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.