In an article on The Conversation website, Istvan David, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, McMaster University explains that thanks to automation, controlled environments achieve better yield and quality than traditional farming settings, while also reducing waste. How digital twins will enable the next generation of precision agriculture Drastic climate change and overpopulation have rendered traditional … Continue reading Time for agriculture to get into the digital world – traditional agricultural practices are unsustainable
Category: agriculture
Encouraging sustainability in the wine industry
In an article on The Conversation website, Gary Pickering, Professor, Biological Sciences and Psychology and Kerrie Pickering, Research Associate, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, both from Brock University in Canada discuss the wine industry from production to consumers and what it will take to make it more sustainable. How drinking sustainable wine can help vineyards … Continue reading Encouraging sustainability in the wine industry
New study reveals that the quantity of European hops, which gives beer its distinctive bitter taste, is declining
Esme Stallard writes on the BBC news website about a new study that assesses the impact of hotter, longer and drier summers on the quality and taste of beer. Climate change could make beer taste worse Global warming is changing the quality and taste of beer, scientists have warned. A new study reveals that … Continue reading New study reveals that the quantity of European hops, which gives beer its distinctive bitter taste, is declining
US agriculture learning to adapt to stay viable
US agriculturalists are turning to new technology, including “Fitbits for cows” and computer-controlled cooling pads for pigs, to keep their businesses viable. Nick Allen discusses latest developments in an article on the Telegraph website. Farmers hope ‘Fitbits for cows’ will protect against climate change American farmers are banking on “Fitbits for cows,” computer-controlled cooling … Continue reading US agriculture learning to adapt to stay viable
New research shows promise in reducing the carbon emissions of fertilisers
Nitrogen fertiliser is considered one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. But production is dirty, and expensive. A group of scientists think they can change that. Tom Bawden discusses in an article on the inews website. Carbon footprint of gardening slashed after breakthrough in fertiliser emissions Fruit and vegetables could become … Continue reading New research shows promise in reducing the carbon emissions of fertilisers
Benefits of agrivoltaic farming
Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor at Western University in Canada writes on The Conversation that crop yields increase when the crops are partially shaded with solar panels. How shading crops with solar panels can improve farming, lower food costs and reduce emissions If you have … Continue reading Benefits of agrivoltaic farming
New EEA report on the shift to a sustainable food system
Europe’s shift to a sustainable food system will involve huge changes in the way we produce and consume food. Achieving this depends on ambitious and coherent EU policies to promote and guide innovation and behavioural change, phase out harmful practices and ensure a just transition, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published recently. … Continue reading New EEA report on the shift to a sustainable food system
Climate change: “the wine sector is the canary in the coalmine”
Forgotten grape varieties offer adaptation hope for an industry particularly sensitive to change. In an article on the Guardian website, Ashifa Kassam discusses how some winemakers are adapting to the changing conditions. Climate-resistant grapes? Spanish winemakers revive ancient varieties The ads – tucked in the corners of local newspapers and directed at winemakers – … Continue reading Climate change: “the wine sector is the canary in the coalmine”
Challenges for New Zealand to reduce its GHG emissions from agricultural sector
With agriculture representing 50% of New Zealand’s GHG emissions in 2020, there is no surprise that the priority must be given to that industry. In an article on The Conversation website, Ian Mason, Research Fellow in Renewable Energy Systems Engineering at University of Canterbury discusses many of the ways forward. From farming to fermentation: … Continue reading Challenges for New Zealand to reduce its GHG emissions from agricultural sector
New EEA briefings on sustainability of agriculture and food systems
A profound rethink of how we produce food and operate global food chains and related industrial processing sectors is needed to make them resilient and sustainable. Much more must be done to reduce their GHG emissions as well as their pressures on water resources and biodiversity — efforts which are currently almost stagnant — according … Continue reading New EEA briefings on sustainability of agriculture and food systems
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 