Cornucopia’s Take: Use of the herbicide glyphosate has skyrocketed around the world since the introduction of crops genetically engineered to be Roundup Ready (resistant) in 1996. While the EPA insists that glyphosate does not cause cancer in humans, some research reviews have come to different findings. U.S. Right to...
Cornucopia’s Take: According to Nielsen data, organic produce sales continue to grow at a much faster pace than conventional produce sales. Nielsen posits that “mindful moms”—those seeking the best and safest food for their children and families—are driving the continued upswing in organic food purchasing. Retail View: Data show...
Cornucopia’s Take: Many farmers have lost opportunities or remain uncertain as to how they will get needed loans for the upcoming growing season with USDA FSA offices closed during the shutdown. Secretary Perdue announced that offices will be open January 17, 18, and 22 to producers with existing loans...
Cornucopia’s Take: Producers with existing farm loans who need assistance or 1099s for taxes have three days to get help during the federal government shutdown. Share this story with farmers you know! USDA FSA offices temporarily reopen during government shutdown Feedstuffs.com Offices will be open Jan. 17, 18 and...
Healthy Soils are a Legal Requirement of Organic Production Soil-less “Organic” Systems are Misleading to Consumers, Undercut Farmers Today, Center for Food Safety (CFS) filed a new legal action demanding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibit hydroponic operations from the organic label. Hydroponic production systems—a catch-all...
Is It Really Worth Fighting For? by Mark A. Kastel Executive Director at The Cornucopia Institute Mark Kastel, Executive Director My mother is proud to tell me that 64 years ago she...
USDA Will Enforce–But Consumers are the Frontline Investigators Many consumers who choose organic food for home cooked meals want the same benefits of organic certification when they eat out. Unfortunately, many are being misled or defrauded. Restaurants recognize that local and organic foods are no longer narrow niche markets...
The Winter 2018 Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter, is now available online.
Cornucopia’s Take: Cornucopia seeks to help eaters find research on what is healthy and what is not, and the task is harder than you might think. In the case of carrageenan, a thickener and emulsifier often used in processing plant-based beverages and other foods, we found a great deal...
Cornucopia’s Take: The GMO labeling law crawled out of the swamp in time for Christmas. The USDA will allow QR codes instead of legitimate labeling and, for those who do choose to label clearly, the necessary language is the little-know phrase, “bioengineered food.” Soda and oils made from GMOs...
Cornucopia’s Take: All routine inspections of domestic food-processing facilities have been suspended during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown. A small number of inspectors will likely be called back next week without pay to monitor high-risk facilities to mitigate consumer risk. Government shutdown stops FDA food safety inspections NBC...
Cornucopia’s Take: Most of us are familiar with the notion that bacteria treated with antibiotics in hospitals, feedlots, and in the course of normal human life are becoming resistant to the antibiotics prescribed to kill them. Why don’t scientists just patent new antibiotics? Unfortunately, the discovery of effective, new,...
The Cornucopia Institute, through research and investigations on agriculture and food issues, provides needed information to family farmers, consumers and other stakeholders in the good food movement and to the media.
