Dear Human, Glyphosate by Any Other Name is Now a Reality

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Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

As a follow up to my interview with Chuck Benbrook, I was astounded to see the verdict come through on the case of Alva and Alberta Pilliod. The jury awarded them an astonishing $2 billion in damages for their exposure to the herbicide glyphosate and their subsequent fight with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Chuck testified in the case on April 17th, and he focused on Monsanto’s “stewardship” and lack thereof for its Roundup-brand herbicides.

Chuck comment that “This verdict will surely get Bayer’s attention. Talk about chickens coming home to roost.” His May 13thblog post, Has Bayer’s Day of Roundup Reckoning Arrived?, elaborates more on the verdict.

What does all this have to do with organic products? Herbicides like glyphosate are explicitly forbidden in organic production. Continue reading →

Chuck Benbrook Speaks Up on Glyphosate, Organic, and the Future of Agriculture

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Charles Benbrook is an expert thinker, strategist, a true comrade marching in the field of agricultural science. He is an expert on GMO high-input conventional farming and the ramifications of herbicide use.

Despite the fact that he is a highly esteemed visiting professor at the University of Newcastle, and principle of Benbrook Consulting Services, I know him simply as “Chuck.” He’s my friend and go-to-person in a world sometimes gone mad with unsustainable farming practices. Continue reading →

The National Organic Program Wants You

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USDA OrganicIt’s that time of year again – the sap is flowing – flowers are budding, and cover crops are getting turned into rich organic loam. It’s spring – the time when the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) convenes for its biannual public meeting.

These meetings are important to everyone involved in the organic industry, and there are several ways to get involved. Continue reading →

Jim Riddle Weighs in on The Future of the GRO Organic Check-Off-Like Program

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After the demise of the USDA mandatory research and promotion check-off attempt, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and Organic Voices (OV) decided to take matters into their own hands. Continue reading →

New Organic Consumer Messaging Campaign is Nothing You Should Ever Have to Read

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The demise of a mandatory organic research and promotion check-off program at the hands of the USDA came with great disappointment.

It also kindled a fiery commitment to the idea that something must be done.

Leading companies and individuals weren’t ready to give up the idea that collectively the organic industry could raise funds for research, education and promotion. Continue reading →