The Global Land Grab: What It Means for Agriculture, Energy, and Society

By Kathleen Marquardt In recent years, the topic of land acquisition by major corporations, foreign governments, and private equity firms has gained increasing attention. Companies like BlackRock, JP Morgan, Vanguard, and others have been purchasing vast tracts of farmland, forests, and single-family homes, raising concerns about the long-term impact on agriculture and local communities. Additionally, foreign powers like China are …

Delullo Keeps On Trucking With Woodbed Products

By P.J. Heller Sam DeLullo enjoys getting out of the office now and then to visit and reconnect with customers he hasn’t seen for a while.  “The most interesting thing I find is to see what’s changed over the course of the years,” says DeLullo. The same is certainly true for anyone who comes back to visit Woodbed Corp. (WOODBED …

Getting Down To Earth With State Soils

By P.J. Heller At some point during the school year, students are usually taught about their state, including the official state flower, official state bird, official state tree and official state animal. What’s often missing from those classroom lessons is the official state soil. Yes, all 50 states have each selected an official soil that has special significance to it. …

Organic Mechanics Touts Biochar for Soil, Compost Manufacturers

By P.J. Heller When Mark Highland launched Organic Mechanics Soil Company in 2006, his focus was on offering “earth friendly” soil products.  “There were no compost-based, peat-free potting soils on the market in 2006,” he recalls. “I saw that niche and went for it. Environmental sustainability is a core value at Organic Mechanics.” Since the launch of that first product …

Holy Peat!  Canada Leads The Way

By P.J. Heller For peat’s sake, look to Canada. That’s the message from the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA), especially when it comes to peatland science and restoration.  “We’ve been recognized for our leadership, our environmental stewardship across the world,” says Asha Hingorani, president of the CSPMA, which represents more than a dozen horticultural peat moss producers in Canada …