The Latest News and Updates on What’s Going On in the World
Michael Pollan Visits the Daily Show
Michael Pollan visited The Daily Show recently to promote his new book , Food Rules. Simple, sensible, and easy to use, this compact guide from the author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food is a set of memorable rules for eating wisely, many of which are drawn from a variety of ethnic or cultural traditions. His interview with Jon Steward is pretty funny. Take a look:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Michael Pollan | ||||
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PASA Scholarships Awarded
In January, we awarded five $500 scholarships to local farmers to enable them to attend the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture Farming for the Future Conference. This is the third year we have awarded these scholarships to local farmers as part of our mission to promote and strengthen local small farmers dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Winners of the award this year are Lisa Garfield and Patrick Buckingham from Calliope Organic Farm, Tim and Aspen Bell of Community Organics, Julia and Theodore Wycall from Greenbranch Farm, Jeffrey Martyn (interested in raising grass-fed turkeys), and Bruce and Carmen Pape of Deep Grass Nursery.
Supreme Court to Hear First Genetically Engineered Crop Case
The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided to hear the case Monsanto v. Geertson Seed Farms. The case involves Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup ready alfalfa seeds. The Center for Food Safety is saying that the US Department of Agriculture’s approval of the GE alfalfa was illegal. For more information on this groundbreaking case go to Supreme Court Case.
Sweet Potatoes Contain Protective Antioxidants
An article in Farmers’ Markets Today reports that caffeoylquinic acids, which are known for their antioxidant activities, were found in measurable amounts in sweet potatoes by ARS scientists. The highest levels of the compounds were found in the layer of tissue just under the skin, intermediate levels were found in the interior of the sweet potato, and the lowest levels were found in the skin. The research was published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.
Hard Line Aggies vs. No-Nothing Urbanites
A recent op-ed piece in The Los Angeles Times might be of interest to those of you involved in the ongoing conversation about food in this country and in the world. In the piece titled The Facts About Food and Farming, Russ Parsons examines the farm policy debate and proposes some ground rules for the ongoing discussions. It should be of interest to thoughtful persons whether they are coming from a conventional agricultural viewpoint or those who advocate a different farming model.
Sussex County Has Massive Wetland Loss
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) recently reported that Sussex County has lost 2,627 acres of wetland since 1992 leaving residents more vulnerable to flooding and contaminated groundwater. The previous 10 years had only seen 1,990 acres lost in the entire state. For more information go to “Massive Wetland Loss”.
American Medical Association (AMA) Passes Resolution Supporting Sustainable Food System
In June, the AMA approved a new policy resolution to support practices and policies that promote ecologically sustainable food systems. The resolution also calls on the AMA to educate the health care community and the public about the importance of healthy and ecologically sustainable food systems. To read more about the resolution go to AMA Supports Sustainability.
Just How Much Weed Killer is Safe in Our Water Glasses?
There was an interesting article in The New York Times on August 22 concerning atrazine, the very popular weed killer used by farmers and lawn care workers. (The EPA estimates that it is the most heavily used herbicide in the U.S.) It often washes into water supplies and has become among the most common contaminants in American reservoirs and other sources of drinking water. According to the article, new research suggests that atrazine may be dangerous at lower concentrations. Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, the chemical may be associated with birth defects, low birth rates, and menstrual problems. However, please note that officials at EPA say that current regulations are adequate to protect human health, and that doses of atrazine coming through our taps are safe even when concentrations go up. To read more go to Weed Killer.
Organic Sales Continue to Rise
U.S. Sales of organic foods and beverages grew by 15.8% in 2008, reaching $22.9 billion, according to a study completed for the Organic Trade Association by Lieberman Research Group. These latest figures put organic food sales at 3.5% of all food product sales in the U.S.
