I Won a Historic Lawsuit, But May Not Live to Get the Money
In Aug. 2018, a jury in San Francisco unanimously found that Monsanto had failed to warn of the carcinogenic dangers of its popular Roundup herbicide and related products, which Johnson sprayed regularly. Thousands of other cancer victims are also suing Monsanto and awaiting their own day in court, but Johnson was the first to take the company to trial. The jury awarded Johnson a jaw-dropping $289 million, which a judge slashed to $78 million on Oct. 22.
Statement from Just Label It on USDA’s Final Rule for Nationwide Disclosures of GMO Foods
For more than six years, Just Label It has advocated for consumers across the country in support of one basic principle: All Americans have the right to know if their food is genetically engineered, regardless of where they live and what technology they have. Yesterday, the Department of Agriculture released a final rule to implement the mandatory GMO disclosure law, passed in 2016. Read a statement from Gary Hirshberg, chairman of the Just Label It campaign.
In its final GMO labeling rule the USDA says it will not mandate the labeling of highly refined ingredients from GM crops if no ‘modified genetic material’ is detectable, but it will allow manufacturers to make voluntary disclosures on such products in the interests of transparency.
First-Ever Honey Bee Vaccine Offers Hope for Pollinators and Fruit Growers
A growing number of honey bees die each year due to pesticides, vanishing habitats, poor nutrition, and climate change, with potentially disastrous consequences for agriculture and natural diversity. Now, scientists at the University of Helsinki have developed the first edible vaccine against microbial infections, hoping to save at least some of the pollinators. The first vaccine inoculates bees against American foulbrood, a globally spread disease that can kill entire colonies and whose spores can remain viable for more than 50 years. The technology may in future be used to combat fungal diseases and other bacterial infections.
Crystal River stops spraying manufactured weed-killers after resident urges caution
Crystal River staff recently proposed city employees discontinue using glyphosate herbicides on public parks, playgrounds and beaches. Instead, the city is testing out a more natural herbicide concoction and is looking at hiring a seasonal worker next year to help alleviate the burden of hand-picking weeds.
Missouri Farmer First In U.S. To Face Federal Charges Related To Dicamba
A southeastern Missouri cotton and soybean farmer has the distinction of being the first person in the United States to face federal charges over alleged dicamba misuse.
The world’s top 10 countries for sustainable food
France is the most sustainable county in the world when it comes to food. Thanks to the country’s ardent fighting of food waste, acceptance, and adherence of healthy lifestyles, and their approach to sustainable agriculture, they’ve nabbed the crown for this year’s Food Sustainability Index … an accolade that they won last year as well.
How France and Germany Are Ousting Glyphosate In A Search For Healthy Soils and Pesticide-Free Crops
The Macron Government of France is offering its farmers a way out of glyphosate dependency within the next 3 years.
Forty Acres of Farm Land in America is Lost to Development Every Hour
There’s a movement afoot to convert conservation land trusts into new farmer incubators.
An ‘Unreasonable’ Vision For The Future Of Food
New food innovations are popping up everywhere – from food grown in shipping containers in Nigeria’s capital to sustainable supply chain solutions like insect-based animal feed to a grocery store model that increases low-cost food access while reducing waste. Despite lagging investment in food tech, which represents just one-tenth of health tech investments since 2010, intrepid entrepreneurs are scaling bold new ventures that are redefining sustainable business in the food sector.
Consumers file suit against Monsanto over Roundup; Company says it will ‘vigorously’ defend
Over 9,000 plaintiffs have filed suit against the maker of herbicide Roundup over allegations the product caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Lyft is offering $2.50 rides to grocery stores for people living in ‘food deserts’
The ride-hailing app Lyft is helping low-income families get access to food.
Organic industry to introduce fraud prevention program in 2019
Members of an organic supply chain integrity task force have developed best management practices (BMP) guide to prevent organic fraud. Speaking at the Organic & Non-GMO Forum, Gwendolyn Wyard, vice president of regulatory and technical affairs at the Organic Trade Association (OTA), gave an update on the guide and other initiatives to address fraud in the organic industry.
