Student-Led Group Launches $85,000 Organic Gardening Program

New civic/business/education alliance backs sustainable effort in Dunwoody cluster schools Dunwoody Patch by Tom Oder, “Gardening With Tom” GA – Student leaders of Grow Dunwoody are creating a broad-based city-wide alliance of schools, businesses and community organizations as part of an $85,000 organic gardening and sustainability program designed to enhance the quality of education at… Read more »

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… Read more »

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,… Read more »

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… Read more »

The Cornucopia Institute Launches YouTube Channel

Okay, I admit I’m a Luddite. I love newspapers and read many throughout the week (the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, local daily papers and farm publications). But the younger generation here at Cornucopia has convinced me that many folks are now getting the lion share of their news and information off the… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »