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March 2017

Bean farmer in field

Mar 31, 2017

You Decide: Why Did We Move Away From Self-Sufficiency?

In prior generations, self-sufficiency was the way of the world. Life is much different today. Most of us rely on buying food in supermarkets, purchasing clothes in stores and our houses built by contractors. People have generally traded self-sufficiency for being really good at one thing for more income and the ability to trade for goods. Is this progress? 

Ag Awareness Week 2017 on the NC State brickyard

Mar 30, 2017

From Brickyard to Barnyard

For one week out of the year, the heart of NC State’s campus transforms into a living, breathing barnyard. The goal? Educate city-dwellers on the importance of agriculture. 

Dr. Rob Dunn just published a new book about the risks of lack of biodiversity in food.

Mar 30, 2017

The Importance of Seeds: a Q&A with Rob Dunn

There is little genetic diversity among the crops that are most important for feeding people around the world. Rob Dunn's new book explores this issue and why it matters. 

Farm field with cover crop.

Mar 29, 2017

Project Aims for New and Better Cover Crops

NC State University’s Chris Reberg-Horton is among collaborators in a nationwide project to develop new and better cover crops. 

One corner of the Centennial Gateway against a cloud-filled sky

Mar 29, 2017

Kathariou Elected to American Academy of Microbiology

Sophia Kathariou, NC State professor of food science and microbiology, has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. 

kitchen pots

Mar 29, 2017

Cookbooks Give Readers (Mostly) Bad Advice On Food Safety

A recent study finds bestselling cookbooks offer readers little useful advice about food safety, and much of the advice they do provide is inaccurate and not based on sound science. 

Three scientists looking at stevia in a greenhouse.

Mar 28, 2017

Breeding a Better Stevia Plant for the Southeast

At NC State University, scientists are working on something sweet, experimenting with ways to improve a plant that yields a sweetener known as stevia. 

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor Dr. Mike Walden working in a recording studio.

Mar 27, 2017

Economic Perspective: Can Price Searching Reduce Health Care Costs?

Economists believe consumers benefit from competition in the marketplace. However, how does that apply to a marketplace as complex and intricate as healthcare? NC State University Mike Walden looks at some of the factors in the field. 

James Lamb in tractor cab.

Mar 27, 2017

Program Builds Leaders for North Carolina Agriculture

With farmers making up only 2 percent of the population, James Lamb believes it’s more important than ever for them to let the public know about agriculture. That’s just one of the reasons he devoted 50 days over two years to a program aimed at preparing agricultural leaders for North Carolina. 

Hands plating food.

Mar 22, 2017

Restaurant and Farm Pairings Set for 10th Anniversary Farm to Fork Picnic

Farm to Fork Picnic Weekend events will celebrate relationships between local farmers, chefs and culinary artisans.