June 2013 -

What are Genetically Modified Organisms?

GMO’s are plants or animals created through the process of genetic engineering. This experimental technology forces DNA from one species into a different species. The resulting GMOs are unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional breeding. The majority of GMO crops are engineered to produce Bt in their DNA. Bt is a protein that is toxic to chewing insects and is produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and has long been used as a biological pesticide. Here is a Research Paper on the effects of Bt products in Humans. None of the genetically engineered traits in commercial production offer increased yields, drought tolerance or nutritional superiority. Continue reading “The What How and Why on GMO’s” →

Organic Policy and Regulations

No Farm Bill

June 21, 2013June 22, 2013 Melody Meyer

Here’s a word that could sum up what happened yesterday in the U.S. House: disappointing.

At the end of a fairly short three day session, The House Farm Bill failed to pass by a vote of 195-234. What this means is the Farm Bill cannot advance into a full conference even though the Senate passed its version just two weeks ago.

Is the Farm Bill dead? Was it dead upon arrival anyway?

So what went wrong? Continue reading “No Farm Bill” →

Organic Policy and Regulations

What Farm Bill?

June 17, 2013 Melody Meyer

You eat, therefore you live. So shouldn’t you know what’s in the current version of the US Farm Bill? If you’re an engaged member of the organic food industry, you should be well acquainted with the Farm Bill and be willing to take action.

Here’s why: we need more federal funding. Continue reading “What Farm Bill?” →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Embracing the WHY: A path to inspiration and growth

June 14, 2013 Melody Meyer

Most days we are actively engaged in running our businesses, maintaining what we do with the greatest of care and efficiency. We utilize metrics, milestones and deliverables as incentives to create profitable businesses. We employ specialized individuals who are experts in their field that help drive our businesses with new technologies and technical prowess. As business people we know what to do and how to do it, but do we understand and fully communicate the WHY? Continue reading “Embracing the WHY: A path to inspiration and growth” →

What is Organic

Connecticut passes mandatory GMO Labeling Bill!

June 4, 2013June 10, 2013 Melody Meyer

The Connecticut bill HB 6527, the first ever State GMO labeling bill, was ratified by the House and Senate after much mediation and grass roots communication. After several days of intense negotiation between the Senate, the House, and the Governor’s office, several compromises were reached.

An amendment exempting farmers growing less than 1.5 million dollars, which would have rendered the bill meaningless, was not included. However, the following language was inserted to ensure the law will only go into effect when: “Four states, not including this state, enact a mandatory labeling law for genetically-engineered foods that is consistent with the provisions of this subsection, provided one such state borders Connecticut; and (2) the aggregate population of such states located in the northeast region of the United States that have enacted a mandatory labeling law for genetically-engineered foods that is consistent with this subsection exceed twenty million based on 2010 census figures.”

Continue reading “Connecticut passes mandatory GMO Labeling Bill!” →