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RFK Jr. is launching a podcast to expose ‘lies’ that have made Americans sick
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a new podcast that he says will begin “a new era of radical transparency in government,” according to a teaser video first obtained by The Associated Press.
Sen. Graham seeks congressional review of any peace deal with Iran
Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a post on X that he looks forward to the architects of the proposal, including Vice President JD Vance, coming to Congress and explaining how the deal meets America’s national security objectives.
America 250: The evolution of rural health care in America
Rural health care in the United States has evolved, from traveling physicians to technology to reduce health care disparities. But challenges remain.
Lebanon teacher seeks win for science, Heath Stadium
Brooklyn McElroy, a science teacher at Lebanon High School, is participating in the “America’s Favorite Teacher” competition for…
Can Democrats win back rural America? Sticker shock has North Carolina voters wanting change
National Public Health Week: How do we contribute to public health in our community?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Clean drinking water; safe food and milk; seatbelts and safer road design; smoke-free indoor air; the peace of mind not having to worry about smallpox or polio – these are just a few of the ways that public health makes us all safer. Each year during the first full week of April, the American … Continue reading
The importance of NCAR: voices from science, congress and film
NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, is a trusted and esteemed scientific institution, and it’s in the heart of the Boulder community. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget has announced plans to dismantle NCAR, citing it as a source of “climate alarmism.” KGNU’s ...
Kevin Brady on businesses, individuals fleeing blue states: 'Economic story of the decade'
Kevin Brady, former House Ways and Means Committee chairman and an advisor to Americans for Free Markets, told FOX Business that steep taxes and heavy regulation are driving businesses and individuals to leave blue states.
New Yorkers Mostly Like What They See From Mamdani So Far
Residents gave Mamdani high marks on his leadership, but his approval rating is lower than Eric Adams’s was around the same period.
Revealed – Insurance Business America’s 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs 2026
Respondents evaluated each partner against 10 criteria
Democrats just locked down control of one of the most important courts in America
Dems won a swing-state election in a 20-point blowout.
PAHO Director urges global action to combat rising dengue and other arboviral threats at One Health Forum in Lyon
Lyon, France, 8 April 2026 (PAHO) – The escalating surge of dengue and other arboviral diseases is a direct indicator of how environmental changes are reshaping global public health, underscored the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, during his remarks at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France.
Cold hard truths on climate change
These data-driven firms are turning atmospheric chaos into actionable intelligence:
Bears seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Chicago fills defensive needs, takes All-American with final pick
The Bears figure to be defensive-minded over the first two days of the draft
American Express Travel® Reveals Top Travel Trends for 2026
American Express Travel® Reveals Top Travel Trends for 2026
Meet CAS Newton: Agentic AI built for science
/PRNewswire/ -- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, today announced the launch of CAS Newton℠, science-smart agentic AI built specifically for...
‘One of the most dysfunctional places’: One lawmaker on Lansing’s challenges
Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing
Bob Dylan's 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' tour heading to the Palace Theatre
Bob Dylan, the iconic singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate, will come to Columbus on the North American leg of his \
Health experts warn of rising measles cases in undervaccinated communities
A sharp rise in U.S. measles cases is linked to falling MMR vaccination rates and growing immunity gaps
This trailblazing Atlanta surgeon broke barriers in sports medicine
Dr. Letha Griffin is now in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Hall of Fame.
Plastic bags infest the Kansas prairie, degrading and threatening our health. We can change course.
Every year, Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags, and most are used for just 12 minutes. The problem? Those bags don’t disappear.
Scientist leaves Yale for China, chip researcher’s death: 7 science highlights
From China closer to detecting US nuclear submarines to its jam-proof satellite network, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
Massachusetts business owner says he was threatened for not donating to police union
A Billerica, Massachusetts business owner said he was threatened because he wouldn't donate more money to a police union.
Swalwell campaign rejects 'outrageous' allegations of sexual misconduct as Dem activists issue viral warning
Rep. Eric Swalwell denied alleged misconduct claims from Cheyenne Hunt as California governor's race heats up ahead of the May primary election.
Club Corner: Business Professionals of America
The Business Professionals of America on NW Campus is more than just a club. Students also have the opportunity to explore possible future careers through competitive events. The BPA doesn’t hold regular weekly meetings. Instead, students typically meet individually with their faculty mentors as they prepare for regional, state and national competitions. “It is a lot of work,” said BPA adviser Jaye Simpson, an associate professor of accounting and department chair. “They’re working a couple hours every week, usually meeting with their mentor....
