MIT News covers a wide range of groundbreaking research in agriculture, from climate resilience and urban farming to methane reduction and next-generation fertilizers. The following articles highlight recent discoveries and initiatives that are shaping the future of sustainable food production.
Place-Based Pathways to a Viable Future
The Living Climate Futures Symposium explored climate challenges and solutions at the community level, emphasizing local adaptation strategies.
Testing Sustainable Agriculture in Barcelona
Students in a MISTI Global Classroom confronted the challenges of climate change during farm and co-op visits in Barcelona.
Plants Can Sense the Sound of Rain
MIT engineers discovered that rice seeds sprout faster when exposed to the sound of rain, opening new avenues for plant communication research.
From Idaho to MIT: Cutting Methane Emissions
PhD student Audrey Parker studies methane mitigation in dairy farms and coal mines, aiming to reduce a potent greenhouse gas.
Seeds of Something Different
Kate Brown’s book Tiny Gardens Everywhere uncovers the hidden history and politics of urban farming.
Nitrous Oxide and Soil Bacteria
Fertilizer use increases nitrous oxide levels, which can harm beneficial soil bacteria that support plant growth.
Designing Resilient Plants from the Cell Up
Foray Bioscience, an MIT startup, engineers single plant cells to create novel materials and sustainable solutions.
Bridging Science and Society in the Bioeconomy
Course STS.059 explores the social and political factors shaping biotechnology and biological engineering.
Regenerative Aquaculture in Arkansas
MIT student Kiyoko Hayano worked with Keo Fish Farms to build a model for regenerative water systems.
Post-COP30: Aggressive Climate Policies Needed
The 2025 Global Change Outlook report highlights the need for accelerated action to cap warming at 1.5°C.
Mind, Hand, and Harvest
A volunteer pilot program brings low-cost organic produce to the MIT community.
From Nanoscale to Global Scale
MIT.nano’s cleanroom now bears the name of Robert Noyce, supporting advances in manufacturing, health, and climate.
Returning Farming to City Centers
Course 4.182, Resilient Urbanism: Green Commons in the City, teaches sustainable urban agriculture.
Packard Fellows for Science and Engineering
Darcy McRose and Mehtaab Sawhney recognized for research on antibiotics in ecosystems and agriculture.
Engineering Next-Generation Fertilizers
MIT postdoc Giorgio Rizzo uses plant chemistry to design sustainable fertilizers that could reshape farming.