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?"