Cornucopia’s Take: If you have ever hand-pollinated a flower, you understand the critical work of bees and other pollinators. Scientists have discovered that the sound vibration of bees’ buzzing causes the evening primrose flower to sweeten its nectar. Findings like this one open the door for more understanding of...
Cornucopia’s Take: As spring planting decisions begin for farmers, 62 USDA reports have been delayed by the federal government shutdown. With USDA personnel back in their offices this week, reports will be released, farmer loans can again be originated, and tariff payments will be disbursed. The agency’s WASDE report,...
Cornucopia’s Take: Officials now suspect the bacterial outbreaks last year occurred because a California irrigation canal carried E. coli from a 100,000 head cattle feedlot to the irrigation ponds used to water romaine lettuce. Officials are draining the canal early this season for repairs, testing, and removal of any...
Managing Conflicts of Interest in the National Organic Program by Anne Ross, JD Farm and Food Policy Analyst at The Cornucopia Institute Source: AdobeStock Many federal and state laws, professional bodies, and associations establish policies...
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.
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.
