Harmonious Bond Between the Art of Cooking and the Science of Farming

Aug 09, 2023

A new partnership is budding between the renowned Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). This collaboration seeks to foster a deeper understanding and connection between those preparing our food and those cultivating it.

At the core of this partnership is a goal to connect new chefs with the latest farming advancements. Through AFBF's wide network, Escoffier students will meet farmers and see sustainable methods and new farming techniques in action. These experiences will be added to virtual classes, making Escoffier's lessons even better and giving students a close look at the farm-to-table process.

AFBF President, Zippy Duvall, shares the enthusiasm of this joint venture, saying, “Our collaboration ensures that tomorrow's culinary leaders are in tune with today's farming pioneers. It's about shaping the future of food together.”

Highlighting the significance of both entities, AFBF boasts a membership nearing 6 million and stands as a colossal figure in American agriculture. On the other hand, Escoffier, with its vast student body of over 7,300, is the U.S.'s premier culinary institution.

This partnership was officially introduced on August 10 with an online event, "Sowing Seeds of Knowledge." This interactive show explored the important connection between farming and cooking education, with experts like Kirk T. Bachmann from Escoffier speaking.

Bachmann, echoing the sentiment of this partnership, emphasized, “Understanding the journey of our food, from farms to our tables, is paramount. We're thrilled to join hands with the experts in agriculture to enrich our culinary teachings.”

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.