agriculture

In Praise of Peasants

"Our lives are dependent on the sacrifice of the Campesinos"- Cesar Chavez

Posted in agriculture, farming, Food/Water

Food Rebellions: 7 Steps to Solving the Food Crisis

The World Food Program describes the current global food crisis as a silent tsunami, with billions of people going hungry. Hunger is, indeed, coming in waves, but not everyone will drown in famine. The recurrent food crises are making a handful of corporations very rich-even as they put the rest of the planet at risk.

Posted in agriculture, farming, food crisis, water

Corn, Soy Yields Gain Little From Genetic Engineering: Study

WASHINGTON - The use of genetically engineered corn and soybeans in the United States for more than a decade has had little impact on crop yields despite claims that they could ease looming food shortages, a study released on Tuesday concluded.

"A hard-nosed assessment of this expensive technology's achievements to date gives little confidence that it will play a major role in helping the world feed itself in the forseeable future," said the report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Posted in agriculture, gm food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2009
1:08 PM

CONTACT: Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
Emily Robinson, 312-578-1750 ext. 15

Genetic Engineering Has Failed to Significantly Boost US Crop Yields Despite Biotech Industry Claims, New Report Finds

Increases Over the Last Decade Due to Traditional Breeding and Conventional Agricultural Improvements

WASHINGTON - April 14 - For years, the biotechnology industry has trumpeted that it will feed the world, promising that its genetically engineered crops will produce higher yields.

That promise has proven to be empty, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Despite 20 years of research and 13 years of commercialization, genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase U.S. crop yields.

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The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) Links:

Posted in agriculture, gm food

Germany Bans Cultivation of GM Corn

Germany has banned the cultivation of GM corn, claiming that MON 810 is dangerous for the environment. But that argument might not stand up in court and Berlin could face fines totalling millions of euros if American multinational Monsanto decides to challenge the prohibition on its seed.

The sowing season may be just around the corner, but this year German farmers will not be planting gentically modified crops: German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner announced Tuesday she was banning the cultivation of GM corn in Germany.

Posted in agriculture, gm food, Europe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2009
10:00 AM

CONTACT: Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (IATP)

Ben Lilliston
Communications Director
(612) 870-3416
blilliston@iatp.org

How to Build a Climate-Friendly Food System

Sustainable Agriculture Is Key, New Report Finds

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - April 6 - Sustainable practices in agriculture, combined with the development of local food systems, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. food system, finds a new paper by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP).

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The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy works locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm and trade systems.

Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (IATP) Links:

Posted in agriculture, climate change, food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2009
11:07 AM

CONTACT: Cornucopia Institute
Will Fantle, 608-625-2042

Family Farmers Fear Being Run over by Food Safety Juggernaut

Organic and Local Farmers Seek Protections in Washington

CORNUCOPIA, Wi. - April 3 - Momentum is building in Congress for new food safety reforms aimed at addressing the growing cycle of food contamination outbreaks. But concerns are also being raised cautioning legislators not to trample organic farmers, backyard gardeners, and consumers of fresh local foods in the rush to fix the nation's food safety problems.

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Seeking economic justice for the family-scale farming community. Through research, advocacy, and economic development our goal is to empower farmers - partnered with consumers - in support of ecologically produced local, organic and authentic food.

Cornucopia Institute Links:

Posted in agriculture, organics

EU Wary About Pushing Vote on France GM Maize Ban

$A puppet of German Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner holds a sign during an protest by activists against genetically modified maize in Berlin March 19, 2009. Words read \"Stop gene maize\". (REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke)$

BRUSSELS - European Union regulators may be dragging their heels with their proposal to order farming powerhouse France to end its ban on growing biotech maize, fearing another rebuff by other EU states, officials said.

France slapped a ban on growing genetically modified maize in February 2008. The European Commission, which administers farm and environment policy for the bloc's 27 member countries, wants the ban lifted, saying it is not scientifically justified.

Posted in agriculture, gm food

Farmers Worry About Proposed Legislation

Some Mid-South farmers who sell their products directly to consumers worry that a food safety bill in Congress could put them out of business if enacted into law.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., has introduced legislation that would divide the responsibilities of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and put food under the purview of the Department of Health and Human Services, which would have more stringent guidelines. The legislation is HR 875 or the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009.

Posted in agriculture, localism

Obamas Ready to Start a White House Garden

WASHINGTON - This year, the vegetables served at the White House will be as locally grown as possible--right on the South Lawn.

After a campaign by gardeners and sustainable food activists, the First Family has decided to dig up part of the White House grounds for a vegetable garden. In a ceremony Friday, First Lady Michelle Obama and local elementary school students will break ground for the project.

Posted in agriculture, Food/Water, localism