Organic farming, carefully done, can be efficient
Los Angeles Times - 4/27/2012.By Amina Khan – Organic agriculture generally comes at a cost of smaller harvests compared with conventional agriculture, but that gap can be narrowed with careful selection of crop type, growing conditions and management techniques, according a new study. |
|
Crop yields are only part of the organic vs. conventional farming debate
U.S. Food Policy - 4/27/2012.By Parke Wilde – The journal Nature recently had an interesting meta-analysis – or quantitative literature review – about yields from organic agriculture. The accompanying summary says, "conventional agriculture gives higher yields under most situations." This is probably true. Yet, even environmentalists are overreacting to the study. |
|
Change steers students to healthier food choices
Portland Press Herald - 4/26/2012. By Avery Yale Kamila – There will be fewer cupcakes and a greater variety of healthful foods served at Portland schools next fall thanks to new food rules adopted by the Board of Education on Tuesday. Under the new rules, all food served at the schools or by school-affiliated organizations must meet nutrition standards set by the U.S. Department of Agricuture's Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge. |
|
Organic seed outfits see warming trend
Portland Press Herald - 4/25/2012. By Avery Yale – When it comes to the economy, prognosticators would do well to forgo tea leaves and instead look to vegetable seeds. Not only are they a sign of spring, their sales can reflect larger financial trends. Maine is home to five certified organic seed companies, and some are seeing signs of economic recovery in this season's sales. "I think people were more comfortable economically this year," said Gene Frey, who works at Fedco Seeds in Clinton. He came to this conclusion after watching sales of trees and perennials shoot up this year. |
|