Polytunnels (also known as hoop houses) are structures made of a metal or PVC skeleton covered with a sheet of thick, clear plastic. Polytunnels may be hotter inside than outside because sunlight passes through the plastic sheeting, heating up the air inside. Because polytunnels may be hotter inside than outside, they are often considered an outdoor environment by Cal/OSHA.
The temperature inside a polytunnel can vary depending on its size, location, and time of the year. But the temperature inside polytunnels is often higher than outside of polytunnels. Heat inside of polytunnels may even become dangerous for both plants and people. However, polytunnels can be built in a way that prevents the temperature inside polytunnels from becoming too hot. As part two in our three-part series on heat illness prevention in polytunnels, we recommend engineering controls for lowering the temperature inside polytunnels.
Image: Annemiek Schilder, Ph.D., Director, UCCE Ventura County/Hansen Agricultural REC
You can read the full story on UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.
Over $1 billion in proposed investments across all four of our Coalition’s priority areas were included in the Climate Resilience Bond. The Food and Farm Resilience Coalition (ROC is a coalition partner) applauds the legislature for the inclusion of $1 billion of our Coalition’s priority investments in climate-resilient sustainable agriculture, local food system infrastructure, and farmworker well-being.
You can read the full story on Morning Ag Clips.
Polytunnels, also known as hoop houses, are commonly used in farming across the U.S. They have a similar function as greenhouses: they protect plants from low temperatures and precipitation. Polytunnels are popular because they are flexible to use and relatively cheap to build. They are made of a metal or PVC skeleton covered with a thick, clear sheet of plastic. In California, polytunnels are used to grow berries, tomatoes, and flowers.
The temperature inside polytunnels may be warmer than outdoor air. This is because sun passes through the clear plastic sheeting, warming the air inside the polytunnel. The warm air can be trapped inside. Similarly, moisture from the plants can increase the humidity of the air inside the polytunnel. The warmer air and higher humidity can be good for plant growth.
Polytunnels can become too hot and humid, though. This can cause problems for both plants and people. Heat-related illnesses are serious medical conditions that can result from a person becoming too hot. The risk of heat illness for a farmworker may increase in polytunnels because of the higher temperature and humidity. Examples of heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Image: Annemiek Schilder, Ph.D., Director, UCCE Ventura County/Hansen Agricultural REC
You can read the full story in the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.
Michael Dimock, program director of Roots of Change and Santana Diaz, advisor to Roots of Change and executive chef at the University of California Davis Medical Center, discuss how a network of 10 campuses and five medical centers are supporting regenerative farming to mitigate the effects of climate change and drive a healthier, more equitable food system.
You can read the full story in the Civil Eats.
People experience food insecurity in different ways. Some families may only eat lesser quality food, while others may simply eat less.
Food insecurity can have long-term physical and mental health effects. Research shows that food-insecure children can experience developmental delays and have trouble learning language. Children also are more likely to fall sick, recover more slowly, and be hospitalized more often if their access to food is inconsistent, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Food-insecure adults face higher rates of obesity, chronic illness, anxiety and depression.
Image credit: Max Böhme, Unsplash
You can read the full story on CalMatters.
The proposed HERJ fund would provide $100 million in annual funding to community-based groups, tribal organizations, and clinics to support marginalized communities.
You can read or see the full story on ABC 10.
Organizaciones comunitarias se manifestaron en el capitolio estatal para pedir al gobernador de California, Gavin Newsom, que incluya en el presupuesto más de $100 millones para atención médica igualitaria.
You can read the full story on Univision.
Genoveva Islas stood at the steps of the state Capitol Friday morning facing a crowd of dozens. She shouted: “El pueblo unido avanza sin partido.”
The crowd echoed her back: “The people united advance without parties.”
Islas founded the organization Cultiva La Salud, which is part of a coalition of 25 legislators, 11 co-sponsors and almost 200 organizations asking Gov. Gavin Newsom set aside at least $100 million in ongoing funding in his upcoming budget proposal for the Health Equity and Racial Justice Fund.
You can read the full story on Capradio.
Benita Vásquez quiere “equidad e igualdad en los seguros médicos”. Mientras que la pancarta de Maricela Sagrero dice “queremos igualdad y respeto. No a la discriminación”. Los mensajes de Vásquez y Sagrero son claros, ellas quieren equidad para su comunidad.
You can read the full story in the Fresno Bee.
Coverage on KNX News Radio on the Health Equity & Racial Justice Fund Rally in Los Angeles, April 19, 2022
You can hear the full story on KNX News Radio.