Organic soybeans remain a hot topic in early 2022 prompting interest in alternatives

With continually rising organic soybean prices remaining a key point of market concern, the question for many becomes which alternative source of organic protein makes the most sense in the current market? This month we explore supply, pricing, and potential substitutes for organic proteins in the Mercaris Monthly Market Update. Soybeans remain a primary source […]

New “Bioengineered” GMO labeling law denounced as weak, complicated, and full of loopholes

The new U.S. GMO labeling law, called the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), took effect on January 1st and was widely criticized by both opponents and supporters of GMO foods. Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety, which filed the lawsuit said: “These regulations are not about informing the public but […]

Public interest groups push court to expedite lawsuit over EPA’s dicamba approval

Center for Food Safety, Center for Biological Diversity, Pesticide Action Network, and National Family Farm Coalition filed a motion to speed up their litigation challenging the legality of EPA’s 2020 registration of dicamba pesticide uses on cotton and soybeans. In December 2021, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report declared widespread harm to farmers and endangered […]

Delaware Valley University receives organic farming grant

The Organic Farming Program of Delaware Valley University (DelVal) has received a major investment—a grant from the William Hearst Foundation. The funds will enable the school to offer summer programming for the Organic Farming Certificate Program (OFCP) and boost marketing for the Organic Farming Program. The OFCP is prioritizing the next generation of organic farmers […]

As-needed pesticide use brings wild bees, preserves corn profits, and reduces pesticides by 95%

A study from researchers at Purdue University indicates an as-needed approach to pesticides can boost some crop yields while attracting beneficial wild pollinators. The study compared impacts of integrated pest management (IPM) versus conventional pest management. A regionally dominant row crop (corn) was co-produced with a pollinator-dependent crop (watermelon). A 95% reduction in pesticide treatments […]