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Posts Tagged With ‘ agriculture ’

 

Coffee Matters: Agriculture of the Bean

June 3rd, 2023

As I’ve previously mentioned, coffee “beans” (seeds or pits) grow in moderate climates across the world on what’s referred to as the coffee belt. Coffee trees, which are actually more like tall bushes, are pruned short though they can grow to be over 25 feet tall. They are covered with waxy dark green leaves and blossoming fruit—of green, red, and yellow color—known as cherries, which grow along its branches. The beans or seeds are picked from inside the fruit once it’s ripened. While there are many different species of coffee plants, the two species that are commercially cultivated... Read More

A Sustainable Future for Coffee

December 2nd, 2022

One of the major issues in the coffee industry is sustainability. In every aspect and area of the business—from the farm to cup—there is room for growth when it comes to energy and waste management. The future of coffee (like any commodity dealing with climate change) depends on the ability of farmers, roasters, baristas, and customers to make smart decisions that favor long term sustainability goals. As consumers, we can choose to buy coffee from roasteries that participate in direct trade with farmers and cooperatives invested in environmentally sound growing practices. We can also make the... Read More

Get Healthy for Hemp History Week

June 13th, 2020
Hemp History Week

This weekend, the cannabis community is wrapping up Hemp History Week. What started as a movement to raise awareness and support for industrial hemp has quickly turned into the largest national grassroots effort to restore strong support for industrial hemp farming in the United States. Running June 4-10, this is the 9th annual campaign which brings together “grassroots organizers, leading hemp product manufactures, farmers, and advocates from all walks of life who are working to change federal policy on industrial hemp in the US.” Hemp has so many uses that it’s not only healthy for you,... Read More

Drones Over Boulder for Safety, not Surveillance

April 12th, 2016

Boulder County commissioners have approved the use of unmanned flying aircraft aka “drones” over Boulder County’s open spaces. What does this mean for you? Boulder County has approved the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS for short, on/above Boulder County property. The craft may take off, fly, and land on city-owned public lands. But not just anyone can fly their own craft over Boulder. Only UAS working on pre-approved agricultural and scientific research projects will be permitted. The hope for the UAS is that they will improve the yield of locally grown crops. Agricultural... Read More

The Victories of Boulder County Sustainability

January 12th, 2015

2015 is a new year, full of potential. While there is a collective hope for a more sustainable future not just locally but across the world, it is important to not forget sustainability’s local victories that have already happened.   Boulder county is a region where there has already been notable successful sustainable reform.  According to Boulder county’s website, sustainability means “The use, development and protection of resources in a way that enables Boulder county residents to meet their needs and maintain a high quality of life, without compromising the ability of future... Read More

New Water Shortages Means More Expensive Food on the Horizon

December 21st, 2014

One of the largest agricultural producing regions of the United States is under grave danger from water shortages.  According to Mercury News, “The Central Valley, home to the world’s largest swath of ultra-fertile Class 1 soil, is the backbone of California’s $36.9 billion a year, high-tech agricultural industry. Its 6.3 million acres of farmland produce more 350 crops, from fruits and vegetables to nuts and cotton, representing 25 percent of the food on the nation’s table”.  This modern day bread basket of the United States produces a quarter of the food that... Read More