Friday Link Round-up
By Lisa Becker Shea on April 30, 2010 – No Comment
Exciting legal battles, BPA controversy, toxin investigations, and inhumane animal treatment. Triumphs for local farmers in Alabama and a CSA at the Chicago Tribune. The food world is full of drama and adventure, all collected here for your viewing pleasure.- A recent review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative affirms that farmers markets, food co-ops and institution buyers are critical pieces to help create sustainable income for family farmers and support local infrastructure.
- The LA Times reports on the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday in Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms, a case involving genetically modified crops that is poised to set the stage for the Court’s first ever ruling on the subject. A Monsanto victory could mean a capture of numerous U.S. crops and set the stage for future litigation of small farmers. Stay tuned!
- The controversy continues over bisphenol-A (BPA) in food and beverage containers continues. Business groups and the food industry are threatening to withdraw their support of a proposed bill for food safety the Senate is set to review late-May.
- The 2012 Farm Bill tactics are discussed at Huffington Post; considerations include the efficiency of direct payments, disaster relief programs, crop insurance and conservation programs. Check out the hearings schedule posted at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition web site.
- The Chicago Tribune embraces a fresh concept helping employees at large institutions pick up their weekly CSA share right at the office thanks to a novel delivery system.
- The Slate takes a look at the toxic hexane residue found in soy foods and possible precautionary measures despite seeming lack of evidence.
- 2010 Dietary Guidelines take head: new research suggests that saturated fats are not so bad, and that processed carbohydrates could be the diet villain.
- Catch-up on the latest government’s participation in food policy at Marion Nestle’s Food Politics blog.
- The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service recently proposed a set of new regulations that will require all meat processors to follow certain lengthy and expensive procedures that suggest a daunting financial burden for small and medium-sized processors.
- An OpEd at the New York Times tackles energy legislation and how current efforts impact global climate change.
- This week, Wal-Mart announces new standards for its beef suppliers to help reduce contamination risk and protect consumer safety.
- An article from Robert Paarlberg at Foreign Policy suggests that as food becomes an “elite preoccupation” in Western culture, effective ways to address global hunger have fallen to the wayside. You can also check out Anna Lappe’s rebuttal on how organic agriculture may indeed be the answer to global hunger. Arguments aside, check out a stunning pictorial of farmers from around the world.
- A somewhat entertaining quip from PepsiCo’s CEO regarding the inadequate exercise habits of Americans has sparked a review of the real science behind obesity.
- The Dean of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences asks his readers to consider the food-security challenge and invest in innovation and education to preserve farmland and remain environmentally responsible.
- Three Tuskegee, Alabama, grocery stores agree to provide local farmers with cooler space for fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Vermont Senate approved new standards of animal treatment in slaughterhouses hot on the tales of the uncovering of a disturbing video revealing inhumane animal treatment.
- The Philadelphia CityPaper tackles the city’s flourishing urban agriculture movement, challenging city agencies to come up with a plan to create a more green city, despite land and funding challenges.
- KFC released the news that in an effort to fight hunger, they will donate the buns they replaced with fried chicken in their artery-clogging Double Down to food pantries in an attempt to win consumers over.
