Farmers are under increasing pressure due to climate change, global conflicts, and trade disruptions. However, advances in plant breeding offer hope, writes Andy LaVigne, the President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). He emphasizes that with the right policy environment, innovations such as genome editing can help farmers overcome challenges to sustainably feed a growing world population.
Prolonged droughts, extreme floods, unpredictable temperature swings, and shifting pest and disease patterns are all challenges that put agriculture on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Yet, against these odds, farmers manage a vast array of variables to produce the crops that feed the world every day. As global conflicts and trade disruptions further compound the uncertainty we all face, it’s crucial for policymakers to adopt innovative solutions to meet these challenges head-on—and the seed sector stands ready to play its part.
The global seed industry has long collaborated with government partners on the future of food security and the critical role that trade plays in our sector. During Foreign Policy’s September 26 Food+ Forum, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was proud to join policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other thought leaders to discuss the challenges facing the agricultural sector and the opportunities that are within our grasp—if we can develop the right policy environment.
Innovation is Key
Advances in plant breeding offer hope to the world, as decades of innovative research and development (R&D) in the seed sector have already led to extraordinary outcomes for society. The fresh fruits, vegetables, and beverages on our tables; the forage and feed for our livestock; the fiber in our clothes; the fuels in our automobiles; even the flowers in our gardens, and the turf in our sports arenas rely on the power of quality seeds. Through new plant breeding innovation, including targeted genome editing techniques like CRISPR, plant breeders are developing improved crop varieties that can withstand drought, resist pests, and thrive in a range of soil conditions, all in just a few years—rather than decades.
The research and development (R&D) of seed varieties resistant to pests and diseases in all crops help farmers increase the precision of and potentially reduce the use of agrichemical inputs. Plant breeding innovation in specialty crops promises year-round fruit production or could eliminate the thorns that complicate harvest. Disease-resistant varieties of rice, potatoes, canola, and bananas—critical staples for global food and nutrition security—will allow farmers to cope with ever-evolving pests and diseases. With growing pressures on the agricultural system, advancing these solutions is more urgent than ever.
The Need for a Unified Global Policy Approach
In the United States, over the past 30 years, a science-based regulatory approach has demonstrated clear benefits to our farmers. Crops developed through biotechnology have provided safe and nutritious food while also reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production. While several countries have also realized these benefits, other parts of the world have experienced slower adoption and commercialization of these important crops. In Europe and parts of Africa, public mistrust and restrictive regulatory systems hindered farmers’ access to biotech seeds.
We cannot afford to repeat this misstep—where regulatory barriers threaten global food security—particularly during a time of increasing volatility and unpredictability. We have just six years remaining to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Moreover, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global food production must increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the needs of a projected world population of 9.7 billion people. The stakes are high, and the need for long-term solutions is even higher.
To unlock the full potential of evolving plant breeding innovations, such as genome editing, we must first dismantle the barriers that prevent improved quality seeds from reaching the world’s farmers who need them most. It currently takes an average of 10-15 years to bring a new crop variety to market—regardless of the breeding tools used. Today’s regulatory landscape, therefore, will shape the types of crops that will be available to farmers in 2040. If we hope to address the world’s needs with innovative solutions, policymakers must act now.
The Seed Sector as a Catalyst for Change
While the challenges facing global agriculture are daunting, governments and the seed sector can work together to drive meaningful solutions. The Food Forum underscored the urgency of these efforts and emphasized the importance of global partnerships and dialog. However, merely discussing innovation is not enough. We are encouraged to see countries, particularly the European Union, a key region in the international seed market, moving towards pro-innovation regulatory and policy reforms. These shifts could pave the way for broader acceptance and access to innovative seeds. That said, even in countries with modernized regulatory frameworks, like the United States, policies must keep pace with the speed of innovation. Only then can we ensure that farmers—both in the U.S. and globally— have the tools to sustainably feed a growing population.
Andy LaVigne is the President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), where he leads efforts to promote the use of evolving plant breeding techniques and the development of reasonable policy regarding the use of innovative seed technologies. ASTA represents the interests of the seed industry in the U.S. and works with stakeholders around the world to ensure access to quality seed and the latest innovations in plant breeding.
The post Better Seed, Better World: Plant Breeding Innovation Can Feed the World and Save the Planet appeared first on USSA.
Better Seed, Better World: Plant Breeding Innovation Can Feed the World and Save the Planet
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.
10. Raven + Lily
Best for: affordable artisan jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Artisan-Made, Women-Led
Price Range: $40 – $240
Raven + Lily is an ethical fashion and jewelry brand verified Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation. The women-led brand partners with artisan women around the world who use natural materials to craft both classic, elegant pieces and statement jewelry.
11. NAKIIT
Best for: one-of-a-kind, solo-handcrafted pieces
Conscious Qualities: Made-to-Order, Recycled Silver & Gold, Zero-Waste Scrap Recycling
Price Range: $21 – $485
As a small, slow-minded jewelry brand, NAKIIT’s founder + owner handcrafts each piece with intention. In fact, every piece of jewelry the brand sells is made by the founder herself!
Nearly all of NAKIIT’s ethically-made jewelry is either made-to-order or one-of-a-kind, ensuring a minimal ecological impact and the highest attention to quality.
As if we could love this brand even more, NAKIIT also sources recycled sterling silver and gold, plus recycles any remaining metal scraps or dust after production.
You May Also Want to Check Out:
Best Fair Trade Fashion Brands With Style and Heart
Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands
Consciously Curated Marketplaces for One-Stop Ethical Shopping
The post 11 Best Fair Trade and Sustainable Jewelry Brands That Shine appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
11 Best Fair Trade and Sustainable Jewelry Brands That Shine
It’s time to leave fast fashion in the dust — with one-of-a-kind designs, quality fabrics, and the assurance your dollars are supporting a more responsible fashion industry, these slow fashion brands are sure to win you over.
Before we go any further, though, I think we need to clarify what exactly slow fashion is…
What Do I Mean By “Slow Fashion?”
Slow fashion is about being more mindful and thoughtful about how clothing (and other fashion items) are being produced, how they’re being purchased, and how they’re being used/worn.
Instead of mass-producing trend-driven garments cheaply and quickly, slow fashion production is about creating a piece to last by using high-quality materials, transitional designs (i.e. they migth be contemporary but they’re not super “trendy”), and durable construction.
For individuals, slow fashion purchasing habits means buying less, but better. A slow fashion mindset is all about choosing well — it’s about picking well-made items that are built to last and also selecting pieces that fit your lifestyle and body well, to ensure they’ll not only be durable but will actually be useful for years to come.
Adopting slow fashion in your life, though, doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending money — this concept is also about slowing down to appreciate your clothes and closet. Slow fashion can mean wearing what you have as much as possible, mending and repairing worn clothing, or upcycling an even sewing your own clothes.
For more, read “What is Slow Fashion, Really?”
While slow fashion is a term that’s often used quite generally, it’s important to note that there are fast fashion brands that might have some organic or recycled clothing. Those did not make the list!
Slow fashion companies to me — and the criteria used to select brands for this guide — are brands that produce in smaller batches, make most of their pieces by hand, craft each piece with attention to detail and quality, and ideally, partner with skilled artisans, sewers, and craftspeople (who are of course fairly paid).
Now without further ado, here are our picks for…
My Top Picks for Slow Fashion Brands
To be clear: you do not need to purchase from slow fashion brands to participate in slow fashion. However, when the time comes that you want to add a new piece to your wardrobe, y