Stop Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is a problem across the world. Recently the FAO shared a video providing what can be done to help decrease or stop soil pollution. We encourage you to watch the short video clip and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations with others around the globe!

7 things you can do to stop soil pollution

Discussion Points

• Do you think soil pollution looks the same around the world (what causes it)? Explain your reasoning.
• Of the seven tactics shared to stop soil pollution which do you think could have the largest positive impact in your local community and also around the globe?
• Which of the seven tactics shared do you believe will be the toughest to implement in your local area and also globally? 
• Can you think of additional ways to decrease or stop soil pollution outside of the seven ideas shared? Explain your thoughts.

Farmers and Land Match Service

The state of Connecticut in the United States has found a unique way to pair farmers with land opportunities. This program is highlighted in a video by Market to Market and shares how one farmer is filling a need for Caribbean cuisine in the Northeast United States. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Matching Potential Farmers with Connecticut Land Owners

Discussion Points

• How is Maurice filling a niche market for crops utilized in Caribbean cuisine?
• Explain how the farmer and land match program works.
• Could you see this type of farmer and land matching programing being useful in your local area? Explain your thoughts.
• Could this type of program work in different parts of the world? Developing countries versus developed countries?

The First 1,000 Days

This week I am in Anaheim, California at the National Association of Agricultural Educators conference. This is always a spectacular week of professional development and celebration of spectacular agricultural educators. One of the workshops presented yesterday was titled "The First 1,000 Days: A case study of cross-curricular global engagement around authentic problems" presented by Darla Romberger, Dr. Daniel Foster, and Dr. Melanie Miller Foster. This workshop revolved around a multi-day lesson developed by Darla focusing on the book by Roger Thurow, The First 1,000 Days. As part of the lesson Darla shared a video from Roger and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Linked below is the video that was shared and discussion points to guide conversations around the globe!

The First 1,000 Days by Roger Thurow

Discussion Points

• Explain what the "First 1,000 Days" are. Why are the "First 1,000 Days" so important?
•  Roger Thurow shares the following quote in the video, "A lost chance at greatness for one, is a lost chance for all." What does this quote mean to you?
• What is agriculture's role in the "First 1,000 Days?"
• Is fighting malnutrition in the "First 1,000 Days" restricted to just developing countries or certain parts of the world? Explain your thoughts.
• What can you do in your local community to make others aware of the importance of the "First 1,000 Days?"

More Food = More Water

We hear time and time again the need to produce more food sustainably as the population of our world continues to grow. One of the challenges that accompanies this is the need for more water or creative ways to capture water to be more efficient. Linked below is a short video that shares this challenge and possible solutions. We encourage you to watch the video and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe.

More food means more water to grow it...We need creative solutions.

Discussion Points

• Why is water so important to food production and our growing world population?
• There were several ways shared to increase the availability of water for food production (reclaimed water, rainwater harvesting, cloud seeding, desalination, and fog harvesting). Briefly descried each of these techniques. Complete additional research if needed. 
• Of the techniques shared which do you feel could be most beneficial in your area? Which may be most beneficial in different regions of the world? Consider cost, environmental implications, infrastructure, technology, education, etc.

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Today we highlight Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). Linked below is a short video from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that highlights GIAHS and the important rolls they play. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe!

Preserving these ancestral agricultural systems is vital for the future of food!

Discussion Points

• Explain what a GIAHS is. Feel free to do additional research if needed.
• What are examples of GIAHS shared in the video as well as additional GIAHS? Are there any GIAHS in your local community?
• Four benefits of GIAHS are shared in the video (provide food and livelihood security, promote agrobiodiversity, preserve natural resources, and promote agro-tourism). Explain how GIAHS provides these benefits.
• Of the four benefits mentioned in the video and above which do you feel is most important and why?

Pork and China's Growing Demand for Protein

China has a growing demand for protein. How will China meet this growing demand? The National Pork Board in the United States has provided some input on this challenge and further information is detailed in the link below. We encourage you to read the linked news release and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe.

