Month: September 2016

Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Taking Stock and Moving Forward with the GMO Labeling Bill

Melody Meyer

moving-forwardIn July President Obama signed the bill S.764, establishing the first GMO disclosure standard for food in the US. The bill requires that the Secretary of Agriculture establish a national disclosure standard for bioengineered foods. It represents a huge compromise for many on both sides of the debate. Big agriculture has always been against any disclosure standards, so they are disgruntled. The good food movement feels betrayed by the QR code and 800-number options that companies can potentially use.

So now no one is happy. How did we get here and how do we move forward? Continue reading “Taking Stock and Moving Forward with the GMO Labeling Bill” →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

If You Care About Organic, Show up for Organic

Melody Meyer

GrassrootsOnce again I find myself in the air racking up miles and enjoying the white cotton-ball clouds festooning my flight path. I cross the continent yet again to have meetings and presentations at Expo East. While my body is hurtling towards the delectable food, illuminating conferences and critical connections to come, my thoughts are set on the future of organic and the NOSB meetings in November. I want to make sure everyone who cares about organic shows up for organic in a meaningful way. Continue reading “If You Care About Organic, Show up for Organic” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Dominican Republic – Women Matter!

Melody Meyer

Follow the yellow Brick roadIt is the last day of my work on this island of Hispaniola and I am a speaker at a celebrated conference for Women in Trade Leadership. A bevy of dignitaries, ambassadors and ministers circle the event with television camerawomen documenting the festivities. A diverse group of strong women business leaders engaged in cacao, pineapple, and avocado and greenhouse vegetable production are in attendance. They have taken time from their busy day to listen and learn about sustainable business practices, international marketing and trade as well as the benefits of organic. Continue reading “Dominican Republic – Women Matter!” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Dominican Republic Mission: Why am I Here?

Melody Meyer

pina-truckAt the turn of the century, I used to traverse the globe in search of organic producers. I gallivanted off to Ecuador and Peru customarily accompanied by Fair Trade USA. I traipsed and traversed continents to develop direct relationships with banana growers: important because bananas were our biggest single selling item in terms of volume. I remember long dusty drives on bumpy roads through poor villages only to arrive at some overheated office to meet a group of hardworking Spanish-speaking farmers. I often sat a bit dumbfounded, understanding about half of the conversation, I would ask myself “Why am I here, why me?” Continue reading “Dominican Republic Mission: Why am I Here?” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Dominican Republic Repose with the Storm

Melody Meyer

House2My newest wanderlust leads to a volunteer mission in the Dominican Republic. Ever since my tour in Tunisia, International Executive Service Corps (IESC), has coaxed, cajoled and finally secured another foreign assignment. My past efforts made an impact on organic producers with intentions to enter the international market. So as I fly south over the Bermuda Triangle, I admire the magnificent Cumulonimbus clouds over the wide expanse of blue and I ruminate how I can make a worthwhile impact. Continue reading “Dominican Republic Repose with the Storm” →