If researchers knew what kept farmers from adopting natural methods to grow healthier plants and vanquish pests, curbing hunger worldwide might be more feasible.

According to researchers at the James Hutton Institute, if we are to solve the apparent conflict between the interests of nature and those of modern agriculture then more needs to be done to promote sustainable food production.

In Asia and Latin America, there are a number of threats challenging the daily farm operations of banana producers. At the 6th International Banana Congress, which is taking place on April 19 to 22, 2016 in Miami, Florida, USA, Bayer is showcasing its broad portfolio of products and solutions that support the success and sustainability of the banana industry.

The wine industry, more than any other crop industries, needs to adapt to climate change. Given the socio-economic impact of wine production, the specific influence of climate on viticulture and wine quality.

The 6th annual Sustainable Agriculture Cropping Systems Symposium is scheduled for April 1, 2016. "Farmer-led and On-farm Research" is the theme for this year.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the LEO-4000 American National Standard for Sustainable Agriculture, developed by Leonardo Academy and the LEO-4000 Standard Development Committee through ANSI’s open, multi-stakeholder process. LEO-4000 currently addresses agricultural crops and plans to address animal production in the future.

The purpose of developing organic- ready maize variety is to reduce transgenic contamination of organic maize grown in the USA by maintaining the integrity of organic maize seed. Organic farmers are not required to produce transgene-free crops, but they must plant seed that is free of transgene. An important objective of this project is the education of seed producers and organic farmers on how to use these “Organic-Ready” varieties for reducing the incidence of transgenic contamination.

"In organic agriculture we have a lot of room for improvement in terms of productivity," Stone, a graduate student in the horticulture department at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences said earlier this month at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah. "We need to think about the crops that we’re growing in our organic systems and making sure we select varieties that thrive in conditions unique to that system."

A researcher at The University of Texas at Austin will receive two grants totaling $15 million to study a native prairie grass, including how it can become a sustainable source of bioenergy amid global climate change.

Tom Juenger, a professor of integrative biology, will lead scientists from multiple institutions - including federal agencies, universities and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology - on two projects researching switchgrass. A five-year grant from the Department of Energy’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research will provide $11 million for the university and $4 million for partner institutions. Additionally, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a four-year grant of $4 million to Juenger and his team. Both grants begin this fall.