National Pork Board Study Defines China's Growing Need for Protein

Discussion Points

• Why is China's need for protein on the rise? 
• Why is there a great potential for the United States and China to look at trade in the pork sector at the current time?
• It would be nice if the United States could simply send pork to China as demand increases, but there are often other factors that influence this ease. What other factors may be challenging at the current time? How do those involved overcome these factors?
• The following quote is shared in the release by David Newman, "One of the ways to build value is to expand U.S. pork exports in developed and emerging markets." Where do you see potential for U.S. pork exports to expand and why?

The Challenge of Food Loss and Waste

A major challenge that faces us when trying to feed a growing world nutritiously is food loss and waste. Linked below is a web page that shares the story and impact of food loss and waste through text, videos, a podcast, charts, and interactive illustrations. We encourage you to scroll down through the page to learn about the differences between food loss and waste, how and where it happens, it's impact financially and environmentally, and much more. Discussion points are provided below to spark conversations with others around the globe!

Food Loss and Waste is a Global Issue

Discussion Points

• Explain the difference between food loss and waste.
• Explain the different ways food loss and waste occurs throughout our food system.
• Of the different places that food loss and/or waste occurs along our food system which area do you feel has the greatest potential for improvement/cutting food waste and/or loss? How would you recommend this change takes place?
• What was the most surprising or valuable piece of information, chart, illustration, etc. from this website and why was it surprising or valuable to you?
• What can you do personally to decrease food loss and/or waste?

World Food Prize Reflections

Last week I was able to attend a week of World Food Prize events in Des Moines, Iowa and we were even able to host a Laureate Lecture on campus in Waterloo. The week is always filled with incredible and inspiring learning opportunities. Throughout the week I took note of many pieces of information and quotes shared. Below you will find a small selection of some quotes I took note of. I encourage you to read through the quotes below and challenge you to discuss with others around the globe!

Challenge:

1. Read each quote individually.
2. Pick at least two quotes to think about and analyze further, in regards to solving world hunger and malnutrition and/or improving agriculture around the globe.
3. Share your thoughts: Discuss with others, raise awareness on social media, create a poster to share with your class/school, and/or take action.

"When rebuilding after conflict nothing can be accomplished until we eat. We must have food in our stomach before anything else." H.E. Chanthol Sun

"We can do well by doing good. Profit and fulfilling a mission can be done together." Polly Ruhland

"We are very good at describing a world we do not want, but we are not very good at describing the world we do want. We must have a vision." Roy Steiner

"Can we feed nine billion people by 2045? When I look at the science and technology I am optimistic, but the pessimistic side of me is concerned by the role politics and regulations play." Chris Nelson

"It's about feeding the world, without starving the earth." Liam Condon

"We all must work off the same data and information before change can happen." Sara Menker

"All lives have equal value, but not all lives have equal opportunities." Roger Voorhies

"In a world with less and less certainty we need more diversity (seed and plant)." Lawrence Haddad

Agriculture and Climate Change

This week's blog comes to you from the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue. On the opening day of the Dialogue there was a panel that discussed climate change and how agriculture can be a leader in fighting climate change. A representative with the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance shared the following video with those in attendance. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

30 Harvests

Discussion Points

• After watching the video explain your general thoughts and feelings.
• How can those in agriculture around the world lead the way in the fight against climate change?
• What can you do to combat climate change in your community?
• The family in this video highlighted several hardships they are facing. What hardships do farmers and producers face in your community and around the world? How do they overcome these challenges? How can you support them?

World Food Day

World Food Day is October 16th. Linked below is a video that challenges you to think about the way food is produced, prepared, and impacts our daily lives and those around us. As World Food Day approaches we challenge you to engage with others around the globe to discuss these important issues. Maybe it is engaging with others utilizing the discussion points below or creating posters in your school that brings attention to the challenges and opportunities in front of us.

