Cultivating the Next Generation of Food System Leaders

CHICAGO, April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Food Tank (http://foodtank.com/) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are excited to announce a new collaboration to help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. The organizations will jointly produce research, articles, opinion editorials, columns, newsletters, social media campaigns, and webinars during the rest of this year.
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With an aging population of farmers, it's clear that agriculture needs to attract more young people. This is a global challenge: Half the farmers in the United States are 55 years of age or older, while in sub-Saharan Africa, the average age of farmers is around 60. Food Tank and IFAD (http://www.ifad.org/) will collaborate to raise awareness about issues faced by youth in agriculture, as well as engage the global community in dialogue around challenges such as access to markets, education, and resources for beginning farmers.
Changing youth perceptions of agriculture can potentially create lasting impact in the agricultural sector, which offers huge potential for job creation.
"As a global community, we can increase awareness of opportunities for youth in agriculture," said Cassandra Waldon, Director of Communications at IFAD.
Young people are the farmers and food system leaders of tomorrow. But according to IFAD, they are increasingly abandoning agriculture and rural areas in search of better livelihoods in cities or abroad. There is a pressing need to create opportunities for youth in agriculture.
"We have an opportunity to encourage young farmers, scientists, agronomists, business leaders, development workers, and funders to view the food system as an opportunity to improve health and nutrition, raise incomes, and protect the environment," said Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank.
With their new joint communications initiative, Food Tank and IFAD will work during 2015 to showcase the role of youth in agriculture worldwide.

New Start-up Company Introduces Rainwater Harvesting Downspout

GRANITE QUARRY, N.C., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- ATTENTION: Rain Harvesters now have an alternative to rain barrels! MagniStruct, LLC today is announcing the Kickstarter release of Tankspout, the World's First Rain Harvesting Downspout that combines features of a rain barrel, downspout, and splash block into one attractive minimalist unit.

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Previously, consumers had little choice when it came to purchasing attractive rain harvesting devices and/or systems. This presented a product gap such that those that did not mind having something unattractive attached to their home engaged in rainwater harvesting, while those that did mind having something unattractive attached to their home would not engage in rainwater harvesting. We have responded by redesigning the downspout to make rain harvesting a much more attractive practice.

Performance

Typically when individuals harvest rain in a barrel, that barrel is raised up off the ground to provide enough adequate pressure with gravity. This usually means more unsightly equipment is present. Tankspout eliminates this. 17+ gallons of water is stored in a 7+ feet tall rectangular water column that allows water to flow out at about 3 psi when full. There is no diverter equipment because Tankspout connects directly to the conventional downspout with an included adapter.

The internal overflow/integrated downspout in Tankspout allows for overflow without additional tubes or other contraptions unlike with some traditional rain barrels. Because Tankspout is built to last, we incorporated an industrial strength boiler drain valve as the "faucet", if you will.

Tankspout's debris filter is especially inventive as it incorporates surgical-grade mesh to keep out debris, including pine needles and shingle grit. Add the metal handle that extends down the unit far enough for anyone to reach, and the fact that this debris filter keeps out mosquitoes and you have something that your local Home Owners' Association will love.

Tankspout was created to offer an alternative to conventional downspouts and rain barrels. It has features of both already integrated making it the most feature-packed, and most attractive rain harvesting unit in the world.

Economical Advantage

Our entire infrastructure in the U.S. is currently aging, including our water delivery systems. Tankspout could help ease pressure currently placed upon these aging delivery and sewer systems, thereby saving municipalities money. When Tankspout is utilized it uses no centralized water supply and no electricity, thereby reducing the cost homeowners pay for their water.

When Tankspout is utilized for watering the garden, crops get natural rainwater and not chemical laden tap water. This is better for plants and crops and could lead to better tasting and healthier crops/plants, thereby reducing plant maintenance and care. This also saves the user money. Ultimately, if people use Tankspout to water their food instead of chemical laden tap water, they may lead healthier lives thereby improving their economic situation long-term.

Pricing and Availability

Tankspout is now available at (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1759737035/tankspout-the-worlds-only-rain-harvesting-downspou?ref=newest) by backing the project. The different pledge amounts are listed there as well as videos, pictures, and other information regarding its design and function. After delivery of the Kickstarter units, we are planning on greatly expanding Tankspout's availability to home improvement stores and websites.