Welcome to the latest edition of Farming First eNews!
Farming First
Helping identify and promote the ideas, projects and innovations making agriculture more sustainable around the world.
In this month's edition, we launch our spotlight on trade and highlight insights on...?? Regenerative agriculture for sustainable futures
?? The recipe for net-zero agrifood systems?
?? Smallholder farmer-focused crop science innovation
Plus, we feature recent news and upcoming events in food systems.
Before you dive in:
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Spotlight on Trade
Trade Negotiations Have a Key Role in Addressing Food Security-Wise
By Jean-Marie Paugam
The Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems , and Climate Action was a new wake-up call, emphasising the urgent need to improve the sustainability of our food systems. The climate crisis cannot be kicked down the road – and neither can hunger and malnutrition, nor the environmental challenges facing the food and agricultural sector.
The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) ongoing trade negotiations on agriculture have a key role to play in helping establish fairer and more equitable food markets which in turn would help reduce global hunger and malnutrition and support the fight against climate change.?
In the food and agriculture sector, repurposing trade-distorting support toward pro-climate objectives could release fiscal resources that may help reduce its carbon footprint and optimise the use of natural resources. Read on
Sustainability Standards in Trade: How Can Developing Countries Benefit?
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights how developing countries can benefit from sustainability standards in trade. Read more
The Key Role of Trade in Strengthening Food Security in Latin America and the Caribbean
Brian McNamara, Program Coordinator at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) explores how trade can strengthen food security in Latin America and the Caribbean. Read more
"Trade can stimulate economic growth by enabling farmers to sell their products in wider markets, both within and beyond national borders."
Dr John Ulimwengu , International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in “The State and Future of Africa’s Food Systems ”
Additional Expert Insight
?? Ensuring Crop Science Serves Smallholders: A Conversation with Joe Cornelius?– ?Joe Cornelius, Gates Ag One. Read more ?
Latest News
Changes in Farm and Food Production Can Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by a Third
?A new report from the World Bank finds that affordable, readily available actions can drive progress towards net zero food systems. Read more
German President Visits Sustainable Rice Farmers in Thailand
领英推荐
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier witnessed the transformative power of innovative approaches in rice farming while visiting the Inclusive Sustainable Rice Landscapes (ISRL) project sites. Read more
Global Report on Food Crises: Acute Hunger Persistently High in 59 Countries
Nearly 282 million people experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2023, according to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC). Read more
Featured Case Study
Building Sustainable Futures in Kenya Through Regenerative Agriculture
Agriculture is an essential part of Kenya’s economy. But in Embu, one of the leading food baskets in Kenya, and Tharaka Nithi, a semi-arid county where over 40 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, the changing climate is threatening agricultural production and food security.?
With funding from the IKEA Foundation through AGRA, Farm Africa is working with over 50,000 farmers in these counties, promoting regenerative agriculture methods such as mulching, minimum tillage, micro-dosing of fertilisers and intercropping.
These techniques help to build smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate extremes, improve soil health, retain moisture in the soil and boost yields, enabling farmers to protect their land, and their livelihoods. One of these farmers is Lucia, who lives in Tharaka Nithi, where extreme weather events are becoming the norm.
“The biggest challenge I face is the rain. Recently the rains stopped much earlier than usual, when the crops had not matured,” Lucia explained.
But since implementing the regenerative agriculture techniques, Lucia’s harvests have been booming. She now has a flourishing sorghum farm, which has enabled her to earn enough money to build a better home for her family. “When Farm Africa came, they showed me how to plan my farming, how to space my crops. That is when my yields increased. I also have livestock,” Lucia added.
Learn more about how regenerative agriculture is contributing to sustainable futures in Kenya.?Read more
Upcoming events
????Have an event you’d like to share with the?Farming?First?network? Send us an email at?[email protected] ?with the subject line “Event submission”.
?? 03-13 June: Bonn Climate Change Conference
?? 05 June: World Environment Day
?? 06 June: Tackling the Hidden Costs of our Food Systems
?? 07 June: World Food Safety Day
?? 08 June: World Ocean Day
?? 12-13 June: Menus of Change National Leadership Summit
?? 17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
?? 17-21 June: World Farmers’ Organisation 2024 Annual Meeting
?? 18 June: Sustainable Gastronomy Day
?? 22-30 June: London Climate Week
That's it for this edition of Farming First eNews!
Check out all the expert insights, news and more from the world of sustainable agricultural innovation at FarmingFirst.org .