World Food Day 2019

Discussion Points

• There is a statement in the video "#zerohunger goes beyond hunger." What does this mean to you?
• What challenges face your community, state, and the entire world when it comes to hunger and nutrition? 
• The video states a need for us to change our food systems and how and what we eat? Do you agree with this? Why or why not? 
• Why is it a challenge to change food systems and how and what people eat? How do we overcome these challenges? 
• It is shared that we need to take action to provide a healthy diet for all. How can you take action personally to make this happen? 

Agriculture Change in Small Island Developing States

Natural disasters, climate change, and numerous other challenges face many small island developing states such as the Comoros, Cabo Verde, Samoa, and others. Through many programs farmers and producers in these small island developing states are looking for opportunities in agriculture to improve the livelihoods of citizens within the country. Linked below is an article that highlights initiatives in small island developing states around the globe and includes a video highlighting the fishing industry in Cabo Verde. We encourage you to read the linked article, view the short video, and utilize the discussion points below to engage in conversations with others around the globe!

Something to Crow About in the Comoros

Discussion Points

• What are some of the major challenges facing small island developing states? 
• What initiatives are being implemented around the globe to help farmers in small island developing states? Of all the initiatives mentioned which do you feel has the greatest potential and why?
• What additional initiatives would you like to see implemented and why would they be beneficial?
• After viewing the video "Our Islands, Our Oceans - Cabo Verde," what do you see as the biggest challenge facing the island and what do you see as the best potential solutions? Explain your thoughts.

Wheat Recovery in Syria

Highlighted below is a video from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations on seed multiplication for agriculture recovery of Syria. The video highlights how the FAO is working with farmers in increase yields and recover from conflict. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Seed Multiplication for Agriculture Recovery

Discussion Points

• How is the FAO working with farmers to revive agriculture in Syria?
• What did you discover from this video and why did it stick out to you?
• In the second half of the video a Syrian farmer is interviewed about his work with FAO to improve agriculture production. He shares how he was skeptical at first to take their recommendations and many others did not believe he could be successful. Why are so many skeptical to try new practices in agriculture?
• How do we get farmers, producers, and people in general to try new practices? What techniques can be utilized? 

Agriculture Foreign Market Impacts

Agriculture has such an important impact on our day to day lives, but sometimes we overlook the impact that agriculture can have on the world as a whole as we move about our busy lives. With this blog post we challenge you to think about how agriculture and foreign markets interact to impact trade and foreign policy. Utilize the short video linked, from the Chicago Council on global Affairs, below along with the discussion questions to engage with others on this important topic.

Wait Just a Minute: Dan Glickman

Discussion Points

• What stood out to you the most from the comments made in this video? Why?
• What is the current status of agricultural markets/trade around the globe with your home country and others? What are the impacts you are seeing at a global level? 
• How does agriculture trade impact you and your local community?

Green Academy and Custom Farming

We kicked off our final day in Denmark by learning more about the activities at Green Academy, who have hosted us since Tuesday. They are a vocational school and have strong agriculture, horticulture, forestry, zoo keeper and a variety of other programs. We look forward to building future programming with Green Academy. We were able to explore their horticulture campus this morning. Following lunch we visited a family that farms their own land, custom farms for others, and provides construction projects assistance with their tractors and heavy machinery. This provided a great opportunity to explore their equipment and have a discussion on crop production in Denmark.

For the evening we explored the city of Aarhus. We visited the Queen's summer home, found time to shop, explored the Salling Rooftop, and enjoyed dinner at Aarhus Street Food. Thank you to Karolina, Peder, Julie, Niels, and all at Green Academy for their hospitality.

Soon we will be headed to the airport to start our trek home. Catch up on today's happening with our video recap linked here. 