Maryville Entertainment Pavilion work underway
By Kathy Turner • Work is progressing on the new American Legion Entertainment Pavilion at Fireman’s Park in Maryville. Boeker Construction Company was awarded the bid for the project and had a milder-than-usual February and March to thank for the progress. The pavilion will be the setting for many activities and concerts at the park…
Car-Mart to close 42 dealerships, lay off staff - Talk Business & Politics
Rogers-based America’s Car-Mart Inc. will close 42 dealerships over the next week as market challenges impact its establishment of a “non-recourse revolving warehouse credit facility,” according to a Tuesday (April...
A Patients’ Bill of Rights To Lower Health Care Costs
CAP’s plan would deliver immediate relief on premiums, deductibles, and insurance denials.
Executive Summary: A Patients’ Bill of Rights To Lower Health Care Costs
CAP’s plan would limit unjustified premium increases; reduce deductibles by reining in outlier hospital prices; and replace prior authorization with independent, evidence-based clinical review to lower health care costs and increase access to timely care.
Broadening the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Engagement In South and Central Asia - United States Department of State
On April 6, the United States signed a bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Tajikistan under the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy (AFGHS). This breakthrough MOU marks the first bilateral health cooperation signed in the South and Central Asia region and aims to protect Americans from infectious disease threats while strengthening U.S.-Tajikistan relations. Through the MOU worth $78 million and working with Congress, the […]
Swalwell campaign denies online claims that congressman behaved inappropriately with staffers
A spokesman for Rep. Eric Swalwell, a leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, on Tuesday denounced online claims that the congressman had inappropriate relationships with young congressional staffers.
NASA's Newest Photos Of The Moon Will Make You Proud To Be An American
NASA’s Artemis II mission sends astronauts past the moon, delivering stunning iPhone photos and a rare real-time look inside the Orion spacecraft during deep space travel.
Leonard Leo Is Still Trying to Crush His (Imaginary) Enemies with Disgusting Amounts of Money
The conservative legal activist thinks “radically woke culture” is the problem with America right now—not the climate-destroying oil and gas industry he lavishly supports.
A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars
Full report Exploration as a scientific endeavor exemplifies great American innovation. The first human steps on Mars will be a watershed moment for humanity and for science. The endeavor to bring humans to Mars will profoundly change the scientific understanding of the solar system and our place in it. The Artemis Accords (NASA 2020) embody […]
TikTok's top North America ad exec, Khartoon Weiss, is leaving
Khartoon Weiss, the top executive for TikTok's North American advertising business, is leaving the company.
Judge tosses PETA’s lawsuit against the American Kennel Club over dog breed health
NEW YORK (AP) — The animal rights group PETA's lawsuit over the health of French bulldogs and some other popular dog breeds has been dismissed, with a judge saying a New York law was misapplied to the…
Clicks and clacks, rhythms and beats: The tap shoe
l a e music hospitality-and-leisure-industry entertainment u-s-news general-news lifestyle | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Clicks and clacks, rhythms and beats: The tap shoe
l a e music hospitality-and-leisure-industry entertainment u-s-news general-news lifestyle | KMBZ
Americans value their health – but many face challenges in taking care of it
About this research This Pew Research Center report looks at Americans’ views on health information and how they view their own health. Why did we do this? Pew Research Center…
Users of social media and AI chatbots for health information are more likely to say they are convenient than accurate
About this research This Pew Research Center report looks at Americans’ views on health information and how they view their own health. Why did we do this? Pew Research Center…
What do Americans want from their health information sources?
Most Americans say medical training, transparency and clarity matter most for health information sources.
Where Do Americans Get Health Information, and What Do They Trust?
(PIKSEL via Getty Images) About this research This Pew Research Center report looks at Americans’ views on health information and how they view their own health. Why did we do…
Daniel Stallworth makes 'American Idol' Top 11. See what 90s song he sang
Mississippi's Daniel Stallworth is in 'American Idol's' Top 11. Learn about his '90s week performance and how to vote this season.
Affordability and Preventive Public Health Policy
Affordability pressures increasingly shape health risk in the United States, influencing both the upstream conditions that sustain health and the downstream ability to access health promoting resources. Financial stability is a key driver of health, affecting patterns of health, health care use, and the tradeoffs people must make among competing needs. The economic policy landscape aimed at improving financial security for Americans is expansive, complex, and often difficult to organize, making it challenging to discuss how different policies influence financial resilience and population health. We propose the Earn–Keep–Grow framework as a practical way to organize and guide discussion of these policies in population health research and policy decision-making.
