Study Debunks Myths on Organic Farms
The results are in from a 30-year side-by-side trial of conventional and organic farming methods at Pennsylvania’s Rodale Institute. Contrary to conventional wisdom, organic farming outperformed conventional farming in every measure. The 30 year trial: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/fst30years
Resisting the Corporate Theft of Seeds
The Nation Vandana Shiva We are in a food emergency. Speculation and diversion of food to biofuel has contributed to an uncontrolled price rise, adding more to the billion already denied their right to food. Industrial agriculture is pushing species to extinction through the use of toxic chemicals that kill our bees and butterflies, our […]
Report: Taxpayer Subsidies for Junk Food Wasting Billions
CALPIRG San Francisco, CA – federal subsidies for commodity crops are also subsidizing junk food additives like high fructose corn syrup, enough to pay for 19 Twinkies per taxpayer every year, according to Apples to Twinkies, a new report by CALPIRG. Meanwhile, limited subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables would buy less than a quarter […]
Technical Announcement:Widely Used Herbicide Commonly Found in Rain and Streams in the Mississippi River Basin
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (this link no longer available) Office of Communications and Publishing Paul Capel and Kara Capelli Glyphosate, also known by its tradename Roundup, is commonly found in rain and rivers in agricultural areas in the Mississippi River watershed, according to two new USGS studies released this month. Glyphosate is […]
Organic Farming Offers Alternatives to the Conventional
The Advocate of Westminster and Finksburg (link unavailable) By Rachel Hare, Advocate Staff Writer Carroll County Times Tom Reinhardt, of Westminster, stood beside a large rectangle of land, a patchwork of colorful fruit and vegetable plants, all slightly overgrown with any number of tall, spindly weeds. “This is what an organic farm looks like,” he said, […]
Organic Farming Gains Momentum with New OFRF Report
Organic Farming Research Foundation Washington, D.C. – A new report from the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) reveals extensive scientific support for the conclusion that organic farming practices are overwhelmingly beneficial for consumers, farmers, the economy, and the environment. Further, it highlights the urgent need for more research to address an expanding market. “Our data […]
Wal-Mart Apologizes for New Customer Fraud
ShanghaiDaily Wal-Mart China has apologized for selling ordinary pork as organic in three stores in the southwest city of Chongqing, the eighth time this year the local industry watchdog has uncovered illegal practices at the global retailer. The Chongqing Industry and Commerce Administration launched an investigation into the supermarket chain after receiving complaints that ordinary […]
Will Leafy Greens Safety Regulations Hurt Small Farmers?
2006 was not a good year for the spinach industry Vermont Digger by Craig Idlebrook In September 2006, a virulent strain of E.coli infected spinach that was marketed nationwide; the E. coli strain was traced back to one California spinach farm. The resulting outbreak killed three people and sickened 199 in 26 states. Nearly half […]
USU Research Professor Studies ‘Pasture Pharmacy’
KSL.com, Utah By Keith McCord LOGAN — A research professor at Utah State University is conducting experiments that may help farm animals live a more healthy life, which is something the agriculture industry is keeping a close eye on. But what makes this study different: the animals will basically treat themselves. USU research professor Juan […]
In Demand: Bright Outlook For Organics
Iowa Farmer Today by Gene Lucht ODEBOLT — Roger Lansink has no illusions about organic agriculture saving the world. However, he knows the money he makes growing organic crops is no illusion. He also knows when he manned the Iowa Organic Association’s booth at the Iowa State Fair, he couldn’t keep enough brochures on the […]
US Grocers Embrace Local, Organic to Try to Drive Growth in Tough Times
Reports find retailers are feeding customer demand for locally sourced food but remain concerned over energy costs Business Green By Charles Redell, GreenBiz.com As the nation continues to list through the economic doldrums of an all-too-slow recovery, people still need to eat. What they’re choosing to eat and which grocery retailers they’re turning to is […]
Cleveland, Other Cities Could Produce Most of Their Food: Ohio State Study
OHIO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER by Mauricio Espinoza Ohio State scientist Parwinder Grewal said his study could be applied to other North American cities to assess their potential food self-reliance. * Increased urban food production would add $29-$115 million to Cleveland’s economy annually. WOOSTER, Ohio — Cleveland and other post-industrial North American cities have […]
