News & Commentary

California Proposes to Transition Away from Toxic Pesticides

March 9, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaAllison Johnson

California's proposal to update pesticide fees could offer better protections for farm workers, agricultural communities, and vulnerable ecosystems, as well as help farmers adopt more sustainable practices.

UPDATED: Science, Polling Support NY Bill to Save Bees

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogNew YorkDaniel Raichel

Senator Brad Hoylman introduced new language today for the Birds and Bees Protection Act, a bill that would make the state a national leader in safeguarding its bees, birds, water, and people from widespread neonicotinoid pesticide contamination.

Bad News: CVP and SWP Plan to Drain CA’s Largest Reservoirs

March 1, 2021 Expert BlogCaliforniaDoug Obegi

This would kill most or nearly all the endangered winter-run Chinook salmon this year and threaten the state’s resilience to continued dry conditions.

Fracking Banned in the Delaware River Basin!

February 25, 2021 Expert BlogNew York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, DelawareMarisa Guerrero, Kimberly Ong

The historic vote, made today by the Delaware River Basin Commission, signals a strong stance in favor of a fossil fuel–free future.

How to Testify in Support of Composting in New York City

December 15, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Here’s how you can stand up for community composting and make your voice heard at Friday’s New York City Council hearing.

Lancet: What’s Needed to Protect Health from Climate & COVID

December 3, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, LouisianaJuanita Constible

We need a holistic response to protect our health from the collision of climate change, COVID-19, and racial injustice.

Systems Based Ag Solutions Required for Systemic Ag Problems

October 29, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma, Lena Brook

Now is the time for reimagining what our natural and working lands, and broader food and agricultural economy, looks like.

These Farmer-Activists Are Fixing Our Racist and Unjust Food System

October 27, 2020 DispatchNew YorkNicole Greenfield

Black Farmer Fund is part of a collaboration of New York–based groups working to repair a system that has long discriminated against BIPOC farmers.

Nature Thrives with Diversity; California's Food Systems Can, Too

October 22, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaArohi Sharma

Our decisionmakers need to think long-term and tie economic recovery with support for our small- and mid-sized farmers, our essential workers, and climate-smart agriculture programs.

Local Leaders Are Failing to Protect L.A.’s Water

October 20, 2020 Expert BlogLos AngelesCorinne Bell

Every day, an estimated 100 million gallons of runoff contaminated with various pollutants flows through L.A.’s massive storm drain system to foul our rivers, creeks and, ultimately, our coastal waters.

San Francisco Grocers Report: Beef & Pork Antibiotic Use Still Hidden

October 19, 2020 Expert BlogSan FranciscoAllison Johnson

For the second year in a row, San Francisco grocers reported almost no details about antibiotics used to produce beef or pork sold in the city. It's time for grocers—and their meat producers—to step up.

More Work Ahead to Protect California from Toxic Pesticides

July 21, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaAllison Johnson, Miriam Rotkin-Ellman

The state's Department of Pesticide Regulation and Department of Food and Agriculture must end the use of toxic pesticides and invest in diversified organic and regenerative agriculture.

Small Farm, Big Tale: Sustainable Farming in the Bay Area

July 20, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaPaloma Sisneros-Lobato

Green Valley Mill + Farm in Sebastopol, CA

California Takes the Lead in Regulating Ropeless Fishing

July 2, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaDr. Francine Kershaw

Entanglement in fishing gear is the leading cause of death for marine mammals worldwide.

California-Chile Water Nexus 1: Urban Drought Solutions

June 30, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaAmanda Maxwell, Tracy Quinn

Though the two places are separated by thousands of miles, a quick glance at California and central Chile reveals striking similarities. Both share a long Pacific coastline, large agriculture economies, and similar Mediterranean climates perfect for wine growing, leading to…

NYC Council Must Restore Funds for Community Composting

June 27, 2020 Expert BlogNew York CityEric A. Goldstein

Restoration of $7 million to preserve community composting and related recycling outreach and education won’t solve every waste problem in New York. But it will throw a lifeline to one of the most significant, untapped anti-pollution strategies available to local…

CA Farm-to-School Survives a Challenging Budget Year

June 26, 2020 Expert BlogCaliforniaLena Brook

This is an important moment for California to lead in reshaping our food system toward one that is regenerative, healthy and just.

Take Action to Protect Bees During National Pollinator Week

June 22, 2020 Expert BlogNew York, New JerseyDaniel Raichel, Lucas Rhoads

This Pollinator week, let’s heed the science and skip the fluff. Here’s how you can take action now to protect pollinators and human health.

As Sea Level Rise Threatens Their Ancestral Village, a Louisiana Tribe Fights to Stay Put

April 13, 2020 DispatchLouisianaBarry Yeoman

They survived the BP oil disaster, Hurricane Katrina, and decades of industry spoiling their wetlands. Whatever their future holds, the people of Grand Bayou want to decide it for themselves.

Proposed CA Budget Lifts Up Healthy, Sustainable School Food

January 13, 2020 Expert BlogUnited States, CaliforniaLena Brook

With an $80 million proposed increase aimed at giving schools much needed resources to improve meal programs, Governor Newsom’s proposed 2020-21 budget offers California public school students a better chance to learn and thrive.