Cornucopia’s Take: Canada does not require GMO labeling, and the GMO salmon, 25 years in the regulatory pipeline, is now being sold in that country. GMO labeling issues presently remain in the way of the introduction of this highly controversial fish into U.S. markets. AquaBounty awaits approval for its...
by Kestrel Burcham, JD, Farm and Food Policy Analyst at The Cornucopia Institute Source: Adobe Stock During the presidential campaign of 1928, a circular published by the Republican Party claimed that if Herbert Hoover won...
Cornucopia’s Take: Pesticide safety testing is performed only in one climatic environment before the pesticides are then allowed to be sold worldwide. Researchers studying an epidemic of kidney disease in Sri Lanka find the groundwater’s natural mineral content appears to be interacting in novel and dangerous ways with agricultural...
Cornucopia’s Take: According to the National Young Farmers Coalition, the greatest barrier for young farmers is finding affordable land. Farmland has exploded in price, and is increasingly being purchased by multinational corporations who favor conventional agriculture. We need to find a pathway to help grow our young farmers on...
Cornucopia’s Take: Cornucopia often posts about the environmental and health benefits of eating organic food. Here is a story about the health benefits of growing food. One of our staff members, an avid gardener, attests to all of the benefits noted below. How gardening can help build healthier, happier...
Cornucopia’s Take: Farmers in the Midwestern prairie are taking a cue from Georgia’s regenerative pioneer Will Harris. Different species eat different plants, and grazing them rotationally encourages biodiversity in wildlife, plants, and soil. It also improves animal welfare. These practices can rejuvenate used farm land, therefore helping pristine prairie...
Cornucopia’s Take: We are pleased to share the story of two farms in Illinois working in the good food movement. Cornucopia applauds their efforts. Cornucopia’s board members heard firsthand from farmer Andrea Hazzard at their 2015 annual meeting. The Pride of Pecatonica: Women Farmers, Amber Waves and Happy Goats...
Cornucopia’s Take: Cornucopia recommends listening to Brownfield’s interview with well-known University of Illinois Extension weed scientist Aaron Hager. He is “both frustrated and disappointed” with industry denial of the serious crop damage problems with dicamba use. MONSANTO’S IL DICAMBA SOYBEAN DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DISPUTED Brownfield by Julie Harker Source: United...
Cornucopia’s Take: Climate change and extreme weather require farmers to reconsider the crops they plant. Many communities are beginning to embrace and diversify their local food webs. You can learn more about building a sustainable food system at Michigan Good Food. How the climate crisis could become a food crisis...
Cornucopia’s Take: Honeybees aren’t native to the U.S., and have been interbreeding since the U.S. closed its borders to live honeybees in 1922. One problem that’s currently under investigation concerns how to improve varroa mite resistance, a trait found in Eastern European bees. Washington State University has imported bee...
Cornucopia’s Take: The U.S. has exported its method of intensive factory farming, and the world is now producing more cheap meat than ever in history. The result is the poisoning our fields and our food supply. In contrast, organic agriculture offers distinct legal regulations aimed at improving animal husbandry...
Cornucopia’s Take: It remains to be seen what Amazon has in store for grass-fed beef producers. We will share the results of this secret meeting when the story is available. What’s on the table at Amazon’s secret meeting with cattle ranchers? The New Food Economy by Joe Fassler Source:...
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.
