As research into organic food and farming expands, trends are beginning to emerge validating the multiple benefits of organic systems. Jim Riddle presents concise, understandable summaries of recently conducted research regarding nutrition, pesticide residues, biodiversity, natural resource conservation, soil and water quality, and food safety related to organic production and handling.
by Mardi Mellon and Doug Gurian-Sherman
By 2050, the world will have to feed 9 billion people, adapt to climate change, reduce agricultural pollution, and protect fresh water supplies - all at the same time. Given that formidable challenge, what are the quickest, most cost-effective ways to develop more productive, drought-, flood- and pest-resistant crops?
Here's a very interesting perspective from a long-time researcher who is posting this even before the research is complete because he is so worried about the potential problems with GE Alfalfa. GE Alfalfa is one of the top forage crops for farmers, and its promiscuity makes GMO contamination of non-GMO forage inevitable.
On January 17, internationally recognized plant pathologist Dr. Don Huber, wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack warning of the discovery of a new pathogen and a possible link between Roundup Ready (GMO) corn and soybeans and severe reproductive problems in livestock as well as widespread crop failure. Less than 3 weeks later, the Obama administration approved 2 new Roundup Ready GMO crops, set to be planted this spring ... Read about Dr. Huber's discovery.
The Organic Seed Alliance's recent report, State of Organic Seed (SOS) is the first comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in building the organic seed sector. The report, titled State of Organic Seed: Advancing the Viability and Integrity of Organic Seed Systems, is an ongoing project to monitor the status of organic seed systems in the United States. The report includes data from farmer surveys in 45 states and questionnaires from researchers, certifiers, food and seed industry representatives, and farm and food policy experts. OSA also hosted a full-day State of Organic Seed symposium in February 2010 to discuss data and prioritize next steps. The report is available for free download at www.seedalliance.org.
Confused about what organic really means? A new publication from the University of Minnesota's Jim Riddle and Bud Markhart "What is Organic Food and Why Should I Care?". The publication explains in simple terms USDA National Organic Program requirements and presents footnoted summaries of scientific studies about organic food and farming.
Our food choices have a direct effect on the health of our environment and those who grow and harvest what we eat. That's why food labeled organic is the right choice. In addition to serious health questions linked to actual residues of toxic pesticides on the food we eat, our food buying decisions support or reject hazardous agricultural practices, protection of farmworkers and farm families, and stewardship of the earth.
Download a bi-fold brochure to carry with you at:
Give to family and friends and distribute in your community.
The Pesticide-Induced Diseases Database, launched by Beyond Pesticides, facilitates access to epidemiologic and laboratory studies based on real world exposure scenarios that link public health effects to pesticides.
The common diseases affecting the public's health are all too well-known in the 21st century: asthma, autism and learning disabilities, birth defects and reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, and several types of cancer. Their connection to pesticide exposure continues to strengthen despite efforts to restrict individual chemical exposure, or mitigate chemical risks, using risk assessment-based policy.
Learn more at: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/health/index.php
A simple explanation as to why GMOs may lead to a dramatic increase in food allergies, obesity, diabetes, and other food-related diseases. A description of some of the ecological impacts of Genetic Engineering (GE), such as decline in the populations of Monarch butterflies, black swallowtails, lacewings, and caddisflies, an increase in the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and herbicide-resistant weeds, and a reduction in genetic and biological diversity. By Jim Riddle for Rodale Institute.
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 Failure to Yield, a report by UCS expert Doug Gurian-Sherman released in March 2009. Despite 20 years of research and 13 years of commercialization, genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase U.S. crop yields.
There's more to the apples, cucumbers, peas and other fruits and vegetables you buy than meets the eye. We are consuming more imported fruits and vegetables than ever before. Imported produce is more likely to contain foodborne-illness causing bacteria and illegal levels of pesticides than domestically grown fruit and vegetables. What's worse, a majority of these imports are unlabeled due to loopholes in requirements for country-of-origin labeling.
Check out a new online tool by Food & Water Watch, The Global Grocer: Where is Your Produce From? After filling your shopping cart, Global Grocer shows the likelihood of the food item being imported and from what countries.
From coast to coast, consumers are kicking the bottled water habit and taking back the tap. The word is out: Bottled water can be bad for our wallets, our health and our environment.
Learn more about your local water supply. Standards are actually more stringent for the quality and safety of tap water than for bottled water. This guide, from Food & Water Watch, is intended to help you understand what your water quality report is and how to interpret what it tells you.
Learn more at: http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/bottled/
Finds Livestock on Factory Farms Grew by 20 Percent in 5 Years
Food & Water Watch Analysis has unveiled the newest version of its pioneering Factory Farm Map that charts the concentration of factory farms across the country and the impacts these massive operations have on human health, communities, and the environment. The interactive map illustrates the geographic shift in where and how food is raised in the U.S. and allows anyone to quickly search for the highest concentration of animals by region, state and county.
Watch this incredible movie of Will Harris from White Oak Pastures talk about why he became an organic beef farmer.
Watch Consumer's Union Urvashi Rangan and Organic Center's Chuck Benbrook debate Dennis Avery and John Krebs. "Organic Food is Marketing Hype"