Sunshine and Soccer

Today was a spectacular day weather wise and educationally. We started our day by visiting Viking Genetics. They handle dairy and beef collection and sale of semen with most of their business in the dairy sector. They have 90% of the market in Denmark and send semen all over the world. We had great discussions on genetics and the future of the industry. From Viking Genetics we visited an organic agriculture school. We were able to see crop and animal production. They teach the same curriculum as other agriculture schools in Denmark, but from the organic angle.

When we returned to campus we met up with Karolina at Green Academy and enjoyed a spectacular dinner. To wrap up our evening we played a little soccer on campus. Linked is a video recap of our day. 

Research and Rain

We had a little bit of rain today as we visited the research area for Aarhus University near Foulum. Due to the rain we started with dairy research where they were measuring methane output from cattle and working to bring the levels down. They were running different feed trials as well. We then learned about the process of protein extraction from grasses and other crops. Following lunch we headed to the fields to learn about different grasses, clover, and crops being grown in Denmark for biomass production. We were, also, able to analyze the equipment used at the research facility.

We returned to campus for another great dinner and headed into town via train to explore the city of Aarhus. Catch up on our busy day with today's video recap linked here!

Transparency in Agriculture

Today we trekked out and started our day touring the Danish Crown Beef Slaughterhouse. The Danish Crown facility was built to welcome visitors. Every stage of the process has a viewing window so visitors can learn about the entire process from start to finish. Danish Crown kept mentioning they have no problem showing the entire process to visitors as they have nothing to hide. After grabbing lunch we traveled up to the Aarhus area and visited a robotic dairy where transparency was emphasized just as it was at Danish Crown. The public is welcomed at the farm anytime. Robots are used to milk, push feed, clean manure, and refresh bedding. It is one of the most modern dairies in all of Denmark.

For our remaining days in Denmark we will be hosted by Green Academy near Aarhus. We were able to tour their school farm where they had everything from hogs to reptiles. We enjoyed dinner on campus followed by a soccer game for a little exercise and are hoping to catch the United States Women's National Team compete in the Women's World Cup later tonight. Catch up on our busy Tuesday with today's video recap!

Museum and Vineyard Time

We kicked off the last day of our holiday weekend in Denmark by visiting a museum highlighting nature in Denmark from bird migrations, storm surges, wildlife, and the ecosystem. After an engaging morning we visited a local winery for lunch. All food and products served were locally grown and sourced. While at the winery we were able to visit the vineyard to learn about grape production and then made our way to the winery where wine is produced. We concluded a great day with dinner near the beach and a walk along the shoreline. Tomorrow we move back to the mainland and the Aarhus area. Catch up on today's happenings with the linked video recap!

Sunday Exploring in Denmark

Today and tomorrow things are slow in Denmark as there is a national holiday. This will slow agriculture activities down and allow us time to explore some unique areas of Denmark. Today we traveled to Ribe, the oldest city in Denmark (over 1,000 years old). We had the opportunity to attend a church service for those interested, visit shops, enjoy a delicious lunch, climb to the top of the church tower to view the city, and explore a viking celebration.

After returning to the island of Fanoe by ferry we enjoyed an ice cream treat and made our way to watch seals who were sun bathing. After another spectacular meal we explored a local school and had great conversations with our hosts Ove and Else Marie. Catch up on our Sunday in Denmark by clicking on this link to view our video recap of the day!

Island Life

Today we explored the island of Fanoe in Denmark. While the weather hasn't cooperated to let us truly enjoy island life we have still had a great day. We started off with a visit to a farm where they sell meat and products they produce. We were able to learn about many of their production practises with livestock. We, also, visited a church before taking a drive on the beach along the ocean. It was going very well until we found some sand dunes on our way to exit the beach. It provided a great morning workout as we dug the van out.

For lunch we enjoyed a variety of Danish pancakes before exploring more of the island. We were able to visit a museum that showcased what it was like to live on the island over 300 years ago, as well, as explore bunkers that dot the coastline from World War II.

This evening involved a nice dinner and social time to reflect on our experience to this time. We look forward to what the next week has in store. Click here for a video recap of the day.

