Water and Agriculture

Water is vital to life and agriculture, but can be taken for granted by many. This week we explore the need to reduce water use in food production. The linked article takes us to Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan to share challenges and innovative techniques in water management. We encourage you to explore the article, videos, and links within the article. We have provided discussion points below to guide engagement in conversations with others around the globe.

Why our food needs to use less water

Discussion Points

• What was your biggest take away from exploring the article and why?
• What does water usage look like in your local area? Around your home country, Around the World? How is water usage for agriculture similar and different when comparing?
• Several innovative techniques were shared regarding water conservation and improvement. What are other possible techniques that could be implemented? Get creative!
• What is your reaction to this quote from the article? 
• “When we look at productivity, most of the time we look at land productivity, how much yield can be produced per hectare of land,” Chakrabarty says. “But maybe we need to look at how much yield can be produced by how many units of water.”
• What can you do personally to have a positive impact on water usage locally and/or globally?

Agriculture and Carbon

 At times some blame agriculture for climate issues, but the reality is that agriculture can be a driving solution regarding climate challenges. One of those many ways is through carbon sequestration. The linked article takes a look at carbon markets and agriculture. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Clarity on Carbon's Potential

Discussion Points

• What did you find most interesting regarding the article and why?
• Several carbon market programs were shared. Which do you feel is the best program and why?
• This article primarily focused on the carbon programs in the United States. Execute an internet search. How are other countries looking at and approaching carbon markets relating to agriculture? Does it look different in different parts of the world?
• Carbon sequestration is one method farmers around the world improve the environment. Globally what are other ways that farmers are improving/protecting the environment?

Poetry and Global Agriculture

This week is #GLAG21 (Global Learning in Agriculture Conference)! This is a spectacular week that engages with individuals from all 50 U.S. states and 35+ different nations. This event is filled with great content and programs. An addition this year was incorporating the arts into the conference with a poetry contest through GLAGCreates. The video linked below is the winning poem from Tyler Cook recited by poets from around the globe. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others throughout the world.

One Poem, One Community

Discussion Points

• What is your initial reaction to the poem? 
• What line was the most impactful for you and why?
• How can the arts and sciences further team up to tackle challenges in agriculture?
• You are challenged to create a poem around hunger or agriculture and share with others!

Fish in the Desert

You would not expect to find fish in the desert, but that is exactly the case in the United Arab Emirates. Innovation has led to aquaculture with great potential for growth. The article linked below highlights this project. We encourage you to read the article and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations with others around the globe.

Fishing for change in the Emirati desert

Discussion Points

• What from the article was intriguing to you and why?
• What about the project has you asking further questions? What are your questions? Discus with a peer.
• There is great potential to increase production for this project. What do you feel is the best way to expand production? Explain your plan and reasoning.
• Fish production in the desert is an innovative and contrarian approach. What are other innovative ideas that might be possible around the globe in agriculture?