Organic and Sustainable Agriculture News

For swine flu, forget about origins and start thinking about practices Grist - 11/5/2009. By Tom Philpott – Asking when and where this novel H1N1 strain mutated into present form is a bit like trying to identify the first mutant wolf pup that grew into a proper dog. In this context, origin is impossible to identify—and probably not that interesting. The real question is, which of our practices are creating ideal conditions for the mutation of new swine-flu strains not recognized by human immune systems? Genetically modified corn growers not following rules designed to maintain pest resistance Ethicurean - 11/5/2009. As many as 25% of the American farmers growing genetically engineered corn are no longer complying with federal rules intended to maintain the resistance of the crops to damage from insects, according to a Center for Science in the Public Interest report released Thursday based on EPA records. EPA Proposes Labeling to Control Pesticide Drift, Evaluates Petition Environmental News Service - 11/4/2009. Pesticide labeling to reduce off-target spray and dust drift was proposed today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new instructions are aimed at improving the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels and help prevent harm from spray drift, the toxic spray or vapor that travels from treated agricultural fields and into neighboring communities. The agency is also requesting comment on a citizens' petition to evaluate children’s exposure to pesticide drift. As dairy farmers continue to fail, risk grows for our quality of life Kennebec Journal - 11/4/2009. By George Smith – In 1991, I wrote my first column lamenting the loss of Maine's dairy farms. Six hundred farmers were still in the dairy business at that time. In 2002, I wrote a sorrowful plea to save the 412 dairy farmers still clinging tenuously to their way of life. Today, I bid farewell to the open fields, black and white cows and hearty farmers we've lost in the last six years, as well as those who will keep farming until all of their resources are gone. A bid to sustain Maine shrimp Bangor Daily News - 11/3/2009. By Abigail Curtis – Port Clyde: Sizzling shrimp scampi, seafood chowder and the Spanish delicacy gambas al ajillo are just some of the many dishes to make with wild-caught Maine shrimp. Maine shrimp is migrating a little closer to consumers, and its purchase promises a fairer wage to fishermen thanks to subscriptions offered through the Midcoast Fishermen’s Cooperative’s Port Clyde Fresh Catch Community Supported Fisheries. CDC Interim Guidance for Workers who are Employed at Commercial Swine Farms: Preventing the Spread of Influenza A Viruses, Including the 2009 H1N1 Virus MOFGA Announcements - 11/3/2009. In April 2009, an outbreak of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infections were detected in people in North America and then spread around the world. In October 2009, the first case of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a pig in the United States was confirmed. Additionally, pig infections with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have been found in other countries. This interim guidance is issued with the goal of preventing the spread of this novel virus or any other influenza (flu) virus from people to pigs and from pigs to people. These recommendations are for people who work with pigs in the commercial production (farm) setting. The following interim recommendations are based on what are deemed optimal precautions for protecting workers exposed to pigs with known or suspected flu infection on production premises AND for protecting pigs from people with flu. Dollars target organic bread wheat in Maine Bangor Daily News - 11/2/2009. By Sharon Kiley Mack – The University of Maine’s sustainable agriculture program, headed by Ellen Mallory, will share $1.3 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grant money with the University of Vermont for research into local organic bread wheat production. Current  Archive     Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7