Biological farming: A holistic approach to food production Biological farming, sometimes referred to as biodynamic farming, is gaining traction among those seeking a more sustainable and natural approach to food production. Horticulturist Marina Jordaan explains the core concepts and benefits of this practice. (Saturday April 20th, 2024 — Food For Mzansi - South Africa)

Food as Medicine: Blossoms Farmacy was a big surprise Searching for answers Master gardener Delmar McComb turned to a book, Thomkins and Bird’s Secrets of the Soil that completely shifted his thinking. He learned about a method developed one hundred years ago in Germany by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the modern biodynamic movement. Turns out even then, industrial farming was on the rise and organic methods were being replaced in the name of science, efficiency, and technology. (Wednesday April 17th, 2024 — Good Times Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz, California USA)

The Survivor Species Kenya, where the landscape can turn from green to reddish and back in an hour’s drive, has long been a middle ground: a place where some tribes use camels and more use cows ... That has seemingly transformed Samburu County — an area the size of New Jersey that is home to the Samburu tribe — into an experiment on how livestock fare, and how humans respond, in a warming climate. (Wednesday April 17th, 2024 — Washington Post - Washington DC USA)

Viewpoint: Celebrating 100 Years of Biodynamic Agriculture This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Steiner’s eight lectures known as “The Agriculture Course,” given from June 7 to 16, 1924 in Koberwitrz, Silesia (now part of Poland). In these lectures, Steiner, who is also the founder of Waldorf Education, Anthroposophical Medicine and other such things, gave instructions for the development of what would later be called Biodynamic Agriculture. (Saturday April 13th, 2024 — East End Beacon - Long Island, New York USA)

Tiny endangered baby monkeys born at zoo The baby pygmy marmosets, which are just 3cm (1.2in) tall came as a surprise to staff at Telford Exotic Zoo, because they were not sure if the mother was pregnant. Director Scott Adams said they have a "hands off" policy with the monkeys, which are at risk of extinction in the wild. He said staff were "jumping for joy" when the babies were seen clinging to their mother's back. (Thursday April 11th, 2024 — BBC online - UK)

The Greatest Organic Wines, According to Robin Kelley O’Connor In your exploration of fine wine, when did you realize that so many of the world’s top wines are quietly organic or biodynamic? (Tuesday April 9th, 2024 — Worth Magazine)

Unesco announces its newest geoparks around the world From dinosaur fossils in Brazil to the soaring monasteries of Meteora, these 18 new geological sites highlight a particular region's natural, cultural and intangible heritage. (Tuesday April 9th, 2024 — BBC online - UK)

Was an extinct fox once man's best friend? Archaeological evidence suggests ancient human societies in South America revered foxes to such an extent that they were buried next to them. Scientists were surprised to find a fox buried in a human grave dating back 1,500 years in Patagonia, Argentina. They think the most likely explanation is that the fox was a highly valued companion or pet. (Tuesday April 9th, 2024 — BBC online - UK)

5 Leaders in Sustainable Wine and Spirits Production Eco-friendly practices—including organic, biodynamic, and regenerative production—are top of mind for winemakers and distillers around the world. These regions and producers are leading the charge (Monday April 8th, 2024 — SevenFifty Daily)

Adorable but Deadly Fluff Balls, Better Known as Pygmy Slow Lorises, Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo These docile, nocturnal animals have large eyes and round faces, which also makes them a “big target” for wildlife trafficking and the pet trade, according to Ingraham. ... But they’re hard to keep as pets: Pygmy slow lorises are the only primates known to produce venom—which can incapacitate large predators, including humans—and they primarily feast on tree sap. They’re also sensitive. (Monday April 8th, 2024 — Smithsonian.com -)

Sea Otters Have Helped Bolster California’s Kelp Forest A study that looks back more than 100 years shows that where the animals have thrived, underwater forests have, too (Monday April 8th, 2024 — Smithsonian.com -)

Spectacular nature and science images from Sony’s world photo awards Some of the finalists (Monday April 8th, 2024 — Washington Post - Washington DC USA)

Napa's Quintessa Showcases Biodynamic Practices FOR QUINTESSA IN NAPA'S Rutherford District, Biodynamics offers not only flexible, scientific guidelines for soil and plant improvement, but also boosts vineyard resilience in the face of climate change. Moreover, it strengthens community in the winery and beyond. (Monday April 1st, 2024 — Wine Business)

Once in decline, Indigenous food culture in Borneo thrives again Confronted by the climate crisis and disruptions to global supply chains, people around the world have been searching for more sustainable and localized sources of food, driving a resurgence of Indigenous food practices. In few other places has the revival been as dramatic as in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the northwestern coast of Borneo, where about 40 percent of the population of 2.5 million has Indigenous heritage. (Friday March 22nd, 2024 — Washington Post - Washington DC USA)

Vineyards Are Laying the Groundwork for a Regenerative Farm Future A new study finding that regenerative practices build more soil carbon in vineyards points to a path for the industry to create broader models for agriculture. (Monday March 18th, 2024 — civileats.com)

Schools are preparing to help kids navigate the digital age Diana Graber, founder of Cyber Civics, Cyberwise and author of “Raising Humans in a Digital World,” first recognized a need for education to be available on this topic in 2010 at her kids’ school. (Friday March 15th, 2024 — Daily Local - West Chester, Pennsylvania USA)

Pharmaceuticals Are Contaminating Food Crops Illegally Even though Congress made adding drugs to food illegal, it continues fund research that could contaminate the food supply. ... 2002. A corn crop genetically engineered by ProdiGene to produce a vaccine for pigs contaminated 500,000 bushels of Nebraska soybeans worth $2.7 million. (Friday March 15th, 2024 — Organic Bytes Newsletter)

Arizona favors Montessori more than any other education method, study reveals Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner, prioritizes holistic development, creativity, and practical skills integration, fostering imagination, nature connection, and emotional-social growth, making it appealing to parents seeking a well-rounded educational approach. Waldorf was Arizona’s third most-searched education method, with 24 searches per 1000 people. (Thursday March 14th, 2024 — Gila Valley Central - Arizona, USA)

Florida favors charter schools over any other alternative education method ... in Florida, the data shows more parents are choosing charter schools, followed by Montessori schools and then Waldorf & Steiner programs, as their top three choices for alternative education. (Thursday March 14th, 2024 — GulfLive.com - Florida, USA)

Beekeepers Triumph Against Deadly Insecticide After a California state agency approved the insecticide sulfoxaflor for use, Earthjustice successfully challenged the decision on behalf of commercial beekeepers in 2021. But industry and the state agency appealed the ruling to a higher court. Earlier this month, the state Court of Appeals dismissed that challenge, letting our win stand. (Tuesday March 12th, 2024 — earthjustice.org)