Inside Iowa Politics: Candidate Jim Carlin doesn’t want American troops on the ground in Iran
Jim Carlin, a former state senator who is running for the U.S. Senate, said that he supports the U.S. strikes on Iran but doesn't want to see the country engaged in a long war.
Inside Iowa Politics: Candidate Jim Carlin doesn’t want American troops on the ground in Iran
Jim Carlin, a former state senator who is running for the U.S. Senate, said that he supports the U.S. strikes on Iran but doesn't want to see the country engaged in a long war.
Inside Iowa Politics: Candidate Jim Carlin doesn’t want American troops on the ground in Iran
Jim Carlin, a former state senator who is running for the U.S. Senate, said that he supports the U.S. strikes on Iran but doesn't want to see the country engaged in a long war.
Together for Health: How the Inter-American Court Brings Science and Knowledge to the Climate Fight - Petrie-Flom Center
In July 2025, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) issued Advisory Opinion OC-32/25 on the climate emergency, one of the most comprehensive judicial pronouncements on climate change to date.
Together for Health: How the Inter-American Court Brings Science and Knowledge to the Climate Fight - Petrie-Flom Center
In July 2025, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) issued Advisory Opinion OC-32/25 on the climate emergency, one of the most comprehensive judicial pronouncements on climate change to date.
Truro to remain full-time club despite relegation
Truro City chairman Eric Perez has confirmed the club will remain a full-time professional side after suffering relegation to National League South.
Study shows support is falling for AI in health care
In a national survey of 1,007 adults, results showed just 42% are open to AI being used as part of their care.
4 NYU faculty honored for STEM research by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Four NYU faculty members were recognized for their research in areas of biology, neuroscience and chemical and biomolecular engineering as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The AAAS — which aims to shape science policy and build a community for STEM researchers — elected 449 researchers across the United States for...
MAGA Is Winning Its War Against U.S. Science
Source: NBER With all the other terrible news right now, you may not have noticed that Donald Trump is in the process of killing American science. OK, that’s an exaggeration — but not that much of an exaggeration. The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal calls for a gigantic increase in military spending combined with severe cuts to social programs. But as the chart above shows, it also calls for debilitating reductions in research funding. Furthermore, Trump appointees have already been strangling science by sharply reducing the rate at which research grants are approved. Here, for example, is the number of new grants approved by the National Science Foundation: Source: Nature Large numbers of existing grants have also been frozen or terminated, especially in the study of infectious diseases. Add to this a sharp drop in visas issued to foreign students, who often play a direct role in research and who help support academic departments that do research: Put all of this together, and much U.S. scientific research is set to come to a screeching halt — not a few years from now, but over the course of the next year or two. This new assault on U.S. science is taking place at a time when the role of American science in the world has already been greatly eroded. The chart below, based on research recently reported by the National Bureau of Economic Research, measures national strength in science by the share of publications in highly ranked journals. In the 1990s the United States had more such publications than the rest of the world combined. Since then we’ve dropped into third place — well behind China and slightly below the European Union. And this was before the Trump administration’s attack on science had time to take its full effect. Source Some erosion in U.S. scientific preeminence was inevitable given China’s growing sophistication and wealth. But we’ve also fallen behind Europe, even though everyone says that Europe is lagging economically and technologically. Claims about Europe’s underperformance are, in fact, dubious if one looks hard at the data. But it’s still striking to see America lagging. What’s going on? There are presumably multiple factors behind America’s scientific lag. But even before Trump II the growing hostility of the U.S. right to science surely had some negative effect. And since the rise of MAGA G.O.P. attitudes toward science in general have become overwhelmingly hostile. This is true even for the Republican rank and file: And while I haven’t been able to find good survey data, it’s obvious that the anti-science turn has been even more pronounced — and began earlier — among the Republican political elite. Chris Mooney published The Republican War on Science in 2005, and even then was describing a longstanding trend. Why have Republicans turned so anti-science? Part of the answer is that they believe that scientists don’t support them. And they’re right! A study of who scientists give money to shows that only a small percentage gave money to Republicans even 20 years ago, and that almost none of them donate to Republicans now: Social scientists have always been strongly pro-Democratic, while there used to be a significant number of physical, “hard” scientists supporting the GOP. But these days physicists are almost as uniformly Democratic, or at least non-Republican, as sociologists. Why are there almost no Republican scientists? It’s not a mystery. GOP political orthodoxy includes positions that are at odds with the scientific consensus on multiple issues, ranging from the validity of the theory of evolution, to the reality of climate change, to the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In each case the scientific consensus is solidly grounded in evidence. But even before the rise of MAGA the U.S. right was increasingly hostile to evidence-based policymaking — especially, of course, where the evidence is unfavorable to fossil fuel interests or quack medicine, both financial mainstays of right-wing politics. So scientists don’t support Republicans, and the feeling is mutual. Today’s Republican Party doesn’t like science or scientists. It doesn’t like having its preconceived views challenged by appeals to evidence. It knows that very few scientists are on its side electorally. In general, it sees scientific research as a threat to its grasp on political power. Add in MAGA’s combination of rabid anti-intellectualism and allergy to any hint of criticism, and one has the makings of a drastic anti-science turn in policy. “Ignorance is strength” might was well be an official MAGA motto. And as I said, we aren’t talking about something that will happen over the course of multiple years: The U.S. scientific enterprise is threatened with severe damage, even collapse, over just the next year. There are many reasons to find this prospect horrifying: Think of all the beneficial advances, affecting almost every part of life, that won’t happen because U.S. science — still crucial to the world — has been eviscerated. But think, also, of America’s international standing. Can a nation that has forfeited its role as a leader, or even a contender, in global science, still be a Great Power? No. MUSICAL CODA
Science group to court: Stop Trump’s threat to climate supercomputers
It's the latest move in a lawsuit against the administration's plans to shutter the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Bourbon demand is down and tariffs aren't helping. But distillers keep building.
Like many whiskey distillers, Heaven Hill Brands is rolling back bourbon production this year, as demand lags. Yet, as the American spirit faced a tumultuous market in 2025, the Kentucky company built a new, $200 million distillery in the heart of bourbon country, adding 155,000 barrels of capacity.
Americans May Be Losing Trust for AI in Health Care: Survey
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, April 7, 2026 (HealthDay News) — The number of Americans who want artificial intelligence (AI) involved in their health care is declining, a new survey says. Only 42% are open to AI being used as part of their care, down from 52% in 2024, according to ...
Open for Business: House of Colour East Frederick
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
‘Neighbors’ finds entertainment in the mundane
For fans of reality TV, a new series has entered the world of streaming services. “Neighbors,” an American television series, was released on Feb. 13. Directed by Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford, “Neighbors” aims to bring out the world’s craziness by showcasing real-life conflicts over mundane topics between various neighbors and neighborhoods. At the moment,...
Upcoming Tech and Sourcing Webinar on Digital Health
Join partner Ben Klaber and of counsels Ariel Seeley and Eric Pennesi on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET for a discussion on innovations and trends in digital health. Topics will include artificial intelligence and connected devices, as well as data governance and regulatory developments.
Clippers host Mavericks, eye No. 8 seed in West
With a key play-in tournament seeding matchup set for later in the week, the Los Angeles Clippers are intent to focus on the task at hand when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at Inglewood, Calif.
Charting a New Phase of Trump Administration's America First Global Health Strategy in Asia, Beginning with Cambodia - United States Department of State
On April 2, the United States signed a bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal Government of Cambodia through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy (AFGHS). This landmark five-year MOU is the first to be signed through the Trump Administration’s AFGHS in Asia, and advances shared global health goals, such […]
US sexual health report card: High pleasure, low testing, stark gender disparities
A new sexual health survey reveals a mix of progress and persistent gaps. Overall, many Americans report positive experiences—interest in having sex, sexual pleasure, and good communication with partners—yet ...
UA Professors Honored by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Two University of Alabama professors were named 2025 AAAS fellows for their contributions to scientific research.
FBI warns against foreign mobile apps like CapCut in new PSA
A new public service announcement from the FBI is warning Americans about apps based in China.
Rising healthcare costs, insurance premiums now worry Americans more than any other domestic issue: poll
Rising health insurance premiums and expired Obamacare subsidies are driving healthcare affordability to the top of Americans' domestic concerns in 2026.
World Health Day 2026: PAHO/WHO calls for renewed commitment to science to drive better health for all
6 April 2026, Geneva / Washington, DC-- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) call on people everywhere to renew their commitment to science as the foundation for better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding on 7 April, launching a year-long public health campaign.
