dirt to dinner – have had us on the edge of our seats...

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety, Food Trade, Soil and Crop Management

Soil Health: A Personal Chronology of a Global Paradigm Shift

Tillage in croplands is one of the primary drivers of land degradation, but it doesn’t need to be. Join The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane as he experiences zero-tillage cropping systems with farmers in India, and beyond.

Soil and Crop Management

Coffee: Uniting Our Worlds

Our morning brew is so much more than just another beverage! Each cup connects us with farmers in the rainforests and mountains, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming. To bring our cup of joe to life, we introduce sustainability-rated Colombian coffee producer, Finca El Ocaso.

Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Trade

The Dirt to Dinner Team: Giving Thanks

The D2D Team has a lot to feel grateful for this holiday season! Here are a few things that we'll be giving thanks to this year as we celebrate with our family and friends.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Our Agricultural Extension Service: From Gardening to Food Safety

Our agricultural extension services program is designed to teach people not just how to farm productively, but how we all can benefit, from gardening to food safety practices. And just in time for a few tips before Thanksgiving!

Soil and Crop Management

Land Degradation: The History Lesson We Are Still Learning

While the Dust Bowl era is seen as a historical American experience, the reality is different. Agricultural lands around the world continue to degrade. The Nature Conservancy's Michael Doane explores this topic in an ongoing series.

Soil and Crop Management

Are GMOs Bad for the Environment?

On the contrary. In fact, here's a different way to spell the word green: GE – Genetic Engineering. GE technology includes genetically modified organisms, which some critics claim harm the environment. But in reality, GMOs help farmers use pesticides responsibly, conserve water and increase soil health while increasing their crop yield.

Food Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Packing Social Concerns in the Lunchbox

As a scientist and mom of three young kids, back to school to Dr. Evanega means preparing her kids' lunches with their tastes - and global considerations - in mind.

Agricultural Technology, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Technology

What Are Dead Zones…and is Ag to Blame?

Each year, “dead zones” – large bodies of water lacking the oxygen needed to support aquatic life - appear all around the world. This summer’s flooding in the Midwest has made it worse. How does this happen? And what can we do?

Climate Change, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Can GMOs Make Me Sick?

Concerned if GMOs are harmful to your health? We dug into exactly what happens in our bodies when we eat food that has been grown with a GMO.

Agricultural Technology, Food Safety, Health

Fair Oaks Farms: Taking Responsibility

Fair Oaks Farms has come under scrutiny for inhumane treatment to its calves. Find out how the farm's CEO has taken responsibility to better the operations of the farm, as well as the industry as a whole.

Animal Welfare and Health

What's Happening in Ag?

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy

GMOs are Confusing: A Recipe for Understanding

Consumers continue to be confused about GMOs. What if we told you that enhancing your banana bread recipe with additional nutrients is similar in concept to adding a gene to a plant?

Food Ingredients, Food Technology

Palm Oil: In Pursuit of Sustainability

Every day, consumers are unwittingly caught in a catch-22. Palm oil, an ingredient in many of the foods we eat and products we use daily, has a reputation for deforestation and habitat destruction. But there is a solution: growing it sustainably.

Food Production

Waste Not, Want Not: Eat Beer and Drink Sandwiches!

Drink Sandwiches? Eat Beer? Beer manufacturers and breweries are turning spent grains into bread, animal feed and even energy and compost. They are also taking bread and turning it into beer! The efforts of the beer industry point to significant progress in the battle against food waste.

Food Production

Rallying for our Flooded Farmers

The ongoing flooding in Nebraska and Iowa has pushed many over the edge, making the next harvest an impossibility for some. Many have lost their homes, their farms, and their livelihood. Here is how you can help.

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Security

The Green New Deal: Where's the Beef?

The Green New Deal calls on the U.S. to take a leading role in reducing emissions through “economic transformation.” The references to farming and agriculture’s footprint have generated a lot of discussion among the farming community.

