Eco-labeling is a new certification program similar to the organic label, but goes beyond the organic concept by reflecting new land management practices for the entire farm ecosystem, including non-crop lands. With funding from USDA’s Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), a team of scientists, growers and environmentalists in Wisconsin developed the “Healthy Grown” label to reflect this land management practice to promote balanced agricultural management and support broad ecosystem health.
Archive for June, 2014
The Healthy Grown Label: Healthy Food and Healthy Land
Posted in Plants, tagged biodiversity, Healthy Grown, organic on 06/09/2014|
An Energy Shake for Honeybees
Posted in Plants, tagged colony collapse, honeybee, nutrients on 06/09/2014|
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been linked to the 40-60 percent decline in America ‘s honeybee populations whose pollination is valued at $15 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. Researchers at SAFE R&D, LLC, are trying a new approach to this problem – a bee smoothie – to improve honeybee healthy by improving their diet.
Scientists Sequence a Cereal Killer
Posted in Plants, tagged fungus, fusarium graminearum, head blight on 06/09/2014|
Important cereal crops, such as wheat and barley, are susceptible to a fungus, called Fusarium graminearum that is responsible for head blight disease. Researchers recently sequenced and annotated the genome of this fungus, shedding light on how it is able to survive in rapidly changing environments. The new knowledge could lead to new ways to combat the harmful pathogen, which has caused more than $10 billion in crop losses over the past 10 years.
Glue Goes Green
Posted in Blinding People with Science, tagged formaldehyde-free, natural, renewable on 06/09/2014|
Glue is the latest product to go green. Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new, environmentally friendly adhesive made with renewable natural resources. The glue, which replaces current adhesives that release cancer-causing chemicals into the air, will improve the environment and human health, as well as provide new markets for U.S. soybean farmers.
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