NYC Health + Hospitals Leaders Recognized by Crain's New York Business Among '2026 Notable Leaders In Health Care' - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Department of
NYC Health + Hospitals Leaders Recognized by Crain's New York Business Among '2026 Notable Leaders In Health Care' - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Department of
MLS leads North American men's sports with youngest & most diverse player pool
Major League Soccer features the most diverse and youthful player pool among the top men’s professional sports across North America, with players from 78 countries across six continents represented on 2026 rosters.
Election Day set for Plant City, Polk County; View candidate and voting info
Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Student’s life experiences inform political science, media studies scholarship
Emily Danczyk, fourth-year Penn State student double-majoring in political science and media studies with a minor in legal studies, was recently named a diversity fellow for the American Political Science Association.
Student’s life experiences inform political science, media studies scholarship
Emily Danczyk, fourth-year Penn State student double-majoring in political science and media studies with a minor in legal studies, was recently named a diversity fellow for the American Political Science Association.
New Research Brings Joint Repair Closer for Millions With Osteoarthritis
DURHAM, N.C. — Osteoarthritis affects more than 32 million Americans, making it one of the leading causes of chronic pain, disability, and loss of mobility in the United States.For many people, treatment options are limited to managing pain with medications or repeated injections, and in severe cases, replacing the joint entirely through surgery.
Opening Doors to Opportunity: How Governors are Supporting Entrepreneurship
New businesses – including small businesses – are the backbone of the economy. They drive job growth, reduce poverty and strengthen GDP. Yet, the rate of new business formation in America has fallen by nearly half over 40+ years. It’s far more expensive to start a business in the U.S. than the U.K., China, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Sweden, […]
The Top Takeaways from Our 2026 Best of American Business Celebration
The day was defined by candor with seven fireside chats moderated by leading figures in American media.
Health care costs are Americans' top worry, a new poll finds
A new Gallup poll reveals health care access and affordability is Americans' top concern, surpassing the economy and inflation.
Why Some Black Women Say the Best Thing They Did for Their Health Was Leave America
Germany’s universal health care system, though far from perfect, has become a refuge for those seeking care and stability.
Melissa Gilbert says child abuse allegations ruined her life with Timothy Busfield: 'He's canceled'
Melissa Gilbert defended husband Timothy Busfield against child abuse allegations in her first TV interview on 'Good Morning America,' saying the 'traumatic' experience ruined their future: 'It's done. He's canceled.'
Vox Launches America, Actually, a New Video-First Podcast Hosted by Astead W. Herndon
The show offers a sharp, on-the-ground look at American politics, built for how audiences watch and engage today.
Vox Launches America, Actually, a New Video-First Podcast Hosted by Astead W. Herndon
The show offers a sharp, on-the-ground look at American politics, built for how audiences watch and engage today.
SK Life Science, Inc. to Present New Data and Epilepsy Insights at the 2026 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
Key Facts: SK Life Science, Inc. will present multiple posters at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting (April 18–22, 2026, Chicago, Illinois)...
America’s Diplomat Shortage Is a Self-Inflicted Wound
The White House’s struggles to negotiate an off-ramp in Iran are a reminder of how crucial skilled diplomacy can be. Yet the State Department appears intent on purging and politicizing the ranks of the nation’s top envoys. Congress has a duty to push back.
Trump administration’s secrecy on health deals alarms experts, governments
A dearth of information has been disclosed about the agreements, fueling speculation that the “America First” approach to foreign aid is exploitative.
Burcum: In walking away from a tanning ban for minors, FDA misses a chance to prevent melanoma
"How seriously are we supposed to take Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the guy who’s supposed to be making America healthy again, when he’s abandoning an opportunity to prevent a common, potentially deadly cancer for generations to come?" columnist Jill Burcum writes.
Why the U.S. Spends So Much on Healthcare
A big reason is the high prices Americans pay for surgeries and drugs.
How the US-Iran conflict impacts political opinion
Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen and American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Danielle Pletka discuss the political perception of the U.S.-Iran conflict on 'One Nation.'
UConn coach Dan Hurley is the most complicated man in American sports
He’s the guy who plugs lemongrass and eucalyptus oil infusers into his office walls, right next to the gladiator mask he keeps on hand.
