Momentum swings towards GMOs

SUBHEAD: Genetically modified crops get boost over organic crops with recent USDA rulings.Image above: Since 1998 Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser has fought a David-and-Goliath battle against Monsanto after the biotech giant accused him of planting its Roundup ready canola seeds without its permission. Schmeiser, seen here with files from the legal action, argued the seeds he'd saved from the

Lawsuit against GMO alfalfa

SOURCE: Jeri DiPietro (ofstone@aol.com)SUBHEAD: “Roundup Ready” Alfalfa will increase pesticide use and cause grave harm to environment and organic industry.By Heather on 18 March 2011 for the Center for Food Safety - (http://truefoodnow.org/2011/03/18/farmers-and-consumer-groups-file-lawsuit-challenging-genetically-engineered-alfalfa-approval)Image above: Bales of organic alfalfa at sunset. From

Eco-Farming Feeds the World

SUBHEAD: "Agroecology seeks to improve the sustainability of agroecosystems by mimicking nature instead of industry".By Paula Crossfield on 9 March 2011 in Huffington Post -(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paula-crossfield/un-ecofarming-feeds-the-world_b_833340.html)Image above: Organic fruit at Kauai farmer's market. From (http://theessenceofblogging.blogspot.com/2010/12/

In Soil We Trust

SUBHEAD: Building pool of investment capital that is permanently dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the soil.By Woody Tasch on 24 February 2011 in Reality Sandwich - (http://www.realitysandwich.com/soil_we_trust)Image above: Money in the ground. From (http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/07/treasure_hunting.php)."The innate value of this kind of investing is so obvious to me,"

Why local food movement matters

SUBHEAD: How do you talk about eating locally and organically to seniors and others on a limited budget?By Debbi Snook on 15 February 2011 in Cleveland.com - (http://www.cleveland.com/taste/index.ssf/2011/02/joan_dye_gussow_talks_about_wh.html)Image above: Local agriculture in El Salvadore. From (http://locavoredelmundo.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/growing-local-food-demand/).Joan Dye Gussow says

GMO Alfalfa Contamination Certain

SUBHEAD: There is no way to plant a non-GMO field that is far enough from a field with the GMO crop.By AP Staff on 7 February 2011 for CBS News -(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/07/tech/main7326788.shtml)Image above: Alfalfa sprouts. From (http://www.thenutritionpost.com/frontpage/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-alfalfa-sprouts.html).Contamination of organic and traditional crops by

Stop Monsanto GMO Alfalfa

SUBHEAD: Organic beef and dairy products are threatened by the introduction of GMO alfalfa to livestock feed.By Staff on 2 February 2011 for Care2 Petition Site - (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/858/377/569/?z00m=19936756)Image above: Cube of alfalfa hay. From (http://fairfoodfight.com/2010/06/21/supreme-court-ruling-round-ready-alfalfa/).Just last week, the USDA announced that it is

Philippine Organic Transition

SUBHEAD: After decades of chemicals, farmers in the Philippines are seeing the benefits of organic farming. But what convinced them to make the switch in the first place?By John Cavanagh & Robin Broad on 31 January 2011 for Yes! - (http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/john-cavanagh-and-robin-broad/buying-only-2-percent-of-what-you-eat)Image above: Presentation during an organic farming seminar in

What is Biodynamic Gardening?

SUBHEAD: Every biodynamic farm or garden I visit is invariably a lush, bountiful paradise full of delicious food.By Sami Grover on 28 January 2011 for Treehugger - (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/what-is-biodynamic-gardening.php)Image above: Taro growing at Spirit of the Earth biodybamic farm on Kauai. Photo by Juan Wilson. When I asked how vegetarians can avoid animal-based

S-510 Stalled Out

SUBHEAD: S-510 Food Safety bill now dead in the water due to Constitutional error. Amen!By Mike Adams on 1 December 2010 for NaturalNews.com -(http://www.naturalnews.com/030588_Food_Safety_bill_blue_slip.html)Image above: A Black market for fresh raw farm products? From (http://foodfreedom.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/patriot-act-for-food-a-close-look-at-bizarre-propaganda-for-s-510).It is now

India vs Colgate on Biopiracy

SUBHEAD: India has declared traditional medicinal recipes are un-patentable and Colgate claims one on their herbal toothpaste.Image above: Neem twigs for sale, photo: Meena Kadri/Creative CommonsBy Bonnie Alter on 22 October 2010 for TreeHugger.org -(http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/10/did-colgate-steal-tootpaste-recipe.php)It's the battle of the toothpaste titans: In the red corner we have