INSANE: 8 - The Real Truth

In 1908, the USDA imported disease-resistant Callery pear; its once-sterile-looking ornamental descendants cross-pollinated and invaded American fields

Originally imported to protect pear orchards, Callery pear trees have become a significant invasive species. These trees, once popular ornamentals, now spread aggressively across natural landscapes. Their rapid growth and dense thickets outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity. While initially thought to be sterile, different cultivars cross-pollinate, producing fertile offspring. Many…

The Times of India · Aug 4

In the early 1900s, the USDA distributed torpedograss as cattle feed; its torpedo-shaped roots later invaded southern wetlands and waterways

Torpedograss, introduced for livestock forage, now invades southern United States wetlands. This grass spreads efficiently through underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control. It forms dense stands, outcompeting native vegetation and altering plant communities. Management efforts often require repeated applications of herbicides and mechanical removal. Preventing rhizome fragment movement is…

The Times of India · Aug 3

Ghana parliament backs tough cocoa farm protections, with up to 20 years in prison

Ghana's parliament has passed a bill that could imprison cocoa farmers for up to 20 years if they convert their farms without government approval

The Independent UK · Aug 3

In 1953, the khapra beetle reached US grain stores; authorities fumigated more than 600 infested sites before declaring it eradicated in 1966

A tiny brown beetle, the khapra beetle, was discovered in California in 1953. This insect posed a significant threat to stored commodities and agricultural trade. The United States launched a massive, 13-year eradication campaign involving extensive fumigation efforts. This operation included over 600 infested sites and nearly 97,000 property inspections.…

The Times of India · Aug 2

‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops

Growers in dismay after scorching weather and lack of rain affect yields, sending wholesale prices rocketing

The Guardian - UK · Aug 1

Africa's top cocoa producers pledge fairer prices for farmers

Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, the world's two largest cocoa producers, have signed a joint declaration pledging closer cooperation on pricing, local processing, environmental protection and scientific research, as the two countries seek to secure better incomes for millions of cocoa farmers

Radio France Internationale · Aug 1

Houseplant experts reveal the best 'type' of water to use on your plants and the one you should avoid

Worried your tap water is damaging your plants? This advice will give you peace of mind

Woman & Home · Aug 1

Meet Alexander Zanders: The founder revolutionising Africa's 'unbankable' farmers into a $100 billion opportunity with just a credit assessment

UfarmX is revolutionizing the agricultural finance landscape in Africa by establishing a robust, data-driven credit system for farmers. Founded by Alexander Zanders, the company seeks to bridge the crucial financing gap faced by millions of farmers. Already, UfarmX has successfully assessed thousands of farmers, enabling meaningful commerce, and is changing…

The Times of India · Jul 31

America allowed avocados from across Mexico under stricter inspection rules in 2016; farmers reduced routine chemical use and nearby nitrogen pollution fell about 10%

New United States import rules for Mexican avocados prompted growers to reduce chemical use. This change significantly lowered nitrogen pollution in nearby Mexican waterways. Stricter inspections and phytosanitary certificates encouraged more careful pest management practices. The market access incentivized cleaner production methods without halting trade. This demonstrates how trade policies…

The Times of India · Jul 31

In 1952, Canada began spraying forests from aeroplanes to control budworms; decades later, pesticide research changed how forests were managed

New Brunswick extensively used aerial pesticide spraying for spruce budworm outbreaks. Aircraft applied chemicals over vast forest areas between 1952 and 1993. Growing scientific understanding of pesticide impacts altered forest management regulations. This evolving knowledge led to more careful and alternative pest control approaches. Canada's experience highlights the connection between…

The Times of India · Jul 31