Real Farming Trust’s Post

Exploring the potential of linking regenerative agriculture with restorative aquaculture to combat climate change and enhance food system resilience. This innovative approach, highlighted in Yale's latest report, aims to bridge the gap between land and sea food systems, offering a pathway towards a more sustainable and resilient food landscape. Read more about the transformative potential of surf-to-turf practices here: #regenerativeagriculture #climatechange #climateaction #foodsecurity https://lnkd.in/e-8SgF2s

A new post, “Wet weather and temporary adjustments to agri-environment agreements” has just been published on the Gov.UK Farming blog. Heavy rainfall has a devastating and long-term impact on farming. This disruption not only affects livelihoods but also has wider implications for food security and the economy too. Gov.UK are introducing temporary adjustments and easements within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the SFI Pilot, Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) to support farmers and land managers dealing with the impacts of severe weather in England. Read the new Gov.UK post: https://lnkd.in/ezNSbaAB Contact our team of experts for further guidance. https://lnkd.in/eAYgca54 #experts #agriculture #countryside #Environmental

Chefs and restaurant owners: please read and consider signing this letter from Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Environmental Working Group & The James Beard Foundation urging Congress to maintain funding for agriculture practices that protect soil quality and the environment. #chefslead #jbfchefslead

🚨Breaking >> Our legal team has written to Powys Council warning that if the local planning authority approve new chicken sheds on the river Wye, without properly assessing the pollution risk and the resulting environmental impacts, planning decisions could face judicial review. In the words of our solictior, Justin Neal: "Powys County Council cannot simply wash their hands of potential pollution from manure and digestate spreading created by the poultry farming industry and assume it is someone else’s problem". Follow the link 👇 to learn more https://lnkd.in/e6rVYPKn

Every #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we acknowledge the innumerable contributions of tribal nations and Indigenous communities. But the knowledge and practices used in Indigenous food cultivation are celebrated year-round! Indigenous farming is renowned for its land stewardship and climate resilience, which strengthen local food economies and food sovereignty. As our food system moves toward sustainable and regenerative practices, many are returning to Indigenous techniques, like companion planting, no-till farming, and crop rotation. Which Indigenous agricultural practices have you tried?

The House Agriculture Committee is making strides towards a crucial vote on the $1.5 trillion Farm Bill. Recent developments signal promising momentum, with Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow unveiling a comprehensive bill and House Ag Chairman Glenn Thompson presenting a bill summary set for debate on May 23. This legislation holds significant implications for our agricultural community, shaping policies that impact farmers, rural economies, and food systems nationwide. 📌 **Key Points of Discussion Include:** - Increased funding for agricultural research and innovation to address climate change challenges. - Expansion of conservation programs aimed at preserving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. - Support for rural development initiatives, including broadband access and infrastructure improvements. - Enhanced crop insurance programs to provide financial protection for farmers against crop losses. - Strengthening of nutrition assistance programs to address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations. - Implementation of measures to promote agricultural sustainability and resilience to environmental threats. - Incentives for renewable energy production and adoption of sustainable farming practices. - Allocation of resources for disaster relief and risk management programs to assist farmers affected by natural disasters. - Measures to address supply chain disruptions and ensure food security for consumers. - Support for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers to access resources and opportunities in the agricultural sector. As stewards of our agricultural landscape, it's essential to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. Let's ensure our voices are heard as we advocate for sustainable and equitable policies that benefit our farmers and communities! #Agriculture #FarmBill #Legislation #Farming #RuralEconomy #FoodSystems #Policy

A recent The New York Times article highlights growing environmental concerns around the expansion of the salmon farming industry in southern Chile. The salmon farming industry, which began in the 1970s, has grown into a major economic force, with Chile becoming a top exporter of farmed salmon to the United States. However, the industry faces scrutiny over environmental concerns, including pollution, antibiotic use, and destruction of local ecosystems. Despite some efforts to improve practices, local activists remain skeptical about the industry's ability to balance economic benefits with environmental protection. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejSyxAwz

Policy News ➪ House Farm Bill Misses Opportunity to Move Agriculture Forward On Friday, May 17, the House Agriculture Committee released the long-awaited Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (FFNSA). The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition argues that the House's 942 page discussion draft Farm Bill misses an opportunity to move agriculture forward. 💬 “The Farm, Food, and National Security Act fundamentally fails to meet the moment. The bill dramatically increases subsidies yet takes no meaningful steps toward building a fair, responsible, and accessible farm safety net. It stubbornly dismisses climate change – in part by decoupling the climate-focus from conservation investments – while countless farmers and ranchers nationwide experience the worsening impacts of a changing climate. And although the bill reflects some lessons from the pandemic, its vision for the future of local and regional food systems is stunted,” said Mike Lavender, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Policy Director. Read more here ➪ https://lnkd.in/eK3X2tdH #agpolicy #sustainableagriculture #foodsystems #foodsecurity

Following a press release from Defra on Monday, there is now a cap on the amount of land which can be entered into certain options under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). New applicants to the scheme will only be able to put 25% of their land into options that take land out of food production. These rules are part of a government effort to monitor and improve food security in the UK. The six options which are capped at 25% are:   IPM2: Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips AHL1: Pollen and nectar flower mix AHL2: Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land AHL3: Grassy field corners or blocks IGL1: Take grassland field corners or blocks out of management IGL2: Winter bird food on improved grassland   These rules do not affect existing agreements that were submitted prior to the 26th March 2024. https://lnkd.in/etE98qDf

It's a challenging time to find affordable food in the U.S. today, the ag sector is increasingly consolidated, and climate change is continuing to shock our food and farming systems. On these three important issues, the Farm Bill released by the House of Representatives falls short. Take a look at our latest article from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy that explores the proposed Farm Bill and what changes are needed to create fair policy. https://lnkd.in/gEF4NMW5 #FarmBill #ClimateChange #CommunityFoodSystems #Nutrition #Competition #Consolidation #Conservation #Agriculture #Congress