Episode 2 - Water is key to food security

Since we mention it again this podcast, here is a
​map showing the 100th meridian in red.

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Episode Highlights

• [1:39] Current news continued from Episode 1 - We continue our breakdown of the recent statements made by presidential candidates. Three candidates, Hillary Clinton [3:30], Donald Trump [10:40] and Jill Stein [15:59], responded to a question on food. See question #12 and read the answers here.
  • Farmers are capable of doing everything but cannot control mother nature. Too much water, not enough water. Our farmers grow the food that people want.
    
    
  • [7:19] Brief discussion of disaster assistance programs and how we respond to disasters here in the United States.
    • Impact of 2010 drought on rain-fed crops vs. the irrigated states.
      
      
  • [11:53] The federal government is involved in agriculture policy and food production in the United States.
    • [13:56] U.S. Department of Agriculture: Many agencies supporting agriculture, including the Agriculture Research Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service.   
      
      
    • [15:31] ​​Access to food is a national security issue. 
      
      
    • Key takeaway: Innovation and technologies can help ensure the efficient use of resources like water and future food security.
      
      
• [21:56] The FDA food police - We weigh in on Trump's idea to roll back the federal food safety regulations. 
  • Read the article John references here.
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  • [24:17] The Food and Safety Modernization Act and its impact on irrigation.
    
    
• [27:10] Global population growth and the future of food security
  • ​Assumptions about future global food shortages seem to contradict the current challenge of ending food waste.
    
    
• [32:28] Preview of next episode - Episode 3 will focus on the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program. 
  
  
• Don't forget to provide us feedback and let us know what you'd like to hear about and discuss on future BWTL episodes.