Farm Bill Passes, and These Hemp Companies Will Be Big Winners
The 2018 Farm Bill was passed by the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 87-13. The next move is that the legislation heads to the House for a vote — and then if it passes there, it goes to President Trump to be signed into law. It is expected to face no significant challenges.
]]>French Government Starts Phase-Out of Glyphosate with Online Farmer Platform and Herbicide Tax
The French government has released its glyphosate ‘phase-out’ online platform, in an attempt to help farmers across the country to stop using the world’s most used herbicide before 2020.
These 11 Companies Control Everything You Buy
The rapid rise of variation in everyday goods and services, from which cereal we eat in the morning to which toothpaste we brush our teeth with at night, gives the perception of unlimited choice. For example, if you’re deciding which bottled water to buy, the possibilities range from budget brands, like Deer Park or Ozarka, to higher-end options, like Perrier or S. Pellegrino. But this appearance of choice is actually manufactured. All of the aforementioned brands are owned by one company: Nestle.
The weedkiller in our food is killing us
Growing research show that glyphosate, one of the most widely used herbicides in the US, causes cancer.
Roundup In Montgomery Parks: Lawmaker Questions Safety Of Popular Weed Killer
There’s a new effort to end its use in county parks. Councilmember Tom Hucker (D-District 5) says even though there is still debate about the safety of Roundup in the scientific community, there is enough evidence to make it a clear choice.“We’re talking about whether you’d rather have weeds or you’d rather have cancer,” says Hucker, who recently wrote a letter to Montgomery Parks asking the agency to stop using the chemical.
Vegan NBA Star John Salley Invests In Plant-Based Pesticide To Rival Monsanto
Four-time NBA champion, vegan, and wellness entrepreneur John Salley has acquired an equity stake in plant-based pesticide company, PureCrop1.
Is this the fanciest farm in the world? (Probably.)
Dutchess County, a Hudson Valley region just north of New York City, boasts more than 675 farms over 10,000 acres of arable land. There are orchards, vineyards, fruit farms and flower farms that supply goods to community-supported agriculture, farmers’ markets and local businesses. And then, there’s the Dutchess.
Can We Meet A Growing Need For Food Without Destroying Our Environment?
An evolving concept called “sustainable intensification” aims to bridge the gap between conventional agriculture and organic farming.
U.S. certified organic operations outpaced acreage for 2018
U.S. certified organic farm operation expansion has outpaced organic acreage according to research conducted by Mercaris for its 2018 Organic and Non-GMO Acreage Report.
New Report: Toxic Weed Killer on The Menu in K-12 Schools Across the Country
A new report by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found high levels of the toxic weed killer glyphosate in over 70 percent of the oat-based breakfast foods commonly served in K-12 schools across the country. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, the world’s most widely used herbicide, is applied on farms that grow corn, soybeans, oats, and hundreds of other crops. From there, it can make its way into our food, especially popular breakfast cereals and nutrition bars.
Meet the venture capitalists that are building the future of food.
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Bayer Pursued Monsanto Despite Weedkiller Suits and Executive’s Concern
Takeover bid lacked support of German company’s CEO at the time—and now Bayer shares are in a rut
German Minister for Environment Pushing for End of Glyphosate
The German Federal Minister for the Environment is calling for pesticide-free compensation areas and a binding date for the phase-out of glyphosate. However, this has annoyed the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Oregon County Pesticide Ban Model for Fight Against Farm Chemicals
A grassroots effort in a seaside Oregon county last year could serve as an example for how other communities can beat large corporate interests.
Africa Doesn’t Need Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Some scientists have proposed genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes as a solution to controlling malaria, a scourge that has been around for centuries and is spread by mosquitoes.
Corn tortillas are an integral part of the Mexican diet. But the native corn species, and the traditional way of making them, are disappearing. A new company called Tamoa is trying to change that.
European Parliament Group Finds Pesticides in Hair Samples Across Europe
The European Parliament just released the results of a unique long-term exposure ‘pesticides in hair’ testing project, initiated by The Detox Project and Kudzu Science.