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy

Preparing for Pests: A Gardener's Guide

What is the difference between organic and conventional pesticides? We’ve read about pesticides in our cereal, tea, and food, but what about our natural home garden? Organic pesticides are not always the best option for efficacy and the local ecosystem.

Soil and Crop Management

D2D On the Farm: The Row We Hoe

As consumers crave locally grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat, local farms answer the call. But maintaining a farm and being profitable is a challenge. D2D visits with 4th generation Hindinger Farm in Hamden, Connecticut.

D2D on the Farm

Saving Chocolate, One 'Kiss' at a Time

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! As you enjoy sweet chocolate confections today, consider this – the cacao tree is under threat from deforestation, pests and diseases, and climate change. Can it be saved by scientific intervention? Ethos Chocolate has come up with a clever promotion to help consumers embrace the possibility.

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

What's in a name? In this case, quite a bit.

Food Production, Food Technology, Future of Food

California Megafires and the Effects on Agriculture

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Hemp, Hemp Hooray!

Soil and Crop Management

The Year in Food News: What To Know Before 2019

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Trade

Why Should We Care About Bees?

Soil and Crop Management

Animal Antibiotics: Should We Be Concerned?

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Safety

In the News: Glyphosate (again)

Conservation, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Feeding the World: One Byte at a Time

Food Production, Food Technology

CO2: The Greatest Fertilizer of All

Climate Change, Soil and Crop Management

What's the Difference between GMOs & CRISPR?

Food Production, Food Technology

In the News: European Court Hinders CRISPR Technology

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

Is Glyphosate Safe?

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

Carbon Dioxide - The Dance of Life

Without carbon and carbon dioxide we would have unpleasantly cold temperatures, no plants to eat, and no trees to keep the earth in balance.

Climate Change

How will CRISPR impact our food?

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Technology

Genetic Engineering: The Future Insecticide?

Agricultural Technology, Soil and Crop Management

Soil Microbes in the Spotlight

Soil and Crop Management

There Is No Such Thing As A Dirty Vegetable

Food Safety

D2D on the Farm: Support Local Farms

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

In the News: Bill Gates gives GMOs a vote of confidence

Food Production, Food Technology

D2D on the Farm: America's Salad Bowl

D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

D2D on the Farm: GMOs

Agricultural Technology, D2D on the Farm, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Are There Hormones in Milk?

Animal Welfare and Health, Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Health

Sustainable Ag Series: Farmers

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Governments

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: Corporations

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Sustainable Ag Series: NGOs

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Soil and Crop Management

Let's Byte into Ag

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

Water, Water...Everywhere?

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Soil: It is much more than Dirt

Soil and Crop Management

Food Safety at Farmers' Markets

Food Production, Food Safety

When is "Science" Truly Science?

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety

Such a Waste!

Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Security

Farming from the Thermosphere

Agricultural Technology, Conservation, Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

What is RoundUp?

Food Production, Food Safety, Soil and Crop Management

CRISPR: An Innovative Technology in Ag

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

NYT: Reporting Based on Science?

Agricultural Technology, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Safety

The Challenges of Indoor Farming

Agricultural Technology, Food Production

What's the Catch?

Food Ingredients, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Safety

Innovations in Indoor Farming

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Technology

How Safe is Our Food?

Food Safety

A Sustainable Shrimp's Tail

Food Ingredients, Food Production

Going...Going...Local!

Food Production, Health, Soil and Crop Management

Insects: A New Protein Source

Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Technology, Future of Food, Health

Grass or Grain, Beef is Beef

Diet, Food Ingredients, Food Production, Health

Let The Hens Out! Cage Free Eggs

Animal Welfare and Health, Food Production, Food Safety

The Regulatory Approval Process for Pesticides

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

Conventional...or Organic?

Both conventional and organic farmers are subject to standards that make the U.S. food supply the safest in the world.

Food Production, Soil and Crop Management

GMO Labeling: What's the Point?

Agricultural Technology, Food Production, Food Regulations & Policy, Food Technology

Wild vs. Farmed Salmon

Animal Welfare and Health, Diet, Food Production, Health