article thumbnail

Do We Need to Farm Oil Crops?

Modern Farmer

It has also come under fire because palm oil plantations in Asia, Latin America and West Africa have resulted in deforestation and negative impacts on human communities. Palm oil, for example, is in many processed foods at American supermarkets. Fats could be synthesized at scale, says Davis.

Crop 102
article thumbnail

Can Linen Make a Comeback in North America?

Modern Farmer

Demand is on the rise for sustainably made clothing and other textiles. “People who are working in textiles want [linen],” says Barr. “It’s As textile mills began to proliferate, the cotton grown on Southern plantations, which relied on the labor of enslaved people, proved to be a cheaper option than flax.

Textiles 117