Hoophouse Vegetable Crop Rotations
The benefits of crop rotations are to optimize the health and fertility of the land; maximize productivity; reduce pests, diseases and weeds; meet Organic Certification requirements and make the planning work easier on the brain. On a more invisible level, crop rotations help maintain the soil food web — a balance of the tiny soil micro-organisms which keep the soil organic matter healthy and able to fend off pathogens.
A Drifting Weedkiller Puts Prized Trees At Risk
Dicamba continues to destroy crops and nearby plants. This time the weedkiller has been found guilty of damaging prized cypress trees that line Reelfoot Lake, in northwestern Tennessee.
We don’t have enough organic farms. Why not?
Organic food sales in the U.S. doubled over the last decade, but organic farming hasn’t kept pace. That may change as farmers partner with brands.
]]>GM mosquito pilot abandoned as officials admit it did not work
Plans to use genetically modified mosquitoes to rid the world of diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and zika have faltered after officials admitted that a major pilot had not worked.
California judge orders next Monsanto weed-killer cancer trial for March
A California judge granted an expedited trial in the case of a California couple suffering from cancer who sued Bayer AG’s Monsanto unit, alleging the company’s glyphosate-containing weed killer Roundup caused their disease.
One of Trump’s Top EPA Officials Was Just Indicted on State Ethics Charges
Onis Glenn is accused of taking part in an effort to block the cleanup of a polluted Alabama neighborhood.
Arkansas Plant Board votes for usage of dicamba
The state Plant Board gave tentative approval Monday to allowing dicamba for in-crop use next year, though the matter won’t be settled for several more weeks.
Rural America’s Own Private Flint: Polluted Water Too Dangerous to Drink
Nitrates, a common farming byproduct from manure spreading, have been linked to an array of serious health risks.
Today, leading toxics experts released a scientific paper in the journal PLOS Medicine warning of the dangers widely-used agricultural pesticides pose to children’s health and development. The authors found that exposure to organophosphate pesticides, even at low levels previously considered safe, can lead to cognitive problems in children, like reduced IQ, developmental delays and increased risk of learning disabilities.
Europeans join forces to call for higher level of protection from pesticides
The current pesticide authorization system is not fit for purpose, say 118 civil society organizations and 25 experts.
A New EPA Rule Would Allow Factory Farms to Avoid Reporting Air Pollution
A proposed rule from acting EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler would free large animal feedlots from having to report potentially toxic air emissions from animal waste.
Report: Toxic herbicide found in many Texans’ drinking water
Nearly 500 water utilities across the state tested positive for atrazine — a weed killer — which can lead to harmful health effects, according to a new report. The Environmental Working Group also found that utilities are testing water during times when the herbicide isn’t being used as much — and that they may be lowballing the results.
AS WILDFIRE SMOKE FILLS THE AIR, FARMWORKERS CONTINUE TO LABOR IN THE FIELDS
As fires clogged the air in Southern California, farmworkers continued to work, even as public-school students and others were told to stay home and indoors.
]]>‘Troubling allegations’ prompt Health Canada review of studies used to approve popular weed-killer
Maker of Roundup denies any hidden influence on studies used in approval process
Neonicotinoids Impact Bees’ Nursing and Social Behaviors, Study Finds
Exposure to neonicotinoid compounds, the world’s most commonly used insecticides, directly impacts the social behavior of bumblebees, causing them to be less active and less likely to care for or feed larvae, according to a new study published in the journal Science.
Questions About Use Of Glyphosate Start Creeping Into Cascadia
Use of the weed killer was questioned in Kitsap County after a jury ruled it caused a California man’s cancer.
New Study Finds Harmful Agricultural Pesticides in Rural New York State Homes
In a study published Sept. 22 in JSM Health Education & Primary Health Care, College of Human Ecology researchers Joseph Laquatra, Mark Pierce, Alan Hedge and Ann Lemley examined the extent of indoor pesticide pollution in New York state rural homes.
Everything You Need to Know About Container Gardening
Pots, tubs, and half barrels overflowing with flowers add appeal to any garden, but container gardening can serve a practical purpose too. Container gardening is ideal for those with little or no garden space. In addition to growing flowers, gardeners limited to a balcony, small yard, or only a patch of sun on their driveway can produce a wide variety of vegetable crops in containers. Basil, chives, thyme, and other herbs also are quite happy growing in pots, which can be set in a convenient spot right outside the kitchen door.
