Edible cactus is a mainstay in Mexico, and it’s beginning to gain hold in America. The prickly pear cactus grows natively as far north as Connecticut, and it already sees scattered use throughout the US. Some farmers use it as a fence for crops and a magnet for pollinators, but it’s slowly becoming more popular as a true specialty crop. If the mass-market appeal is there, then the prickly pear cactus could be the next cash crop and a boon to sustainability. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here