Release: Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 4/3 2:42A Laura Zaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Release: Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship Welcomes Applications for its Eighth Cycle The Cynthia Hayes Memorial Scholarship...

USDA Pauses Rural Energy Grants Amid Anti-Renewables Push

Civil Eats 4/2 10:23A Rebekah Alvey

April 2, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has paused processing applications for a popular rural energy program, further delaying funds to farmers as high energy costs vex rural communities. On Tuesday, the USDA’s Rural Business...

Comment: NSAC Condemns USDA’s Withdrawal of Support For Next Generation Farmers

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 4/1 10:19A Laura Zaks

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Comment: NSAC Condemns USDA’s Withdrawal of Support For Next Generation Farmers Washington, DC, April 1, 2026 – The National...

Release: USDA Halts Rural Energy Efficiency Investments

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 4/1 6:54A Laura Zaks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Tel. 347.563.6408 Release: USDA Halts Rural Energy Efficiency Investments Washington, DC, April 1, 2026 – On March 31, the...

In Southeast San Diego, a Model for Creating Community Wealth Through Food

Civil Eats 3/30 10:00P Sheila Pell

Every Wednesday morning, a refrigerated solar-powered truck arrives at the Mt. Hope Community Garden in Southeast San Diego. The driver hops out and lifts an awning on the side of the truck, revealing...

Unpacking the House Farm Bill: Part 3

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 3/30 10:37A Laura Zaks

Editor’s Note: This is the third post in a four-part blog series analyzing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which was reported out of the House Agriculture Committee on March 5. The...

Unpacking the House Farm Bill: Part 2

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 3/27 4:44A Laura Zaks

Editor’s Note: This is the second post in a four-part blog series analyzing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which was reported out of the House Agriculture Committee on March 5. The...

‘Native Foods Have Sustained People for Generations’

Civil Eats 3/24 10:00P Jack Strong

My name is Jack Strong, and I’m a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians . I’m the executive chef of The Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, Oregon, and I’m a partner with the Siletz Valley...

A Hidden Crop for Corporate Tech: Farm Data

Civil Eats 3/22 10:00P Elsa Wenzel

Andrew Nelson is a self-described “tech-forward” farmer near Garfield, a tiny town in eastern Washington close to the Idaho border. He uses popular precision agriculture services, paired with...

Should Every State Have Its Own Farm Bill?

Civil Eats 3/18 10:00P Lisa Held

When Christa Barfield started farming in a 24-square-foot greenhouse in her Philadelphia backyard in 2020, she had no experience or training. She just knew she wanted to grow healthy vegetables and...

Op-ed: The AI ‘Revolution’ Is a False Promise for Food Systems

Civil Eats 3/16 10:00P Anthony Pahnke

A version of this article originally appeared in The Deep Dish, our members-only newsletter.  Become a member today  and get the next issue directly in your inbox. Big tech’s  influence  on the current federal administration is undeniable. During...

Op-ed: The Persian Gulf Oil Crisis Is a Food Crisis

Civil Eats 3/16 10:00P Raj Patel

American farmers are in trouble. Spring planting is here, and the inputs they need—urea, phosphate, the nitrogen for corn, wheat, and soy—are mostly imported from the Persian Gulf. In fact, up to 30...

Small Specialty Crop Growers Are Opting Out of Federal Farm Aid

Civil Eats 3/16 9:08A Rebekah Alvey

Some small-scale fruit and vegetable farmers are skipping out on federal farm aid, citing onerous reporting requirements they say are not compatible with their farms and may not substantially pay off. In December, the U.S. Department of...

House Farm Bill Doesn’t Address Farm Challenges, Critics Warn

Civil Eats 3/10 11:37A Rebekah Alvey

Farm and food groups have urged Congress for years to act on a full five-year farm bill, in hopes of providing more certainty to the U.S. food system. Farm bill discussions resumed in Congress last week, but experts say the existing proposals...

How to Start a Seed and Plant Swap

Civil Eats 2/25 10:00P Jordan Charbonneau

On the last Saturday in January, Natalie Aird and Josie Flatgard spent the morning at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa, laying out packets and jars of open-pollinated and...