Establishing a resilient, restorative, economically viable climate-smart agricultural system producing abundant nutritious food, natural fiber, and clean energy for a sustainable and prosperous America is the goal of a non-governmental organization of farmers and ranchers here. U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA) shares a common vision with food and agriculture partners to further our global sustainable food systems. Decade of Ag, a shared vision for 2030 for U.S. food and agriculture, is a proactive collaboration between the best minds in food, agriculture, science, and technology to co-create solutions that will result in environmental, social, and economic stability.
The vision includes four specific outcome areas: 1. Restoring our environment through agriculture that regenerates natural resources; 2. Revitalizing our collective appreciation for agriculture; 3. Investing in the next generation of agricultural systems; 4. Strengthening the social and economic fabric of America through agriculture.
Given agriculture’s impact on global warming and climate change, this is a critical moment for such a movement. Agriculture contributes a significant share of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, 17 percent directly through agricultural activities and an additional 7-14 percent through land use changes. There are now almost 150 leaders and organizations who have endorsed the Decade of Ag and others are encouraged to join the movement, and action network dedicated to creating change through enhanced partnerships through the food value chain to help nourish a growing population.
USFRA has unveiled a new short film that highlights the important role farmers and ranchers are taking in forging climate solutions with help from science experts, investors and partners. The Carbon Neutral Pig is a true story about a young woman who has taken over and transformed her father’s pig farm in North Carolina.
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Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions focuses on reducing malnutrition around the world. Their innovative hub collaborates with nutrition experts to identify, treat and prevent malnutrition for vulnerable populations worldwide. Conflict, environmental crises and economic instability all play a role in this extremely complex problem resulting in stunting or wasting in children, and underweight or obesity in both children and adults.
Vulnerable groups continue to be disproportionately affected by these disruptions and lack of resources, impacting access to good nutrition and improved outcomes. Genuine partnership requires genuine collaboration with grassroots organizations and local leaders to gain a true understanding of what’s needed on the ground, bring forward new ideas and partners working together toward collective impacts and sustainable solutions.
Abbott will cultivate conversations between the foremost experts in the fight against malnutrition. An advisory board of experts from each region of the world will help in understanding the needs and nuances of malnutrition at a local level and connect with like-minded partners. Abbott has a long history of success in understanding the science behind nutrition and innovating to make nutrition accessible to people around the world. Creating solutions that are sustainable and accessible will enable reaching those people who need them.
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A new study shows employee well being continues to be under threat 18 months into the pandemic. Workers continue to feel the cumulative mental health impacts in the form of increased stress symptoms, burnout, and diminished motivation. The impacts of the crisis have been especially prominent in hospitality, finance and healthcare workers. Those under 30 are facing significant increases in burnout risk.
A common key factor in well being risk is employer support. Employees who felt strongly supported by their employers reported the highest levels of well being and were less likely to want to quit. However, new data shows a noteworthy downturn in the extent to which employees felt well-supported by their employers compared to six months ago. The study indicates employers who continue to place a premium on employee well being and performance can moderate the negative effects of the pandemic on their people before they become overwhelmed.
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Other articles of interest in this TMIS eNewsletter for Fall 2021:
* Pure Growth Project ensures community gardens and farms continue to thrive and help increase access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables worldwide.
* Mural campaign promotes awareness of Fairtrade, an alternative approach to trade based on non exploitative partnerships between those who grow the food and those who consume it.
* Fairtrade’s open letter to world leaders at Glasgow climate summit urges governments to strengthen environmental protection and promote fair, low-carbon trade deals.
* Leading solar technology provider launches initiative to make renewable energy more accessible for historically marginalized communities by 2025.
* American Lung Association announces 24 COVID-19 research studies to determine susceptibility and treatment for long COVID.
* Psychedelic science and healthcare industry publisher, PSYCH, releases “The psychedelics as a Medicine Report.”
* Emerging technology elevates canine services to detect and contain invasive pathogens, such as COVID-19, around the world.
* New Leaves for Recovery honors those in recovery with tree planting campaign.
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I am grateful to be in a collaborative business with many
talented and skilled professionals. Your feedback is always welcome.
- Mary Michele McLaughlin
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