Sustaining agricultural productivity amidst population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and declining soil health presents a daunting global challenge. California, currently in its fourth

Sustaining agricultural productivity amidst population growth, climate change, water scarcity, and declining soil health presents a daunting global challenge. California, currently in its fourth year of severe drought, serves as ground zero for these unprecedented pressures on farmers and supply chains. This plenary uses California as a case study to highlight key strategies and tough choices for feeding the world's seven billion people while preserving the planet.

Speakers include Brooke Barton (Senior Program Director, Water Program, Ceres), Dennis Dimick (Executive Editor, Environment, National Geographic Magazine), Janet Ranganathan (Vice President for Science and Research, World Resources Institute), and J. Miles Reiter (Chairman, Driscoll's Inc.).

This spirited interview features U.S. Hemp Industry pioneers at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA/ACCC) National Hemp Convention, "Hemp

This spirited interview features U.S. Hemp Industry pioneers at the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA/ACCC) National Hemp Convention, "Hemp 2014: Paving the Way," held November 16-19, 2014, in Delta Winnipeg.

Interviewer Edgar Winters (Oregon Agriculture & Food Rural Consortium & COO of Natural Good Medicines) speaks with Anndrea Hermann and Doug Fine. Hermann, President of the Hemp Industries Association and Oregon State University professor, discusses building a "solid legitimate industry" through agronomy and global partnerships. Journalist and hemp advocate Fine highlights sustainability and a community-based tri-cropping blueprint from his book, Hemp Bound. This essential conversation should not be missed.

Dow Chemical, known for products like Dursban, Napalm, and Agent Orange, is now entering the food business. The company seeks government approval for genetically engineered (GE) corn and soybeans

Dow Chemical, known for products like Dursban, Napalm, and Agent Orange, is now entering the food business. The company seeks government approval for genetically engineered (GE) corn and soybeans designed to withstand repeated dousing with 2,4-D, a component of Agent Orange. This raises significant concerns about trusting Dow Chemical with our food supply.

For more information on Dow Chemical's history and how to oppose these new GE "Agent Orange" crops, visit www.dow-watch.org.

In May 2013, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of biotech giant Monsanto, concluding a patent case against Indiana farmer Vernon Bowman. The high court determined that 75-year-old

In May 2013, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of biotech giant Monsanto, concluding a patent case against Indiana farmer Vernon Bowman. The high court determined that 75-year-old Bowman violated Monsanto’s patent rights by planting seeds purchased from a grain elevator.

His story, told in his own words, was featured in a February 2013 interview covered by the Huffington Post.

TED Fellow Marcin Jakubowski is open-sourcing blueprints for 50 farm machines, enabling anyone to build their own tractor or harvester. This initiative, launched in April 2011, is the first step

TED Fellow Marcin Jakubowski is open-sourcing blueprints for 50 farm machines, enabling anyone to build their own tractor or harvester. This initiative, launched in April 2011, is the first step in a larger project to create an instruction set for an entire self-sustaining village, with an estimated starting cost of $10,000.

For more details, visit the Open Source Ecology website. Additional information is available on TED.com.

Growing up in Detroit, Brittany Stallworth, a 2012 Brower Youth Award Winner, faced environmental injustice, including limited healthy food access and exposure to factory emissions. This

Growing up in Detroit, Brittany Stallworth, a 2012 Brower Youth Award Winner, faced environmental injustice, including limited healthy food access and exposure to factory emissions. This experience fueled her to establish "Green is the New Black" at Howard University, a campaign dedicated to food and environmental justice.

Through her initiative, Stallworth organized expert-led workshops for students and a symposium that connected over 35 green organizations with college students for internships and jobs. Her passion has inspired others to advance food accessibility and environmental justice in underserved communities.

Maya Salsedo, a 2012 Brower Youth Award winner, champions food justice, driven by her family's history of food insecurity. Descendants of Puerto Rican emigrants who worked in Hawaiian sugar cane

Maya Salsedo, a 2012 Brower Youth Award winner, champions food justice, driven by her family's history of food insecurity. Descendants of Puerto Rican emigrants who worked in Hawaiian sugar cane fields, her family consistently faced challenges accessing healthy food.

This experience spurred Salsedo to action. In 2011, as a youth organizer with Rooted in Community, she proposed the Youth Food Bill of Rights. This declaration envisions a food system that benefits consumers, producers, and the planet, granting local communities more control over their food. Her work has since inspired peers nationwide, establishing a foundation for dialogues on what food justice means to today's youth.

ONE is a grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization, cofounded by Bono and other campaigners. With 3 million members,