News

2014-05-13 |

Spain: Genetically Modified Corn Worries Spanish Farmers

Jose Miguel Sanz, chairman of the Aragonese Committee for Ecological Agriculture, is urging increased information and transparency for Spanish consumers regarding genetically modified (GM) corn, in the face of debates in Europe on the subject.

2014-05-12 |

Agriculture consultants see more farmers moving to Non-GMO production

Richard Kalmolvathin says non-GMO production is a good start to making agriculture more sustainable. “It’s the spark to the fuse,” he says. “We recommend non-GMO and believe it is the future.”Kalmolvathin’s South Dakota-based company, Verity Farms, LLC is one of a growing number of businesses that are helping US farmers switch to non-GMO and more sustainable farming practices. Verity works with 300-400 farmers throughout the US to help them grow healthier plants, which will produce healthier foods for people and animals.

2014-05-12 |

Argentine scientist, who warned of glyphosate health hazards, dies

Carrasco2 Andrés Carrasco in Brussels (Foto: V. Gehrmann)

Dr. Andrés Carrasco, an Argentine neuroscientist who confirmed the devastating effects of glyphosate on embryonic development, has died aged 67. Argentina's national science council CONICET announced on Saturday the death of its former president, who had been in declining health. Carrasco, a professor of Molecular Embryology Laboratory at the University of Buenos Aires, was a widely published expert and a thorn in Monsanto's side: His 2010 study provided scientific evidence that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, the world’s top-selling herbicide, can cause serious embryonic damage. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, found that glyphosate leads to malformations in frog and chicken embryos when applied in doses much lower than what is commonly used in agricultural spraying. It also noted that these malformations were similar to human birth defects observed in GM soy-producing areas exposed to glyphosate.

2014-05-11 |

The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted

FAO: The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted during any stage of organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of GMOs to both the environment and health is not entirely understood, organic agriculture is taking the precautionary approach and choosing to encourage natural biodiversity. The organic label therefore provides an assurance that GMOs have not been used intentionally in the production and processing of the organic products.

EU: Typical organic farming practices include, absolute prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms.

USDA: Organic farms and processors do not use genetically modified ingredients.

IFOAM: All organic regulations around the world prohibit the use of GMOs in organic products, as they are in stark contrast to the philosophy of organic farming.

Soil Association: GM crops and ingredients are banned under organic standards. Choosing organic is an effective way to avoid GM in your diet.

Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International: Fairtrade standards include requirements for environmentally sound agricultural practices. The focus areas are: minimized and safe use of agrochemicals, proper and safe management of waste, maintenance of soil fertility and water resources and no use of genetically modified organisms. Fairtrade standards do not require organic certification as part of its requirements. However, organic production is promoted and is rewarded by higher Fairtrade Minimum Prices for organically grown products.

2014-05-09 |

Vermont governor signs law to require labels on GMO foods

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, has vowed to sign a GMO labeling bill on May 8, saying on Twitter that residents deserve to know what’s in their food. The legislation will require certain products sold in the state to note that they “may be partially produced with genetic engineering.”The law, which would take effect in July 2016, could ripple through neighboring states such as Connecticut and Maine. They have passed GMO labeling laws that are triggered when other states jump first.

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