Farming Matters, Cultivating Diversity | March

Agricultural biodiversity plays a huge role in maintaining resilient local economies, balanced diets and balanced ecosystems. The rapid disappearance of agricultural biodiversity and the lack of measures to protect it are therefore great causes of concern. Although mainstream agricultural policies threaten such agricultural biodiversity, in recent years many promising initiatives have been launched around the world that aim to preserve and manage agricultural biodiversity.

Small-scale family farmers often play a central role in these initiatives. But other actors and institutions also play important roles: farmers and researchers are taking up joint research initiatives, and farmers’ organisations are engaging in dialogues with policymakers, pushing for policies that enhance agrobiodiversity.

Issue 30.1 of Farming Matters looks at these emerging initiatives and at the insights gained from theHighlighted Article

People Helping People in Time of Need

NMB's motto shines through in 2016 member fundraising efforts

Philip, South Dakota (Branch 85) — Last October, a fire burned through the Cottonwood area resulting in the tragic loss of livestock, land, fencing, and supplies. Land owned by 20 families was impacted. In total, over 41,000 acres of land was destroyed and a state of disaster emergency was declared for Jackson County. NMB members in the area assisted by planning and publicizing efforts to help, volunteering at a fundraising event, and using matching funds from the home office. The fundraiser included a barbecue that served over 1,000 people...

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