Science Ignored on Dangers of Methyl Iodide Fumigant for Strawberry Production
As part of the suit, the groups asked the Department of Pesticide Regulation to release documents explaining how the agency decided to approve the chemical. The plaintiffs wanted to know how the agency had settled on exposure levels more than 100 times higher than what scientists within the agency believed were safe.
Iowa Legislation Attempts to Blockade First Amendment Rights in Favor of Large Agribusiness: Traditional Farmers Ask “What Are They Hiding?”
Iowa is ground zero for undercover investigations of livestock facilities by animal rights activists. It is also the first of four states to try to ban them. One former investigator goes public for the first time to offer a rare glimpse at how these videos are made, and what’s at stake for farmers, animals and consumers.
The Meat Eater’s Guide to Environment & Health is Published by EWG Senior Analyst
Americans’ appetite for meat and dairy – billions of pounds a year from billions of animals – takes a toll on our health, the environment, climate and animal welfare. Producing all this meat and dairy requires large amounts of pesticides, chemical fertilizer, fuel, feed and water. It also generates greenhouse gases and large amounts of toxic manure and wastewater that pollute groundwater, rivers, streams and, ultimately, the ocean. In addition, eating large quantities of beef and processed meats increases your exposure to toxins and is linked to higher rates of health problems, including heart disease, cancer and obesity.
Class Action Filed on Monsanto’s Seed Patents
Once released into the environment, genetically modified seed contaminates and destroys organic seed for the same crop. For example, soon after Monsanto introduced genetically modified seed for canola, organic canola became virtually extinct as a result of contamination. Organic corn, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets and alfalfa now face the same fate, as Monsanto has released genetically modified seed for each of those crops, too. Monsanto is developing genetically modified seed for many other crops, thus putting the future of all food, and indeed all agriculture, at stake.
Interview: A Discussion on Emerging Markets for Organic Grain & Feed
From the 2011 OEFFA workshop handout: Soil health, variety selection, nutrient management, crop rotations, and mechanical cultivation all contribute to improved weed management in organic grains. Keynote speakers Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens will describe how they incorporate these management strategies and how their approach to weed management has changed over time. They organically raise corn, soybeans, small grains, and other crops on 1400 acres.
Interview: Charlie Fritsch on Growing Organic Apples in Ohio
From the OEFFA workshop: Crisp, tasty, high quality apples can be grown following organic practices, even in Ohio if one starts with disease resistant varieties. Researcher and Windy Hill Apple Farm orchardist Charlie Fritsch will offer strategies for managing insects and fungal diseases as well as horticultural concerns for both commercial and backyard orcharding.
Interview: Steve Bosserman on Building a Local Economy
The workshop titled, “Networking Food System Businesses to Build Local Economies”, was co-hosted by Steve Bosserman of the Ohio State University USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Regional Partnerships for Innovation grant team. He is also the president of the consulting firm Bosserman & Associates…
Erie Fresh CSA Now Taking Orders for 2011
In the dead of winter, with two long months to go before the first signs of spring, here is a little reassurance that it won’t be too long before Ohio weather brings the bounty of the growing season! Sponsored in part by The Erie Wire and locally-owned business Health Plus, The Erie County Coalition for Local Resources is proud to announce their third consecutive year operating the Erie Fresh Community Supported Agriculture Program and is now taking orders for 2011.
Earth Beat Radio: Cleveland High School Student Finds Fast Food Burgers Are Only 2% Meat; & What Plant May Replace Soy Meat Products
Many of us have a sneaking suspicion that most hamburgers aren’t exactly grade A meat. But for one high school student in Cleveland, Ohio, a sneaking suspicion wasn’t good enough. Brigid Prayson teamed up with her doctor dad to analyse exactly what’s in fast food burgers.
Register Now for Ohio’s Largest Sustainable Food and Farm Conference
… to be held February 19-20, 2011 in Granville, Ohio. As the state’s largest sustainable food and farm conference, this year’s event will feature keynote speakers Joan Dye Gussow and Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens; more than 70 informative, hands-on workshops; a trade show; a fun and educational kids’ conference; locally-sourced and organic homemade meals; a child care area; and Saturday evening entertainment.
*Accepting cases in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
