Tag: Research

Guest Post: Is the Future of Organic Food at Risk? Research Funding Holds the Answer

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| Sustainability
Editor’s Note: This blog post is a guest post authored by Gordon Merrick, Senior Policy and Programs Manager at the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) and Mark Schonbeck, Research Associate, also at OFRF, which is an NSAC member.

The world is increasingly recognizing the value of sustainable food systems, and organic agriculture plays a vital role in this movement. Organic practices enhance soil health and biodiversity, foster resource regeneration, and help mitigate and build resilience to climate change. This translates to healthier food and a healthier environment and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

However, recent budget proposals by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggest a concerning decrease in funding for organic research programs. If implemented, this shift could stifle the progress documented by these programs, hindering the …

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Agriculture Spending Bills Must Address Broad Demand for Research and Conservation Programs

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| Sustainability

On June 11, 2024, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee advanced the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025 on a party-line vote. The bill – which provides Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 funding for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – totals $ 25.9 billion, which is 1.35% – or nearly $ 400 million – below the FY2024 enacted level. The cuts included in the bill would have significant consequences across the US food and farm system – impacting farmers, ranchers, communities, and eaters from coast to coast.

Now more than ever farmers need research and technical assistance tailored to their operation types. Climate change makes farming harder and less predictable, underscoring the need for research and assistance that supports climate resilience. Farmers also need expanded …

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Comment: NSAC Applauds Introduction of the Organic Science and Research Investment Act

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| Sustainability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mike Lavender

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

mlavender@sustainableagriculture.net

Tel. 734.417.8710

Comment: NSAC Applauds Introduction of the Organic Science and Research Investment Act

Washington, DC, July 13, 2023 – Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) issued the following comment, attributable to Nick Rossi, NSAC Policy Specialist, in response to the introduction of the Organic Science and Research Investment Act by Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“NSAC applauds the introduction of the Organic Science Research and Investment Act, which makes meaningful investments in providing organic producers with the research and tools they need to continue to improve upon already climate friendly and resilient farming systems and meet the growing market demand for organic products. 

The Organic Science and Research …

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New Research Finds Cats’ Noses Designed For Maximum Efficiency

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| Wildlife

A recent study has found that the structure of a cat’s nose improves its sense of smell.

How The Structure Of A Cat’s Nose Improves Its Sense Of Smell

Smell plays a major part in a cat’s life. Cats rely on their ability to sense odor for hunting, territory recognition, social interaction and determining the freshness of food.

male lion
ALL cat species are highly-reliant on an acute sense of smell.

You can see pictures and facts on EVERY species in the cat family on this page: Cat Species List with Pictures & Facts

A recent study, entitled “Domestic cat nose functions as a highly efficient coiled parallel gas chromatograph” investigated the structure of a domestic cat’s nose. (source)

In the study, researchers constructed an anatomically-accurate computer model of a cat’s nasal cavity. This model based on a …

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Research on public support for climate policy instruments must broaden its scope

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| Climate

Nature Climate Change, Published online: 26 January 2023; doi:10.1038/s41558-022-01593-1

The transition to net-zero emissions will be contested and could lead to political polarization and social unrest. To contribute to a transition that is accepted as legitimate while remaining effective, research on public support must evolve rapidly along several dimensions.
Nature Climate Change…

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Long-Term Agroecological Research Showcases New Innovations for Resilient Agriculture

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| Sustainability

Many may not be aware that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Long-Term Agroecological Research (LTAR) network, managed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), works to address a range of regional and national agricultural challenges. Created in 2012, this one-of-a-kind network of 18 research sites across the country engages producers and other stakeholders in the development, design, and implementation of research innovation that has helped improve the long-term productivity and prosperity of agricultural communities.

Last month the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) along with the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), and the Society for Range Management, co-sponsored a virtual briefing to feature the ground-breaking research of LTAR scientists. The LTAR network, which features a range of major agricultural systems including row crops, rangelands, and integrated crop and animal systems, helps farmers and ranchers overcome productivity challenges while improving …

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