10 Numbers That Show How Much Farmland We’re Losing to Development
“Farms Under Threat,” a new report from the American Farmland Trust, shows the dire state of our nation’s farmlands.
Europe’s Move On Antibiotic Use In Livestock Leaves U.S. In The Dust Again
In a move designed to slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” in human health linked to farms, a few days ago the European Parliament approved restrictions on the use of antimicrobials in healthy livestock. The new legislation, which is expected to become law by 2022, bans the use of antibiotics for animals that are important for human medicine and prohibits the use of any antimicrobials in livestock without a prescription from a vet, reports Feedstuffs.
Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Foodstirs Becomes First Glyphosate Residue Free Certified Baking Mix Company
Foodstirs Modern Baking, the most sustainable organic baking mix brand modernizing the industry, proudly announces that all three of its bake-your-own Organic chewy oat bar mixes have been certified by The Detox Project as Glyphosate Residue-Free. Additionally, the remaining portfolio of Foodstirs products are currently being tested to ensure their entire line of products receives this groundbreaking certification.
5 Super-Fast Indoor Vegetables You Can Grow In About A Month
Winter gardening is good for the mind. It keeps us thinking and learning new things, which helps our brains stay alert, healthy and young.
Doctors’ group confirms toxic pesticides not needed in parks, green spaces
We, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), have released a new report which refutes the myth that municipalities need to use toxic pesticides in parks and green spaces, if they hope to avoid a dandelion apocalypse. That has been a fear expressed by some municipalities, faced with the restrictions imposed by bans on the use of toxic pesticides on lawns and gardens, particularly in Manitoba and Alberta.
Pediatricians Warn Against Using Plastic Numbers 3, 6, 7
The next time you use a plastic container or bottle, you might want to look at the little number inside the triangle recycling symbol.
How your recycling habits can affect the way you invest
Most of us are living cleaner and more sustainable lives. We recycle more, get more of our energy from renewable sources, and some of us even drive electric cars. But does it affect how we invest?
]]>The EPA’s Climate Change Page Is Just Gone Now
A report released this week by the Environmental Data & Governance Initiative reveals that the removal of climate change information from the EPA website is set to be a long-term policy of the Trump administration.
Glyphosate herbicide sales banned in Punjab
After the state agriculture department recently passed an order, manufacturers, marketers, and dealers in Punjab will not be allowed to sell the toxic chemical or its formulations.
Sidelined children’s health official says EPA inaction means “kids are disposable”
Making sure children are protected from environmental toxins has been Dr. Ruth Etzel’s job at the Environmental Protection Agency. She’s the agency’s top pediatric expert – the author of textbooks and policy handbooks on children’s environmental health. As director of the Office of Children’s Health Protection (OCHP), it was her job to determine the impacts of regulations on children.
DDT linked to an increase in autism risk in new study
Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that mothers with higher exposure to the banned pesticide had an increased risk of a child developing autism.
Robotic bees could pollinate plants in case of insect apocalypse
Intensive modern farming methods and the unraveling consequences of global climate change are said to have put the future of the common bee under threat like never before.
How A Regenerative Revolution Could Reverse Climate Change
Earlier this month the world’s leading climate scientists released the most urgent warning on climate change to date. It describes the implications of our current warming trajectory, including dire food shortages, large-scale human migration and crises ranging from a mass die-off of coral reefs to increasingly extreme weather events. To reverse course, the report calls for a global transformation of historically unprecedented speed and scale. As one of the IPCC study’s co-chairs emphasized, “The next few years are probably the most important in our history.”
Bayer CEO says would consider glyphosate settlement depending on costs
Bayer AG’s chief executive said this week the company might consider settling lawsuits over Monsanto’s glyphosate-containing weed-killers depending on how high court costs rise but stressed it remained focused on defending the combined company against claims they cause cancer.
Bayer Sags as Judge Finds Roundup Weed Killer Caused Cancer
Bayer AG shares slumped after the German conglomerate failed to persuade a California state judge to set aside a jury’s verdict in the first trial over allegations that its Roundup weed killer causes cancer.
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