Getting Rural in Denmark

Today we kicked off our day visiting a dairy milking 500 head of cows. The farmer actually removed robots from his operation in order to expand with future growth potential yet to come. Everyone was impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of the dairy operation. From the farm we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch before visiting AgroLab which tests chemicals for outside companies and helps them get their products approved for the market. We learned about the process, checked out the equipment used, and looked at some test plots. We also discovered that 85% of the land in Denmark is utilized for agriculture.

We enjoyed a relaxing evening and dinner at Ove and Else Marie's home on the island of Fanoe. Fanoe will be our home base over the next couple days as we enjoy our weekend in Denmark. Check out this YouTube link for a recap of our day!

Hit the Ground Running in Denmark

We have arrived! After a long day of travel we arrived in Copenhagen where we took a boat tour of the city and visited many landmarks, including buildings well over 400 years old. After a relaxing lunch water side we headed out on a couple hour drive to Odense where the Dalum Agriculture College is located. We enjoyed dinner and a tour of campus. Great discussion was had on education delivery and agriculture training in Denmark. We look forward to tomorrow as we make our way to a dairy farm and AgroLab. Here is a video recap of our first day in Denmark!

Discovering Denmark

Today a group of us head to Denmark to learn about innovative methods in agriculture! It will be 10 days packed with analyzing and learning about agricultural  methods to improve agriculture at home and abroad. We encourage you to watch our blog and social media platforms over the coming days and join us on our journey!

Bananas for the World

How do the bananas we enjoy find their way to us? The video linked below from the FAO shares the story of how one family provides a quality product to the rest of the world. You are encouraged to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points provided to spark conversations around the globe!

How to Prepare Bananas for the World

Discussion Points:

• How do the producers make sure they are providing a quality product for the rest of the world?
• What is the "Codex" standard as it relates to banana production? You may need to do some additional research. 
• Why is it important to have an international standard for food production/processing? 
• What do you feel should be the top priorities in an international food production/processing standard? Explain your thoughts. 

Food Insecurity in North Korea

We often hear stories coming out of North Korea, but they usually do not focus around food insecurity or hunger. Linked below is an article from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations that examines food insecurity and hunger in North Korea. You are encouraged to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations. 

10 Million People in North Korea Face Food Shortages

Discussion Points

• What does the food and agriculture landscape look like in North Korea currently?
• What do you feel could be done to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in North Korea?
• About a quarter of the way into the article the government's "Public Distribution System" is mentioned. What is this and how does it work? Do additional research if needed. 
• There has often been controversy around the North Korean government. Should this controversy impact food assistance/aid? Explain your reasoning. 

Fishermen Dilemma

Making a living as a fisherman is becoming tougher in the United States. This is due to many complex reasoning's. Linked below is a story by Market to Market on the challenges facing fishermen in the United States and compares their practises and techniques to fishermen globally. You are encouraged to watch the video linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world.

Fishermen Seek Level Playing Field Internationally

Discussion Points

• What are the challenges facing fishermen in this story?
• How do fishing practises around the globe differ? 
• In your personal opinion do you believe rules and regulations regarding fishing should change or be updated? Provide support for your reasoning.
• What do you feel is the largest challenge facing fishermen around the globe in the next 50 years? 

Water is Life

Water is life. This is truly illustrated in the cisterns for the Sahel project through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Below we have linked a video that explains this program and how it is impacting farmers production, families, and way of life. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Empowering Women Through Access to Water

Discussion Points

• What piece of information surprised you the most from the video?
• How does water empower people?
• What do you feel could be done to improve this program even farther? How do you accomplish this?
• What can you learn from this video that could impact your local community where you live?

High Tech Pig Farmers

Farmers are utilizing new technology to track and keep records on the pigs they are raising to add value and increase markets. The linked article, from the FAO, below highlights this new technology and practice being implemented in Papua New Guinea. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe. 

