Organic Milk Delivers More Consistent Nutrition Across Seasons
Scientific American (link no longer available) By Katherine Harmon Like produce, milk quality can vary with the season and year. Dairy cows‘ daily diet, much of which comes from plant forage, determines the nutritional makeup of their milk, so when their food lags in quality, so too does their output. And a new study shows that conventionally produced […]
(ALERT OVER) Tell President Obama to Reject Approval of GE Alfalfa
USDA Poised to Approve Genetically Engineered Alfalfa On December 16, the USDA released its Final Environmental Impact Statement on Monsanto’s genetically engineered Round-up Ready Alfalfa. Alfalfa is the fourth most widely grown crop in the U.S. and a fundamental source of livestock forage for dairy and beef farmers. Alfalfa is a perennial crop that is […]
Buffett, Gates and The Story of Enough
The Huffington Post by Woody Tasch “When is enough enough?” Bernie Sanders asked during his filibuster against the Lame Duck tax bill in December. During the speech, he referred to Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the world’s richest three people. (If you haven’t been paying attention, they’ve been pushed down to the number […]
American Beekeeping Federation Passes Resolution Opposing USDA’s Deregulation of GE Alfalfa
The American Beekeeping Federation (ABF) voted at its annual meeting on January 7 in Galveston, TX to oppose the controversial deregulation of Monsanto’s genetically engineered Round-up Ready Alfalfa. Donald Schmidt, who farms 800 acres near Winner, South Dakota and is the Past President of the ABF, said he hopes that the resolution will make people […]
Coexistence of Alfalfa Unrealistic
[The following letter was sent to USDA Secretary Vilsack by Chuck Noble, a Bellvue, WA farmer.] Dear Secretary Vilsack — Conventional and genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa coexistence is not possible nor practical. Here are some reasons: The USDA should realize that not all crops can coexist nor should all crops be genetically engineered. A monopoly […]
Neotame: Threat to Organics Sponsored by Monsanto or Internet Hoax?
We have received several inquiries about the artificial sweetener Neotame, and the Internet rumor that this synthetic additive is allowed in certified organic foods. Neotame, as a synthetic additive, is not allowed in organic foods, contrary to the Internet rumor. None of the bloggers who perpetuate this anti-organic myth reference primary sources to substantiate their […]
Bees in Freefall as Study Shows Sharp US Decline
The Guardian By Alok Jha, science correspondent The abundance of four common species of bumblebee in the US has dropped by 96% in just the past few decades, according to the most comprehensive national census of the insects. Scientists said the alarming decline, which could have devastating implications for the pollination of both wild and […]
Tester Gets Feedback From Farmers About Food Safety, Farm Bill
The Missoulian by Chelsi Moy U.S. Sen. Jon Tester had food on his mind Monday. On the eve of President Barack Obama signing new federal food safety legislation – which Tester played a role in writing – the Democrat gathered local agriculture representatives together in Missoula to look even farther into the country’s food future: […]
