The FDA's Christmas Present for Factory Farms
On Dec. 22, while even the nerdiest observers were thinking more about Christmas plans than food-safety policy, the FDA snuck a holiday gift to the meat industry into the Federal Register. The agency announced it had essentially given up any pretense of regulating antibiotic abuse on factory farms, at least for the time being. Wired's diligent Maryn McKenna has the background. She reports that way back in 1977—when livestock farming was much less industrialized than it is today—the FDA announced its intention to limit use of key antibiotics on animal farms. The reason: By that time, it was already obvious that routine use of these drugs would generate antibiotic-resistant pathogens that endanger humans. In the decades since, the agency has ruminated and mulled, appointed committees and consulted experts, all the while delaying making a final decision on the matter. As McKenna demonstrates, the industry has shown no signs it will "volunteer" to cut back on antibiotics.
Maria Rodale: Why the Farm Bill Matters
by guest blogger Amy Blankstein of Just Food, a non-profit that turns "food deserts" (i.e., neighborhoods underserved by supermarkets and other food retailers) into "islands of sustainability." I have a confession to make: I'm intimidated by the Farm Bill. Luckily, some of my colleagues at Just Food get it (as much as it can be gotten) and can take the time to explain it to me. As much as I'd like to avoid thinking about the Farm Bill altogether and just focus on the incredibly rewarding projects we work on to connect local rural and urban farmers and New York City consumers, ignoring the Farm Bill is not an option for me--it has a tremendous impact on my own life and on the lives of the thousands of people who participate in Just Food's programs. If you eat food--and I'm guessing that you do--ignoring the Farm Bill is not an option for you either. Normally, the road to the final Farm Bill Act takes about a year or so. As a result of all that gridlock, democracy is on hiatus.
Farm Bill 2012 | A Grist Special Series
The Farm Bill is a huge piece of legislation that literally shapes the American farm and food landscape. And it’s no small potatoes. In 2008, the Farm Bill appropriated over $284 billion. Most of the money that doesn’t go toward food assistance programs ends up in the pockets of those producing commodity crops, or as Michael Pollan calls them, “building blocks of fast food.” The Farm Bill, continues Pollan, “isn’t a bill just for farmers. Unfortunately, the 2012 Farm Bill process began on a note that was less transparent than ever before. Throughout the process, one thing has been clear; the 2012 Farm Bill will require significant cuts.
A farm bill in 2012? Don’t hold your breath
The “smoking ruins” of the “Secret Farm Bill” aren’t a very fun place to be. Your tour of the site includes proposed cuts to conservation programs, reductions in federal nutrition programs, and problematic expansions of crop insurance, including the creation of a controversial new subsidy known as “shallow loss insurance” that would guarantee farmer income in the event of small drops in sky-high commodity prices. There’s also all that exhausting post-hype fallout raining down. It’s time to ask: What are the chances that any of this will come to pass as scheduled this year? But here come the red flags. As president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), Conner is in a good position to speak on the matter. Conner did leave open the possibility that a farm bill could pass before the election if there’s one ready by Memorial Day. The picture is looking so bleak that good food advocates can be forgiven for rooting for delay.
Organic Processing Industry Structure
Organic Processing Industry Structure The development of the USDA National Organic Standard in place of differing state/regional standards was widely predicted to accelerate trends of increasing consolidation in this sector. The first draft of the standard was released in 1997; what changes in ownership and control have since occurred? Click to zoom (requires latest version of Silverlight in some browsers) PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Acquisitions & Alliances, Top 100 Food Processors in North AmericaMost acquisitions of organic processors occurred between December, 1997 when the draft USDA standard was released, and its full implementation in October, 2002. Heinz acquired a 19.5% stake in Hain Celestial in 1999 while also transferring ownership of their Earth's Best brand, but sold all of its Hain Celestial stock in 2005. PDF version of Organic Industry Structure: Major Independents and Their Subsidiary Brands Network Animation of Data from 1995 to 2007 View QuickTime Version
Former antitrust chief: Meatpacking industry is unfair | Harvest Public Media
“When you have that high a level of concentration, there’s an imbalance of power. There’s just not a level playing field.” That’s what J. Butler, who had experience suing poultry processors, reinvigorated the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) when he took over the department in May 2009. Click here to read more about Butler’s tenure The rules would have prevented meatpackers from favoring big feedlots, often at the expense of smaller operations. “There’s a situation where you might not get paid what you should get paid for your cattle,” Butler said. Many independent farmers say that the sweetheart deals they aren’t privy to can cost them a lot in profits. “I feel it is not a truly competitive system and to play in that game it takes clout, which being a small producer we don't have,” farmer Robert Keune told our Harvest Network. Keune is a livestock producer and farmer from Wisconsin. Butler said his goal was to level the playing field. What do you think?
Monsanto hires Blackwater to monitor GMO bloggers | Lansing Online News
By Bonnie Bucqueroux on October 4, 2010 If ever two corporations deserved each other, it’s Monsanto and Blackwater, now called Xe in the hope that you cannot pronounce it. According to Digital Journal, Monsanto finally admitted to hiring Blackwater, not only to keep watch for the safety of personnel overseas, but to monitor blogs of people who might not be fond of the corporations relentless efforts to feed us GMO food without our knowing. Blackwater is famous for hiring former Green Berets and CIA officers to do pretty much what corporations want them to do. (Don’t ask and don’t tell or we will have to kill you.) Monsanto is famous for heavy-handed methods to promote its Frankenfoods. The BBC ran a series a few years ago about Monsanto’s efforts to produce GMO piggies – wee wee wee.Part 1 of 5 – click here for more Have I ruined your appetite? The reality is that international corporations like Monsanto and their mercenary private armies are a kingdom unto themselves.