Concerns that COVID-19 could lead to food shortages have caused many countries to examine their agricultural systems. The nation of Georgia, in the Caucasus, is 70 per cent self-sufficient in vegetables, but only 8 per cent so in wheat. Since 2016, a project called Greelands.GE has focused on sustainable land management. It encourages Georgian farmers to practice crop rotation and inter-cropping, which will both increase yields and reduce the risk of crop failure. The project has been implemented by the United Nations Environment Program, but draws heavily on local knowledge and native seeds.

Key Takeaways:

• The country is very good at farming vegetables but wheat production sees a lot of failure in Georgia.
• The new solution will be trying crop rotation and inter-cropping as a way to increase the odds of successful crops.
• Planting multiple crops can make sure that while some crops fail, others succeed which means that no land will go to waste in the way it was before.

“Due to climatic and landscape conditions, as well as unsustainable agricultural practices, more than a third of agricultural land is affected by degradation, erosion, pollution and soil damage. Around 4 per cent of farmland is vulnerable to desertification.”

Read more: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2020/06/14/georgia-pushes-to-bolster-its-food-security/

Hydroponic farming is a revolutionary way of farming, allowing farmers to grow food without the assistance of soil and natural light. They do this by planting their crops in blocks of perlite or rockwool, and utilizing artificial lighting as opposed to natural lighting. The goal was to initial reduce the prevalence of hunger and related food shortages, but now families are actually financially supporting themselves through the hydroponic farming process by selling the produce they’ve grown.

Key Takeaways:

• During a trip to Sweden, Ugandan Amon Makihako fell in love with the idea of hydroponic gardening.
• Makihako’s organization made hydroponic equipment more available and offered training on its operation.
• Aquaponic, aeroponic and vegetable systems are the major categories within hydroponic farming.

“It enables people to grow food without soil and natural light”

Read more: https://chimpreports.com/hydroponic-farming-a-hidden-solution-for-the-vulnerable-urban-poor/

A Pittsburgh-based vertical farming and technology company, Fifth Season, recently announced a partnership with NHL legend Mario Lemieux. With the new partnership, the innovative company plans to expand their production to a large solar-powered vertical farm. Not only does this new type of agriculture save space, but Fifth Season is utilizing artificial intelligence to care for each of their plants, resulting in higher yield. Retailers like Whole Foods and Giant Eagle are two of the largest purchasers of this company’s produce.

Key Takeaways:

• Fifth Season uses techniques like robotics and vertical farming to grow food in a new way.
• It has partnered with Mario Lemieux as part of its initiative for expansion.
• The company is also starting its first commercial farm to provide even more food to grocery stores and restaurants.

“The company has also launched a new e-commerce website with expanded product offerings and all products shipping from Fifth Season’s newly-opened indoor vertical farm.”

Read more: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200611005170/en/Season-Opens-Flagship-Farm-Partners-NHL-Hall

Ohio State’s Global Water Institute in conjunction with other organizations are starting a program that will bring improve sustainable water access in Tanzanian communities. Their first program will attempt to fix wells in 125 villages in hopes of creating clean water and economic prosperity lifting people out of poverty and malnutrition. Their program includes a full plan for maintenance system so that people in the community can have jobs and build businesses similar to first world countries.

Key Takeaways:

• A program from Ohio State University is working with several companies and the Tanzanian government to bring sustainable water to more people.
• Soon, they hope to provide over a million Tanzanians with access to sustainable water.
• The plan is to also bring education to these people to enable their own development in the future.

“Their pilot project will replace broken water wells in 125 Tanzanian villages with sustainable village water systems that include water, sanitation, renewable energy and linkages to economic opportunities.”

Read more: https://globalwater.osu.edu/our-work/sustainable-village-water-systems/

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic a University study has shown that the UK has become dependent on just two countries for their imports of vegetables and fruits. Hopefully, there will be new information that will allow the U.K. to return to normal but as of now we don’t have more information. People from the U.K. may find that the prices of healthy foods might be higher for a while until more food can be imported without fear.

Key Takeaways:

• Recently, a new study underwent to decide how the Covid19 virus was impacting the U.K.
• The study uncovered a very unsettling truth about the UKs current food supply, particularly as it applies to fresh produce.
• The study, compiled by university research, found that the U.K. is heavily dependent for some of its produce, due to lacking interior sources.

“The UK has been left “dangerously dependent” on just two EU countries for its fresh vegetable imports”

Read more: https://www.hortweek.com/university-study-finds-uk-dangerously-dependent-fruit-veg-imports/fresh-produce/article/1685077