Dear EarthTalk: How are we growing food in labs to lessen the agricultural impact on the planet? —Bill Jehsen, via emailThe U.S. has nearly two million farms, with over half of its land used for agriculture. Also, rising populations and demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel have intensified competition for land, a phenomenon known as the global land squeeze. Atomo has attracted nearly $52 million in investment, and in 2023 New York’s Gumption Coffee introduced it to the market. Pet food accounts for 20 percent of global meat consumption.