
Can Coffee Stimulate Renewable Energy in Central America
Coffee waste water is rich in organic matter, which can be used to generate energy via anaerobic decomposition. At present, the negative environmental impacts of waste water are not considered in the cost of coffee, but neither are the economic benefits that extracting its energy potential could bring.
How Three Teens Used Bacteria to Tackle Global Food Poverty
Three high-schoolers from Ireland discovered a bacterial treatment for cereal crop seeds that could potentially increase yields in areas stricken by famine. The bacteria helped the seeds to germinate much faster than usual and the students are now looking to apply their method in famine-prone areas.
The Amish Farmers Reinventing Organic Agriculture
Modern agriculture uses fertilizer specifically to increase yields, with little awareness of the nutritional needs of other organic functions. But consulting firm Advancing Eco Agriculture has discovered deficiencies in important plant trace minerals which farmers can then introduce into the soil. With plants able to defend themselves, pesticides can be avoided.
William Dar Advocates Easier Access to Published Research
Today, nearly 1 billion people suffer from hunger. Many of these are smallholder farming families in developing countries. Solutions exist, nurtured by many agricultural research institutions but far too often, these innovations remain confidential, adopted by few. Academic experts and students in the emerging world need to participate fully in the new knowledge economy.
Big Ideas and Emerging Innovations
About
The Global Food and Agriculture Program aims to inform the development of US policy on global agricultural development and food security by raising awareness and providing resources, information, and policy analysis to the US Administration, Congress, and interested experts and organizations.
The Global Food and Agriculture Program is housed within the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. The Council on Global Affairs convenes leading global voices and conducts independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.
Support for the Global Food and Agriculture Program is generously provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Blogroll
1,000 Days Blog, 1,000 Days
Africa Can End Poverty, World Bank
Agrilinks Blog
Bread Blog, Bread for the World
Can We Feed the World Blog, Agriculture for Impact
Concern Blogs, Concern Worldwide
Institute Insights, Bread for the World Institute
End Poverty in South Asia, World Bank
Global Development Blog, Center for Global Development
The Global Food Banking Network
Harvest 2050, Global Harvest Initiative
The Hunger and Undernutrition Blog, Humanitas Global Development
International Food Policy Research Institute News, IFPRI
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Blog, CIMMYT
ONE Blog, ONE Campaign
One Acre Fund Blog, One Acre Fund
Overseas Development Institute Blog, Overseas Development Institute
Oxfam America Blog, Oxfam America
Preventing Postharvest Loss, ADM Institute
Sense & Sustainability Blog, Sense & Sustainability
WFP USA Blog, World Food Program USA
Archive
Guest Commentary – Food Security Is Essential to Our National Security
The latest post in the Agri-Pulse and Council column series features Lieutenant General John Castellaw, on the linkage between food security and national security.
Guest Commentary – Lessons from Dr. Borlaug: Overcoming the Divisions of Today for a Food-Secure 2050
Tara Mittelberg of Northwestern University reflects on how the legacy of Norman Borlaug can be applied to today's global food security challenges.
Stability in the 21st Century: Maximizing Private Sector Engagement
The third recommendation from our recent report, Stability in the 21st Century, offers actions that the US government can take to leverage the power of the private sector in promoting global agricultural development.
Big Ideas and Emerging Innovations
Highlighting approaches, technologies, and ideas that have the potential to radically advance global food security.
Seizing the Opportunity: Ag Trade in the Era of Trump
Grace Burton discusses the opportunity presented to US agriculture by the Trade Facilitation Agreement, as highlighted in a recent Council report.
Stability in the 21st Century: Expanding Research Capacity for Innovation in Agriculture
Check out the second post in our series highlighting recommendations from the new report, Stability in the 21st Century: Global Food Security for Peace and Prosperity.
Big Ideas and Emerging Innovations
Highlighting approaches, technologies, and ideas that have the potential to radically advance global food security.
Guest Commentary – UC Berkeley Supply Chain Conference Promises Diverse Perspectives on Innovation
As UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources gears up for its upcoming conference, “Strategic Perspectives on Innovation in Agrifood Supply Chains”, check out a preview of the topics and speakers who will be presenting at the event.
Stability in the 21st Century: Integrating Engagement on Food Security and National Security
Beginning this week, the Council will highlight recommendations from the new report, Stability in the 21st Century: Global Food Security for Peace and Prosperity, in a weekly blog series.
Feeding 2050: Blockchain – A Levelled Global Playing Field
As part of our Science, Food, and Equity series, Marcus Glassman discusses how blockchain can promote agricultural development in emerging markets.
Big Ideas and Emerging Innovations
Highlighting approaches, technologies, and ideas that have the potential to radically advance global food security.
Guest Commentary – Not Your Grandma’s FBO: Today’s Faith-Based Organizations Play a Key Role in Global Food Security
Daniel Speckhard of Lutheran World Relief on the important role that faith-based organizations play in promoting global food security.
Guest Commentary – Trade and Development, a Winning Combination for the World
Jim Hershey of WISHH on the role that soy plays in food security and agricultural development.
Guest Commentary – On the Precipice of an Agricultural Triumph or Hardship: Tackling Food Insecurity by 2050
Daniel O’Neill Vogwill, high schooler at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, discusses his perspective on global food security as an urban student in a rural industry.
Guest Commentary – Bees Are Better than Barriers
Dr. Oscar Castañeda of Heifer International on how agricultural development can help people facing migration decisions stay at home more feasibly.