Atria Chef Competes in Reality TV Show ‘America’s Culinary Cup’
Flagstaff Business News Atria Chef Competes in Reality TV Show ‘America’s Culinary Cup’
What the peptide craze reveals about Americans’ relationship with risk
Why do RFK Jr. and other health influencers embrace unproven peptides while calling for more research into well-studied vaccines?
US retirement age is changing: FIRE movement, Americans working longer
America's oldest workers and youngest retirees are challenging the standard US retirement age. They say age 65 is no longer the goal.
Detroit small businesses say tariff refunds could be a lifeline -- if they can clear the federal hurdles
Billions of dollars in tariff refunds could be on the way for American companies but getting that money back will be anything but simple. Experts also warn consumers probably won’t see a dime.
Why the controversy with mail-in ballots?
Most Coloradans enjoy the right to vote “by mail” at election time. Most Americans favor this process. But U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to federalize (nationalize) this practice and shift the supervision of voting from county clerks to the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Service. He issued an executive order to […]
On plant health and embracing new plant-breeding techniques in South Africa
The major challenge currently confronting South Africa’s agriculture is the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. For many farmers across the country, the most urgent tasks are both securing sufficient vaccines and rolling them out quickly in the coming months, particularly as the beef and dairy industries continue to suffer big losses. There is also pressure on sheep, goats, and other livestock to prevent the disease from spreading. As efforts to get the country through this monumental challenge continue, I believe it is important to sharpen our focus on the broader task at hand: strengthening biosecurity. This covers both animal and plant health. In recent years, we haven’t focused much on plant health, except a few times, such as when we had a goss’s wilt scare in the maize industry, a few cases of citrus black spot, or cases of sclerotinia in sunflower seeds. But the fact that South Africa managed to control the outbreaks of these particular diseases when they occurred a few years ago was due to organized agricultural and government scientific capabilities, and, most importantly, the availability of crop protection or agrochemicals necessary to address some of them. Therefore, as the animal health division in the Department of Agriculture focuses on the pressing challenge of the day, the foot-and-mouth disease, there is an opportunity for the plant health division to assess if they have all the requirements to tackle any outbreak that may occur on fruits, vegetables or crops in future. The challenge with crop diseases is that they can spread quickly and cause much more rapid damage in the field than we typically see with livestock. Therefore, speed is everything in ensuring the appropriate controls are available. I raise this as an important area, particularly given the drastic climate variation we observe across the country. The production conditions in some areas have changed noticeably over time, which may introduce new risks. The other essential part is ensuring that South Africa has access to the best crop protection technology available in the market. Many technology developers worldwide have operations in South Africa. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture, along with the Agricultural Research Council, must continuously interact with technology developers to assess the various crop protection technologies they are releasing globally and determine their suitability and need in South Africa. This will require a proactive approach from the government, unlike the current approach, in which technology developers typically approach regulators with new technologies. The government, recognising the food security risks, must take a proactive approach to ensure that South African farmers have access to the latest crop protection technologies, thereby safeguarding the country’s food security. Beyond crop protection, we must never forget that South Africa’s agriculture is key to ensuring that the country is the most food-secure country at the national level in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is also the only African country in the top-40 global agricultural exporters, having more than doubled since 1994 on the back of the adoption of high-yielding seed cultivars. South Africa has been the only African country to adopt a bold approach to embracing science and adopting genetically engineered seeds for grains and oilseeds in the early 2000s. Since then, we have seen crop yields improve noticeably, contributing to the gains we mentioned above. But ensuring that South Africa improves further is not a given. The key lies in South African regulators’ attitudes towards new technologies. We have to maintain a progressive approach and not give in to the politics of non-food and non-scientific voices that shout on the sidelines. Food security is national security, and the government must ensure we progress, leaning on science. Therefore, the registration of high-yielding new genomic techniques is required. South Africa cannot afford to fall behind the EU, the USA, South America, and many of its competitors in global agriculture. The Department of Agriculture’s crop science division must adopt a progress-and-science-embracing approach for the good of the country. Thanks for reading AgriView! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe Share
Lakers' LeBron James criticizes son Bronny mid-game vs. Mavericks
This moment has some meme potential.
‘American Pickers’: Mike Wolfe Is Awestruck Meeting Disney Movie ‘Cars’ Designer
He was like a kid in a candy store.
‘American Pickers’: Mike Wolfe Is Awestruck Meeting Disney Movie ‘Cars’ Designer
He was like a kid in a candy store.