Breaking News: IARC Creates Carcinogen Confusion

In Biotechnology, Food, government, International, Media, Regulations by Cathryn

Cancer terrifies all of us. Given the painful memories almost every person has in America, this is completely reasonable. Yet, the precise global agency tasked with assessing cancer risks most probably generates a great deal of unnecessary fear according to a Reuters report released today. Delving into how experts in public health, academia and industry view the findings of the …

Automakers Join Crowds Amassing to Tear Down That Blend Wall

In Biofuels, Ethanol, Regulations by Cathryn

Lately, many more people have become familiar with the concept of a blend wall. Claiming the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates levels of ethanol use too high to be met in the face of declining fuel consumption, the oil industry wants a waiver. According to information released today by the Renewable Fuel Association, the entire concept of a blend wall is …

Support for California GMO-labeling Proposition Plummets

In Biotechnology, Food, Food Prices, Prop. 37, Regulations by Cathryn

As the election draws closer, more and more California voters oppose Proposition 37, commonly referred to as the GMO-labeling law. A sharp decline in support, 19 percent in two weeks, shows that Californians understand the regulation increases opportunities for frivolous lawsuits and redefines simple terms like “natural” in a confusing way without actually providing useful information that benefits consumers. In …

The Company Proposition 37 Keeps

In Biotechnology, Food, Politics, Prop. 37, Regulations by Cathryn

Voters, confronted by an onslaught of political advertising this year, might not have the time or energy to carefully peruse every issue confronting them on the ballot. With a myriad of possible implications and unspecified consequences, each issue presents challenges for even the politically-minded citizen. In the battle to make a choice that reflects their actual intention, many voters, quite …

News Flash! RFS Based in Benefits of Ethanol, Not Random Regulation

In Biofuels, Ethanol, Food vs Fuel, Regulations by Cathryn

Drowned out by adamant cries rising from sides that oppose or support a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard, an important question has been, in a large part, ignored. Would waiving the RFS have the desired affect? With a single, simple action, can the EPA actually lower corn prices and improve the profitability of the livestock industry? This weekend, the …

GMO Labeling Proponents Tell Consumers They Know Everything, Trust They Know Nothing

In Biotechnology, Food, Food Prices, government, Prop. 37, Regulations by Cathryn

Hypocrisy has a strange way of coming to light during campaign season. For candidates and for ballot initiatives alike, the incongruent motivations of the groups promoting a particular vote often tanks what, at first glance, seemed to be a positive, simple campaign.  A ruling last week clarifying the ballot language to be used on California Proposition 37, the GMO-labeling law, …

Join the Friendly Farm Faces on Capitol Hill This Summer

In Corny News, Education, Farm Bill, Farming, General, government, Media, Politics, Regulations, State Groups by Cathryn

Have you ever heard about the Corn Farmers Coalition and wondered who actually sees this stuff? Sure, the ads catch attention from a mile away.  Sure, the beaming family farmers, on their real farms, convey powerful, impactful messages about today’s farm.  Sure, these ads appear to be something that would draw any normal reader into a short ag literacy lesson. …

News: Common Sense No Longer Common

In Farming, feed, Food, Livestock, Media, Regulations by Cathryn

Today, the Associated Press demonstrated why common sense is no longer common and often does not make a significant amount of so-called sense.  In a story written to promote a Eurocentric anti-modern meat agenda, the media source rambles on about the evils of administering antibiotics to sick cattle, pigs and chickens. Fear-mongering at its finest, the author uses sparse quotes …

Corn Farmers Coalition Showcases Facts About Family Farmers

In Activism, Current News, Education, Environmental, Farming, General, government, Media, Politics, Regulations, State Groups, Sustainability by Mark

If you haven’t already tuned into the new level of activism in agriculture, especially regarding misinformation on our largest industry, then you won’t find better evidence of this evolving cultural phenomenon than the Corn Farmers Coalition. Speaking to a couple of family farmers recently they expressed their frustration at the misinformation, innuendo and outright fabrications that are being used to …

Atrazine Loss Would Impact Sweet Corn

In Environmental, Farming, Regulations by Cindy

A summer without sweet corn would be like a summer without sunshine, but that could be in our future if atrazine is eliminated as a weed control. Granted, sweet corn only accounts for about one percent of all the corn produced in the United States, but it is a high value crop for states like Florida and California, with a …