Latest news with #SustainableAgriculture
CBS News
12 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
How Black farmers are planting seeds of change in California's Central Valley
The legacy of black farming runs deep in the U.S. On this Juneteenth, we're highlighting urban Black farmers planting the seeds of change in California's Central Valley. That change can be found in the sustainable foods they grow. Deja Wright takes pride in this season's harvest. She's the youngest member of the Black Urban Farmers Association in French Camp in San Joaquin County. "I started volunteering and coming out here helping spray startling and feeding the goats, but I just wanted to be involved in my community and learn more about growing my own foods pesticide-free," Wright said. The nonprofit started 10 years ago with 12 Black members from Stockton. They shared a passion for sustainable farming and a deep appreciation for Black farmers who came before them. Today, their mission remains unchanged. "I think we just really want to encourage people and let people know they are worthy of eating good, healthy all all-natural foods," Wright said. Reatha Hardy-Jordan is a founding member of the group. Her gardening journey began out of necessity. "That was my reason for even starting, growing my own food. I wanted to eat organic, but I couldn't afford to buy it," Hardy-Jordan said. Among the kale, chard, and green onions, Hardy-Jordan is growing celery for the first time at the farm. She can grow just about anything, but if she had to choose a favorite one, Hardy-Jordan said it would be "nothing like a home-grown tomato. It just tastes good." Her husband, Clarence Jordan, another founding member of the group, prefers summer squash because of its versatility. "It grows fast, and I eat it all summer," he said. "Eat it with rice, noodles. You can make pasta out of it. It's just a good super food." Not far from the squash, leafy greens are vibrantly growing in rows. "This is the superfood of lettuce. Salanova," Clarence Jordan said. "It's like three or four salads mixed and they complement each other." Growing pesticide-free produce also means creating healthy soil. For members of the Black Urban Farmers Association, Juneteenth is a special time to reflect and recognize the freedoms in all of its forms. "I think, sometimes, people think we're supposed to get over slavery, but this is a celebration," Wright said. In addition to selling their produce, the Black Urban Farmers Association teaches people how to grow healthy foods. The group also donates fresh produce to Saint Mary's dining room, a Stockton-area nonprofit that feeds the homeless community. "We deserve to celebrate and be happy about not only celebrating our freedom but celebrating the rights that we have," Wright said.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Province celebrates kids and teens with Environmental Student Action Challenge
Students participated in the Environmental Student Action Challenge Friday at Bow Habitat Station. The province is celebrating kids and teens who are tackling environmental challenges in their own backyard. They gathered Friday at Bow Habitat Station, which co-ordinates the Environmental Student Action Challenge. Environment Challenges, May 30, 2025 Students gathered at Bow Habitat Station Friday for the Environmental Student Action Challenge (CTV News Calgary) The province put up $13,000 this year, approving 13 projects at 11 schools. A group in Diamond Valley explored sustainable agriculture -- and Calgary students worked on water quality in wetlands. 'It's amazing to see how students and teachers are engaging and inspiring to make a difference in the world around them in a variety of ways that are meaningful to their community,' said Alberta's environment and protected areas minister Rebecca Schulz. Rebecca Schulz Rebecca Schulz, Alberta's Minister for the Environment and Protected Areas of Alberta, was at the Bow Habitat Station Friday along with students participating in the Environmental Student Action Challenge. (CTV News Calgary) Alberta schools are eligible to apply for the grant each year. The next round of funding opens in September.
Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mohamad Sabu: Malaysia aims to strengthen agricultural ties with Thailand through MoU review
BANGKOK, May 30 — Malaysia is committed to renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Agricultural Cooperation with Thailand, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He stated that the Malaysia-Thailand MoU, which has been in place for over 50 years, requires a comprehensive review and improvement of most of its terms. 'The MoU reflects our shared goals of strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas such as sustainable agriculture, technology transfer, research, and food security. 'We have submitted our latest draft of the MoU to the Thai ministry, and we hope to receive their feedback soon,' he told Bernama on Friday. Earlier, Mohamad, who led the Malaysian delegation on a four-day working visit to Thailand, made a courtesy call on Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, Narumon Pinyosinwat, before both parties held a bilateral meeting. Mohamad noted that Malaysia, aims to achieve a higher self-sufficiency level in agricultural production by 2030. This goal is to be realised through a sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven agro-food industry that prioritises food security. 'Our discussions today reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between Malaysia and Thailand in the agriculture sector. 'I am encouraged by the shared commitment to deepen our collaboration and address common challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and innovation,' he said. He also highlighted that Thailand is Malaysia's main trading partner in the agri-food sector and selected agricultural products. 'Bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and Thailand continued to show positive performance in 2024, with the total trade value of agricultural products reaching RM20.96 billion. 'This trade trend highlights the growing potential of food and agricultural product trade and demonstrates significant opportunities for both countries to further elevate the value of agricultural trade,' he added. Later, Mohamad officiated the Malaysian Pavilion at the THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's premier food and beverage trade show. Approximately 137 Malaysian companies participated in the trade show, held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from May 27 to 31. — Bernama
CBC
30-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
The goal of 'farming under every panel'
Solar Sheep's Janna Grier and Capital Power's Wade Heuscher explain why animals are used at the Strathmore Solar site in Alberta.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate. The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products. Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management. The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA. Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef's role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism. Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom. UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.
