Popular perennial flowering plants can attract diverse mix of pollinators

Good News Notes: “Popular species of perennial flowering plants vary widely in their attractiveness to pollinators, but homeowners and landscape managers who select certain perennial cultivars can support a diverse community of pollinators in their own backyards, according to a new study from a team of Penn State researchers. Insect pollinators are critical in agriculture…

Growing Crops Under Solar Panels? Now There’s a Bright Idea

Good News Notes: “IN JACK’S SOLAR Garden in Boulder County, Colorado, owner Byron Kominek has covered 4 of his 24 acres with solar panels. The farm is growing a huge array of crops underneath them—carrots, kale, tomatoes, garlic, beets, radishes, lettuce, and more. It’s also been generating enough electricity to power 300 homes. “We decided to…

France to ban plastic packaging for 30 fruit and vegetables | Euronews

Good News Notes: “France will ban the use of plastic packaging on around 30 fruit and vegetables from January 2022, the government has announced. The effort is part of a law to tackle waste that will enter into force next year. Around 37% of fruit and vegetables in France are currently sold in plastic packaging….

Utah tech company may hold the key to solving the world’s food problems and cutting water use while also fighting climate change

Good News Notes: “Before Utah’s searing, mega-drought summer, came the winter storm of 2021. In February tornadoes and ice storms swept across the nation causing massive damage. Hardest hit was Texas, where millions lost power, over 200 people died and economic damage exceeded $195 billion. Agriculture saw devastated crops and livestock killed in massive numbers….

Hydroponic farming startup Just Vertical cultivates growth at home

Good News Notes: “The indoor growing industry is starting to scale. Farms that utilize hydroponics (grow produce without soil, usually in large warehouses) and traditional greenhouses have started to become integral parts of our food supply chain, mainly for leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and arugula.    Vertical hydroponic farming is often seen as a sustainable…

Okanagan farm teaches kids about agriculture and giving back

Good News Notes: “An Okanagan farm has partnered with the Westside Salvation Army to provide families in need with fresh boxes of vegetables while teaching kids the importance of agriculture and giving back. As part of a week-long summer camp at Jackalope Farms, the kids learn the value of agriculture and the importance of helping…

Natalie Portman, Other Celebs, Invest in Vertical Farming Startup Bowery

Good News Notes: “Natalie Portman, an actor as well-known for her film roles as her dedication to causes ranging from the environment to animal welfare, has thrown her financial support behind a new investment round for Bowery Farming. The sustainable agriculture startup, the largest vertical farming firm in the U.S., secured over $300 million from both…