WASHINGTON — Monsanto Co. spent $2 million in the third quarter to lobby the federal government on issues including regulations for genetically engineered crops and patent reforms, according to a recent disclosure report.

That’s slightly more than the $1.9 million Monsanto spent a year earlier and up almost 18 percent from the $1.7 million it spent during previous quarter.

The world’s largest seed company lobbied Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture over regulations that would affect the distribution of genetically engineered crops like the company’s Roundup Ready sugar beets and alfalfa, according to the disclosure the company filed Oct. 18 with the House clerk’s office. Read Full Article »

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USA Today
By Jens Manuel Krogstad, The Des Moines Register

With help from a growing national network of farmer support groups, the 26-year-old Albers plans to graduate from college next year and grow organic vegetables on a four-acre plot at his family’s farm in northeast Iowa.

Farmer-Veteran Coalition planted the seed for his venture this summer. The California organization partnered with several groups, among them Iowa State University, to guide veterans on a tour of small-scale organic farms in central Iowa.

Farming, which had long seemed impossible because of high start-up costs, now seemed within reach for Albers. Read Full Article »

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[NOTE: The Cornucopia Institute is also part of the lawsuit challenging Monsanto's patenting of life.]

Bangor Daily News
By Kathrynn Ohmstead

I have wanted to catch up with Bridgewater organic farmer Jim Gerritsen ever since he was named in October to the 2011 list of 25 visionaries who are changing the world by the national magazine Utne Reader. When I finally succeeded last weekend, he was on his way to New York City to give a speech and participate in the Dec. 4 rally and “Farmers’ March” to Zuccotti Park organized by the Food Justice Committee of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Gerritsen, 56, who with his wife, Megan, and their family has operated Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater since 1976, is on a mission that has put him in the national — and international — spotlight. As president of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, the trade organization for the organic seed industry, he is the lead plaintiff in a suit to protect growers and consumers of organic foods. Read Full Article »

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U.S. Department of Justice

Defendant Sold 4.2 Million Pounds of Conventional Corn Falsely Labeled As Organic

Eugene, Ore. – Harold Chase, 54, of Springfield, Oregon, has pleaded guilty to
wire fraud for selling more than 4.2 million pounds of corn falsely labeled as organically grown. By falsely labeling the corn as organic, defendant doubled his profits, selling the corn for more than $450,000. Much of the corn was purchased by Oregon companies as organic feed for livestock.

According to the plea agreement and court documents, Chase sold Grain Millers, Inc.,
a company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, more than 4.2 million pounds of corn falsely
labeled as organically grown. Read Full Article »

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Agricultural Marketing Service – USDA
Soo Kim

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture appointed five new members to the National Organic Standards Board today, adding significant depth of experience and a wide range of perspectives to the advisory organization.

“As the board serves a critical role in the direction of the USDA National Organic Program, we are pleased to welcome these individuals, chosen for their expertise and familiarity with organic issues,” said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.

The following representative seats, whose five-year terms begin Jan. 24, 2012, will be filled by qualified members of the organic industry, as listed: Read Full Article »

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