Month: September 2013

Environment

Synthetic Biology: The next generation of Genetic Engineering

Melody Meyer

Synthetic Biology in our handsLast week I went to the beach to take in the immense biodiversity of the marine sanctuary that is the Monterey Bay. While looking for frolicking dolphins, I noticed a number of young people with their eyes glued to their phones. It led me to reflect on how our personal time has been altered by computers and science. I recently learned that the same holds true for genetic engineering. New breakthroughs with computers and DNA strands are occurring rapidly and raising the very nature of genetic engineering to a new level.

This leads me to a question I’d like to explore in this post: What in the world is Synthetic Biology? Continue reading “Synthetic Biology: The next generation of Genetic Engineering” →

What is Organic

Dip into the Science at Expo East

Melody Meyer

The Organic CenterWhile canoeing in Montana this summer, I was fortunate enough to paddle next to an esteemed scientist. Her passion for encouraging our youth to participate in areas of science and research was contagious.

I understand how breakthroughs in emerging science can give meaning and understanding to the rapidly changing world we live in. The same can be said for the science of understanding the benefits of organic agriculture and organic food. It behooves all of us to pay attention to the science as we navigate our way into the future. Continue reading “Dip into the Science at Expo East” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

The National Organic Program needs you!

Melody Meyer
The National Organic Program administers the O...
The National Organic Program administers the Organic Seal to products that meet the requirements. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The National Organic Program (NOP) receives recommendations on policy and proposed regulatory changes from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This 15 member board is comprised of specialists in various areas of the organic industry. The experts also rely on YOU, the organic community, to provide comments on their proposals and deliberations in order to make the best decisions on how to move our industry forward. Continue reading “The National Organic Program needs you!” →

What is Organic

Fall into GMO Action now!

Melody Meyer

Turning of the SeasonsIt is getting very heated in Washington State despite the fact that fall is officially upon us next week.

I just recently read in Politico that, “Big money is making a comeback in the GMO-labeling battle, but opponents argue that the food industry’s dollars might not carry as much weight this time around.” The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Monsanto, Bayer Cropscience, Dupont Pioneer and Dow Agrosciences have all contributed big bucks to oppose Washington State -522 which will be on the ballot this November.  The most prominent opponents of GMO labeling, Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer, wrote $4.5 million and $3.2 million checks, respectively, this week to fund the campaign against I-522, the state’s campaign finance disclosures show. For more information on these companies read my blog: “GMO Answers – It’s all how you ask the Question”.  Continue reading “Fall into GMO Action now!” →

What is Organic

Boycott that Brand! Is this the real path to change?

Melody Meyer

Boycott?The organic media is ablaze with boycotts and declarations of industry treason. Familiar brands you thought you could trust, ones that have been proudly displayed on shelves for years, are now under attack. Retailers who have embraced the organic and natural movement are demonized as villains. Continue reading “Boycott that Brand! Is this the real path to change?” →