I remember with no measure of fondness the industry skirmishes that transpired after the GMO disclosure standard was enacted last July. It was a deal that no one on either side wanted. The USDA recently posted 30 questions on their website that will be used to draft their proposed rule. No matter how much you dislike this rule, it’s time to lay down your sword and provide real input to make it as robust as possible. Continue reading “30 Questions for You on the GMO Labeling Standard”
Tag: GMO labeling
A Political Sea Change for the Good Food Movement
It’s been just a few weeks since our political world took a turn into uncharted seas. We had been progressing along swimmingly, making progress on the likes of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, local organic food hubs and vibrant conservation programs. We had the luxury of squabbling over the recommendations of the NOSB wrangling over every nuance of organic production. We took the National Organic Program for granted as an institutional “holy maceral” that would carry us someday into regulatory utopia.
All of that came to an abrupt halt last November when the new political tide rolled in. These uncharted waters are like nothing we have navigated before, and the good food movement should take heed and consider rowing with a united stroke if we are to remain afloat. Continue reading “A Political Sea Change for the Good Food Movement”
Taking Stock and Moving Forward with the GMO Labeling Bill
In 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”
Solstice and Stevia the World Keeps Turning
This week we celebrate the first day of summer, my 57th summer solstice. This first day of the summer is when the North Pole is at its maximum tilt and slant towards the sun. The sun reaches its highest point in our sky, the warmth and light intensify in our northerner climes. We experience the longest day and the shortest night. As our world leans in towards the light, these turn and returns are symbolic of lessons that return, must be learned and relearned. Remembering our mistakes and taking heed for the future is key as we navigate the future of food and the planet. Continue reading “Solstice and Stevia the World Keeps Turning”
What are GMO’s and Why Label?
I recently had someone ask me to explain what GMO’s really are. What is the entire hullabaloo really about? Why clamor for labeling when we have been engineering genes for thousands of years?
The question made me realize that I can’t assume I have an audience always well versed in such details. Thus it is always good to clarify and cover the basics. So if you already know this stuff, dear reader, STOP READING NOW! Instead, forward it to someone who may not know, share it on Facebook with friends, and give it a tweet. .
You’ll be doing what I intend to do, educate, motivate and activate another person, family and friend. Continue reading “What are GMO’s and Why Label?”