Hurricane Maria and Agriculture

Puerto Rico has been devastated by Hurricane Maria. Part of the devastation includes the agriculture sector. Look over the linked article to learn more about the impact that Hurricane Maria is having on the agriculture sector in Puerto Rico. Utilize the discussion points provided to spark conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

Puerto Rico's Agriculture Decimated by Hurricane Maria

Discussion Points

• Explain the impact of Hurricane Maria on agriculture in Puerto Rico. Consider both crops and livestock.
• Looking back through the years what has been the trends with agriculture in Puerto Rico?
• Some are turning this horrible situation into a positive for agriculture. Explain their reasoning.
• In your opinion what could be done to help get agriculture back on it's feet in Puerto Rico? Why would your idea be successful?

World Hunger on the Rise

World hunger and malnutrition is a battle that continues to be fought. A recent report found that hunger is on the rise after several years of decline. We encourage you to look over the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others around the globe!

World Hunger Again on the Rise

Discussion Points

• Explain the trend of global hunger over the past years.
• Two main factors have been attributed to the resurgence of hunger and malnutrition. Identify and explain these two factors.
• Look over the "Key Numbers" section. Which facts stick out to you and why?
• In your opinion how do we work towards eradicating hunger and malnutrition?

Intercropping in China

Farming on the steep hills of China can be a challenge and soil erosion is a huge concern. This week we take a closer look at some research to protect the soil while increasing profits at the same time in China. We encourage you to look at the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide the conversations in your classrooms and communities around the globe.

Helping Chinese Farmers Tackle Erosion

Discussion Points

• Imagine someone approaches you on the street and has no idea what intercropping is. Explain it to them in a couple sentences.
• What benefits where found utilizing intercropping in China? 
• Of all the benefits listed which do you feel was the most important and why?
• Soil erosion continues to be an issue in China and around the world. What are additional ways that erosion can be reduced in China and globally? Explain how/why your recommendations would be successful.

**Ag Educators: Take the last point a step farther and have students create a plan to reduce erosion in China and present to the class.

World Cereal Production and the Food Price Index

World cereal production is on pace for an all time high. This is one factor that impacts the Food Price Index put out by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Below we have linked two items. The first is an article regarding a summary of the recent Food Price Index and production trends around the globe. The second link is the latest Food Price Index report from the FAO. We encourage you to look over both links and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

Global Cereal Output Heads for New Record

Food Price Index

Discussion Points

• What is the FAO Food Price Index?
• What is the trend with cereal production around the world? Are their trends within certain regions of the world that are different than others?
• Looking at the Food Price Index what trends have you noticed over the past years? What may be causing these fluctuations? 
• Some Food Price Indexes have decreased while other areas have increased or held stable? What are the reasonings for this?
• What specific area increase or decrease in the Food Price Index surprises you the most and why?