Pig Farmers in Papua New Guinea Capitalize on Blockchain Technology

Discussion Points

• Explain how blockchain technology is utilized by smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea.
• What benefits is this technology providing to smallholder farmers?
• What challenges do you see arising with the implementation of this technology on a wide spread basis? How do we overcome these challenges?
• Could similar technology be utilized for other applications around the globe? Why or why not? 

Kosovo Connection

This week we welcome guests from Kosovo to Iowa to exchange ideas in agricultural education. This is a partnership created in collaboration with Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa Sister States, the Republic of Kosovo Consualte in Des Moines, and the Global Agriculture Learning Center at Hawkeye Community College. We welcome agricultural educators and high school students from Kosovo to Iowa as part of the exchange that took Iowa agricultrual educators and high school students to Kosovo last September.

The idea is to exchange ideas and best practices by each side to improve agricultural education in Kosovo and Iowa. Today was just the first day of exchanging ideas in Iowa. As we exchange ideas over the next week we challenge you to think about the value of exchanging ideas utilizing the discussion points below. Iowa FFA members watch for our Kosovo friends at State FFA Convention on Monday!

Discussion Points

• What are the benefits of exchanging ideas and practices with others?
• What challenges can arise when conducting exchanges like this one? How do we overcome these challenges?
• What is something you learned from another school, organization, or business that has helped you grow? How did you attain this knowledge? 
• How do we foster a culture of exchanging ideas to improve all involved?

Global Food Crises

The 2019 Global Food Crises report is now available. This week we share a story from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) which gives an overview of the report as well as links to the full report from the Food Security Information Network. Along with the article FAO also shares a short video recap of the report. Both are linked below. We encourage you to check out the material shared and utilize the discussion points to guide further conversations.

FAO Article

FAO Video

FSIN Full Report

Discussion Points

• What pieces of information or facts surprised you the most and why?
• There are a couple major factors mentioned contributing to global hunger. Which of these do you feel provides the greatest threat and why?
• Of the factors mentioned, contributing to global hunger, which do you think is the easiest to combat and why?
• What can be done to decrease global hunger around the world? What can we do as individuals to help reduce global hunger? 

Embrapa and Brazil Agriculture

For those following our blog you noted that we spent a week and a half in Brazil recently. While in Brazil we visited Embrapa, an agricultural research organization. While at Embrapa they shared a video, linked below, that tells a little bit of the story of agriculture in Brazil and Embrapa's role. We invite you to watch the video and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe.

Science and Agriculture

Discussion Points

• What information from the video surprised you and why?
• In your home country do you have a system similar to Embrapa? If so, what is the organization/structure? If not, is there a need for a similar organization/structure?
• Towards the end of the video several areas are mentioned to help face the challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050 (precision agriculture, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, green chemistry, etc.). Of these areas mentioned in the video which do you feel will be the most useful practice/technique to help feed nine billion by 2050 and why?

Brazil Agribusiness and Irrigation

Today was our final full day in Brazil. We started the day at UnB with a presentation on Brazil Agribusiness. From there we made our way to the largest irrigation area in Brazil for producing crops. We were able to discover the techniques of irrigation crop production. Following our time at the farm they welcomed us to a BBQ and we celebrated a birthday as well. Here is today's video recap.

Pirenopolis Paradise

Today we had a great day hiking and swimming at Pirenopolis. It was a refreshing day in the natural spring waterfalls. After lunch we explored the historic town before making our way to Brasilia which will be our home base until our departure Saturday evening. Check out today’s video recap.

Feed Production and Processing in Brazil

Wednesday we had a little later start due to a late Tuesday night return. We had a great visit to a feed processing facility. They grew their own crops and then built their own processing facility from scratch. We were also able to visit a retail farm store before enjoying lunch and pool time. Here is a video recap of Wednesday.

Dairy and Grain Production in Brazil

Today was a long, but great day! We started off at Piracanjuba learning about dairy production in Brazil. They provide hands-on training for all aspects of dairy production. We then made our way to a large soybean, corn, and wheat farm. We were able to ask many questions and learn about their entire operation. They had six combines operating in the soybean field we visited. Here is a video recap from the day.

