5@5: Crops on Mars? | The future of CRISPR

Study suggests farmers could grow crops on Mars

Scientists have successfully grown tomatoes, leeks, potatoes and several other crops in simulated Lunar and Martian soil, meaning that humans could survive off a closed-loop agriculture ecosystem on Mars. They also emphasized that cellular agriculture and insect farming would be instrumental to feeding a future Martian population. Read more at Modern Farmer…

The yogurt industry has been using CRISPR for a decade

CRISPR technology is a precise form of gene-editing that genetically modifies foods in a faster and cheaper way than ever before—and it’s been subtly present in the dairy aisle for quite some time. But while this tool could transform agriculture as we know it, there is much scientists still don’t know about the ramifications of using it on the environment and human health. Read more at The Atlantic…

Beyond fish fingers: Convenience trends in fish and seafood

Emerging data shows that the boom in consumer desire for convenient, ready-to-cook frozen fare is sweeping the frozen fish and seafood section. Seafood marketers and producers should pay special attention to childless, single adults over 35 and senior couples—they’re driving the dollar growth in this category. Read more at Nielsen…

FDA strongly advises against the use of CBD during pregnancy

In a statement published yesterday the Federal Drug Administration solidified its position on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) by pregnant women. While there is no comprehensive research on the effects of the popular ingredient on fetuses, the administration argues that the potential for contamination in CBD products is too high to ignore and cites a study wherein high doses of CBD in pregnant test animals adversely affected developing male fetuses. Read more at FDA.gov…

In the age of farm-to-table, only a small fraction of US farmers are profitable

Small farmers that use responsible and regenerative growing practices are few and far between now that industrialized, multinational corporations have a stronghold on the U.S. food system. Just 43% of farms are profitable according to USDA, and federal policies are in place that work to uphold the soil-depleting practices of larger corporations. What’s clear is that the government immediately must act to improve crop subsidies, increase biodiversity, promote soil health, use integrated pest management practices and manage energy use via regenerative actions to prevent an agricultural crisis. Read more at Quartz…