Month: August 2017

Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Unbuckling the Corn-Belt – One Drop at a Time

Melody Meyer

There is an African proverb that speaks to our modern agricultural dilemma. It is said that “dirty water cannot be washed.” Yet we continue to pollute our waters with our agricultural practices in the heartland of the continent. Corn and soy are planted in vast expanses, modified to withstand extreme applications of pesticides and herbicides. They are also reliant on vast devotions of synthetic fertilizers.

All these agricultural inputs end up in our waterways and drinking water, harming our health and the environment. There is no easy method to “wash away” these pollutants so pervasive in our waters.   Continue reading “Unbuckling the Corn-Belt – One Drop at a Time” →

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

Are You an Organic Produce Veteran? Sonny Perdue Wants You!

Melody Meyer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that it is accepting nominations from fruit and vegetable industry members to fill 10 seats on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). Originally chartered in 2001, FVIAC meets two times per year to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the many issues affecting the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. Continue reading “Are You an Organic Produce Veteran? Sonny Perdue Wants You!” →

Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

See you in September? The Future of the Organic Check-Off

Melody Meyer

After years of public debate and months of public comments the fate of the GroOrganic check-off now lies in the hands of the USDA. Lauded by many as the answer to organic funding needs, the program is also hotly contested by some small farmers and conventional commodity groups. With the debate now quieted, the destiny of the organic check-off could come into view as early as this fall. Continue reading “See you in September? The Future of the Organic Check-Off” →

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

Food and the Gulf of Mexico – All Rivers Flow into the Sea

Melody Meyer

I was in New Orleans recently with the intention of savoring the food as much as to partake of friends and family. I set about on a culinary expedition of the Cajun-bayou kind mixed up with great helpings of French influence. The food was rich and plentiful, southern soul steeped in Louis X1V sauces. Fried chicken, okra, sausage and crawfish all graced my palate and plate.

Thus I debauched at the bottom of the mighty Mississippi, a land of plenty where the nation’s corn-basket spills out upon an ancient delta rife with issues. So I pondered… How is it that my food and the Gulf of Mexico are intrinsically connected? Continue reading “Food and the Gulf of Mexico – All Rivers Flow into the Sea” →

Environment, What is Organic

Regenerative Agriculture: How does it intersect With Organic?

Melody Meyer

The term Regenerative Agriculture has generated quite a buzz in the last several months. Farmers, ranchers and many companies across the U.S. are embracing the term as a way to heal the planet and combat climate change. Some promote it as the next big stage for food and farming calling it “Beyond Organic.” What exactly is this new farming philosophy and will it take root to become the next big food movement? What does it mean for organic?  Continue reading “Regenerative Agriculture: How does it intersect With Organic?” →