A Thai migrant catches crabs at an estuary, on Zikim beach in the Mediterranean sea near the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon February 18, 2016. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Insured Crabs, Tea Help China’s Farmers Avoid Extreme Weather Losses
As erratic weather has become the new norm in China, insurance policies against losses from extreme weather have emerged in a wide range of agricultural businesses, from beekeeping to cattle ranching to seaweed farming. Many are proving hugely popular, thanks in part to cut-rate prices made possible by government subsidies.

Reviving Japan's Dairy Industry, One Milking Robot at a Time
In Japan’s top dairy-producing region, one farmer transformed the 20-cow farm he inherited into Asia’s largest automated milking factory. Robots milk the cows three times a day and make sure the animals are fed and healthy. With less time spent on manual labor, he can analyze data on milk output, quality and animal health to be more efficient. With increased size and efficiency of dairies in the region, raw-milk output is recovering.

New Label for Mountain Products Puts Premium on Biological and Cultural Diversity
FAO's Mountain Partnership and Slow Food have launched a voluntary product label for mountain goods that's meant to improve market access for small highland producers from developing countries and highlight mountain products as distinct and sustainable. The new label places a premium on goods that support local biodiversity and production methods that are linked to the cultural traditions of mountain communities.

'Crisis Is a Way of Life': Helping Farmers Cope with Devastating Climate Change
Smallholder farmers are on the frontline in the fight against climate change, yet they often lack the finance and knowledge to withstand its effects. The impacts extend to the wider community, with young people in particular seeing farming as an unattractive prospect and migrating to urban areas. With insufficient international aid for smallholders, the need for investment and partnership is clear.