Posted on July 1, 2009 by Heather
The biotechnology firm ArborGen has asked the USDA for permission to conduct 29 field trials of genetically engineered “cold tolerant” eucalyptus trees in the U.S. For the first time in history, this massive experiment, which is on the verge of being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the laboratory to test more than 260,000 genetically engineered trees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this proposal.
As it did with GE alfalfa, USDA failed to conduct and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comprehensively address all the relevant issues related to the proposed eucalyptus field trials.
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Filed under: GE Crops, Politics and Policy, Take Action | 2 Comments »
Posted on June 30, 2009 by Heather
Health, Consumer, Environmental, Organic Agriculture, Food Companies, and Farm Groups Join the Call for USDA to reign-in the Biotech Industry
The Center for Food Safety today announced that it delivered more than 20,000 individual comments to the USDA demanding that the agency strengthen oversight of genetically modified (GM) crops to prevent contamination. The Center also delivered two letters on behalf of a wide range of NGOs, farmer associations, and food companies united in their call for USDA to close regulatory loop holes that have allowed GMOs to be planted with minimal government oversight, independent environmental and health testing, or biotech industry accountability. The groups also urged the USDA to freeze approvals of any new GM crops until demonstrable protections are put into place to prevent contamination of seed, crops, and food.
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Filed under: GE Crops, GE Food, Pharm Crops, Politics and Policy | 1 Comment »
Posted on June 25, 2009 by Heather
Appeals Court Rules Planting of Biotech Crop Can Cause Irreversible Harm to Organic and Conventional Crops, Farmers, and the Environment. Monsanto’s Petition to Rehear Denied in Full
In a decision handed down here today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has re-affirmed its previous decision upholding a nationwide ban on the planting of genetically-engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa pending a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Court determined that the planting of genetically modified alfalfa can result in potentially irreversible harm to organic and conventional varieties of crops, damage to the environment, and economic harm to farmers.
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Posted on June 11, 2009 by Heather
On Friday, June 12, “Food, Inc.” the new documentary exposé of the safety hazards and corporate control of our current food system will open in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) provided the filmmakers with both expertise and critical information, and CFS founder and Executive Director Andrew Kimbrell urged all concerned with the food they eat to see the film.
“Food, Inc.” is must-see viewing for everyone who eats,” said the Center’s Kimbrell. “I urge American consumers to make it a point to see this important and revealing film, which will, I hope, help to permanently change the way we all eat.”
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Filed under: Factory Farming, GE Crops, GE Food, Good News, Politics and Policy, Take Action | Leave a Comment »
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The biotechnology firm ArborGen has asked the USDA for permission to conduct 29 field trials of genetically engineered “cold tolerant” eucalyptus trees in the U.S. For the first time in history, this massive experiment, which is on the verge of being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the laboratory to test more than 260,000 genetically engineered trees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this proposal.
