Organic and Conventional Agriculture

The debate between organic and conventional agriculture is looked at very differently around the globe. Linked below is a recent article discussing this very topic with some input from several researchers in Europe. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations with others around the globe (virtually of course)!

How we look at organic vs. conventional Ag

Discussion Points

• Explain what the Life Cycle Assessment is and how it is utilized?
• What is the argument of these researchers regarding the Life Cycle Assessment and how it is currently used?
• More than likely we all have biases that are shaped by our environment and upbringing. Could you make an argument that these researchers have a bias due to where they live and work? Do you have a bias on organic versus conventional agriculture? Explain your thoughts.
• While in Denmark many years ago I asked an organic farmer why she produced organic products. Her response, "Because of the premium price. I do not see why there is so much controversy between organic and conventional producers. We all need to produce quality, safe food in order to feed the world. There is room for all types of producers." 
• What is your response to this quote?
• Is this how people view organic versus conventional in your local community? Explain.

Clam Harvest in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes

Harvesting clams is no easy task. It is early mornings and intensive labor. The video linked below tells the story of women harvesting clams in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the world.

Backs bent, but chins held high

Discussion Points 

• Explain clam harvest in this region. What are challenges that are faced?
• Identify the different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are addressed in this video and why they are important. Click here to view SDGs
• What can be done to expand the successes highlighted in this video and keep moving forward?
• Agriculture is very diverse and different around the globe. Do individuals in agriculture within your home region face the same challenges as those highlighted in the video? How are challenges similar and different in Tunisia's Gulf of Gabes and your home region?

Refugee Farmers Excel in Costa Rica

When times are tough farmers find ways to push forward and thrive. This is the case for a group of farmers from Nicaragua who now find themselves in Costa Rica. Linked below is there story. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Nicaragua Refugee Farmers Carve Out Existence in Costa Rica

Discussion Points

• What has caused these farmers to gather in Costa Rica leaving Nicaragua behind?
• What sticks with you from this article and why?
• It was noted that these farmers would love to return to Nicaragua. Do you feel this is possible? What will it take in order for them to return?
• Often times farmers are known as resilient and hard working. How is that showcased in this story?

Plant Health is Key

Plant health is vital to feed our growing world. This week we share a short video that shares the importance of plant health and steps governments can take to ensure plant health. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations around the globe!

What Governments Can Do to Protect Plant Health

Discussion Points

• Why is plant health so important to our future?
• Six strategies were shared that governments can do to promote plant health. Of the six points shared which do you feel is the most important and why?
• One of the steps mentioned the IPPC. What is this an acronym for and what does this group do?
• Towards the end of the video it states that plant health is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Which SDG's can plant health help achieve and how? Link to SDG's

Locusts? There's an App for that!

A couple weeks ago we shared a piece on locusts swarming the horn of Africa and threatening major damage. This week we highlight an App that is addressing the problem. We encourage you to read the linked article below and utilize the discussion points provided to guide your conversations around the globe.

Farmers to Tackle Locust Swarms Armed with New App

Discussion Points

• Explain how this newly developed App is helping farmers battle locust swarms. 
• Can this same or similar technology be used to benefit other areas of agriculture and the world? Explain your thoughts.
• Apps are an everyday part of many people's lives. If you could create any App that would benefit agriculture share what the App would do, how it would benefit the agricultural world, and why it is needed. 

Farming Kenya Style

Julia Dieckman from Muscatine Community College and myself are exploring opportunities in Kenya. Check out the video below to see what we are up to in Kenya and for the challenge we have for you to discuss in coffee shops, classrooms, and communities around the globe.

Recap of challenge questions from video:

• If you were starting a demonstration farm in Kenya what is the first thing you would do and why?
• Do some research! What are innovative practices and techniques you could share at a demonstration farm in Kenya or a tropical agriculture setting?
• How might a demonstration farm look in your home area? What are the similarities and differences you might find when comparing to a demonstration farm in Kenya?

Coronavirus and Agriculture

The coronavirus news is everywhere from TV to social media. Several food and agriculture organizations are joining in and pledging their commitment to help others with the impact of the cornavirus. Linked below is an article highlighting this work and commitment. We encourage you to read the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe.

UN Food Agencies Offer Support to China Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Discussion Points

• Why are food and agriculture agencies getting involved with the coronavirus assitance and investigation? What is the agriculture impact?
• There is so much going around about the cornavirus it is hard to decipher fact and fiction. How do we determine reliable sources, regarding the coronavirus, and give some examples of reliable sources to gather credible information. 
• Utilizing the reliable sources, discussed previously, further investigate and discuss with others facts discovered. Consider any further impacts on agriculture.