Research and Taking to the Fields

Today was a great day diving back into agriculture in Brazil! We started off the day by traveling to Embrapa just outside of Goiania. This Embrapa location conducts research in a variety of areas including (but not limited to) rice, beans, cotton, soybeans, corn, and beef cattle. Our visit was focused on the Embrapa structure, tours of different labs, and then we took to the fields to learn about upland rice research.

Next we made our way to the Universidade Federal de Goias to enjoy lunch at the agronomy campus before heading to the main campus to search for monkeys. We were not very successful as we only found one monkey. Next we headed to an organic farm that also rehabilitates wild animals. We got to check out anteaters, edible flowers, fruit production, vegetable production and discuss organic production in Brazil. We concluded our evening with a steak dinner before returning to our hotel and the roof top pool to reflect on our day. See the video recap from today below.

Relaxing Sunday in Brazil

Today was a great Sunday in Brazil! We started with a stroll in a local park, enjoyed much of our day hosted by Juarez and his family, checked out a soccer game, had some roof top time, and wrapped up the evening with dinner in yet another open air restaurant. Check out Sunday's video recap below!

Field Day in Brazil

Today we enjoyed time learning about crop production at the Ceres Field Day near Intumbiara. We discussed topics from seed genetics to fertilizers and chemicals. Following our time at the field day we traveled to Goiania which will serve as our home base through Thursday. We capped off a great day with dinner together and great conversations around the pool on the rooftop. Here is a short video review of our Saturday in Brazil.

Not Going to Sugar Coat It: Today was spectacular!

Today was a great first full day in Brazil! We took to the fields first thing in the morning exploring sugar cane production for sugar and ethanol. We then enjoyed a great lunch at a churrascaria before heading to Corteva in the afternoon. We wrapped up a great day with dinner with our friends from Brazil. Check out this video recap of the day!

Next Stop: Brazil

We are on our way to Brazil! Over the next week and a half students from Hawkeye Community College and Joliet Junior College will embark on agricultural and cultural excursions and experiences in Brazil. We encourage you to follow our adventures on this blog as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Wheels up!

Canada and China Agriculture Relationship

China and United States trade talks have dominated agricultural trade news in the United States over the last year. But what is happening between Canada and China? This week we take a closer look at an article highlighting trade between Canada and Asian countries. You are encouraged to read through the linked article and utilize the discussion questions below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Canada Sees Asian Demand

Discussion Points

• What is the overall trade relationship and picture between Canada and Asian countries? Be specific.
• What factors have driven the picture you described above?
• How have events around the world impacted this trade relationship?
• How is this trade relationship impacting the rest of the world?

Agriculture Biodiversity

Biodiversity in agriculture is a topic that is being discussed more and more. This week we highlight a short video addressing the need for biodiversity in agriculture. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to spark conversation around the globe.

Biodiversity is Essential to Food and Agriculture

Discussion Points

• What is biodiversity?
• Why is biodiversity important to agriculture?
• What can be done to protect biodiversity or even increase biodiversity?
• What was the most surprising piece of information you learned from the video and why? 

Global Fish

Fish are an important part of diets around the globe. This week we highlight four short videos titled "Voices of the Fish," from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. We encourage you to watch the short series below and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the world!

Voices of the Fish: Overview (1:22)

Voices of the Fish: Strengthening Our Knowledge (1:28)

Voices of the Fish: Safeguarding Ocean Habitats (1:25)

Voices of the Fish: International Measures to Safeguard Fisheries (2:57)

Discussion Points

• At the end of the first video the question is asked, "How do we look after the fish to feed people around the world?" What would your response be to this question?
• Why is it important that we strengthen our knowledge regarding fish?
• What is being done at a global level to protect fish and the fishing industry?
• In your local community how much is fish consumed? When compared to the rest of the world do you think people living in your local area eat more, less, or about the same amount of fish as others around the globe? What impacts fish consumption in your area?

Global Food Safety

Food safety can look vastly different around the globe. It is more of a concern in some areas than others. This week we highlight a podcast that discusses food safety around the world. We encourage you to listen to the linked podcast (7:39) and utilize the discussion points below to continue the conversations!

Food Safety: Why it matters

Discussion Points

• Why is food safety so important? What is food safety's impact around the globe?
• How and why might food safety look different between developed and developing countries?
• Why is food safety about more than just human health? What other impacts does food safety have on our world?
• What are your recommendations on how to improve food safety around the globe? Prioritize and give reasons for your recommendations. 

Urban Agriculture and Puerto Rico

In past years Puerto Rico has been ravaged by hurricanes and storms. As Puerto Rico works to rebuild agriculture production a recent study emphasizes the importance of urban agriculture to Puerto Rico. We invite you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe!

Urban Agriculture Development in Puerto Rico

Discussion Points

• What are the benefits of urban agriculture in Puerto Rico according to the study?
• What are the challenges urban agriculture is facing in Puerto Rico?
• How do you suggest that those in Puerto Rico turn these challenges into opportunities?
• What does urban agriculture look like in your home area/community? Are there benefits? Does it exist? Do you see an increased need?  Explain all responses.

Market Benefits Consumers and Farmers

This week we highlight a recent video from Market to Market that shares a unique farmers market structure in Wisconsin.  We encourage you to watch the video at the linked web page below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

Non-profit Serves Both Consumers and Farmers

Discussion Points

• What unique components of this farmers market structure make it successful for both consumers and farmers?
• How does this farmers market help bring an international feel to Wisconsin? 
• Could your local community benefit from a similar type of market structure? Why or why not? 
• If you were in charge of the Fondy Food Center and Farm what would you do to grow the program and how would you do it?

World Diets: Beef or beans?

Diets around the globe vary in their make up greatly. A recent study shows we need to cut down on the beef and increase the beans in our diets. However, this does not come without some controversy. We encourage you to read the article linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Less Beef, More Beans. Experts Say the World Needs a New Diet.

Discussion Points

• What stuck out to you the most from this article and why?
• Besides health reasons what other factors determine diets around the world?
• There is a quote in the article that states, "The evidence is not as strong as it seems to be." Why is this statement made? 
• What are the ramifications to the world in general if there are massive shifts in diet? 
• If there were to be a major change in diets around the world how does this happen? How do you convince people of this?

Food Evolution

This evening we hosted the film screening of Food Evolution. This is a film that takes a look at how our food is produced and the debate over GMO's (genetically modified organisms). This film provides ample knowledge and points to get you thinking. Linked below is the trailer for the film. We encourage you to watch the trailer and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe.

If interested in viewing the film in full length refer to the Food Evolution website for proper purchasing and licensing rights.

Food Evolution Trailer

Discussion Points

• After watching the trailer what statement or clip got you thinking the most and why?
• There is a farmer from Uganda that states, "If you don't have food, then you are going to steal. You are going to kill someone." Explain what this statement means. 
• At one point the statement is made, "You are going to be either GMO or organic. They cannot coexist." What is your take on this statement? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning.
• How might this film be perceived differently around the world? How might different cultures and regions of the world react to this video?

Vegetables Out of this World

While most of our highlighted stories come to you from around the globe this story has the potential to come to you from outer space. Scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are testing technologies and systems that could have us growing vegetables in outer space soon. We encourage you to read the linked article below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Eating your veggies, even in space

Discussion Points

• Explain why it is difficult to grow plants in outer space. 
• Why is it so important to work to provide astronauts fresh food in outer space?
• What practices and technologies are being utilized as scientists work towards growing fresh food in outer space?
• Do you think this research can improve agriculture production right here on earth as well (even if it never carries over to space)? Explain your reasoning.