As consumers flock to organic foods, lawmakers urge more federal grants for farmers

Supporters eye uncertain farm bill as a vehicle for measure By Samantha Dietel U.S. lawmakers are pushing a bill that would boost support for organic farmers amid rising demand for their products. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Angus King of Maine, alongside U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree of Maine and Annie Kuster of New […]

New IFOAM publication establishes safety and risk assessment protocol for new GMO technologies

The IFOAM Seeds Platform has published the Global Safety & Risk Assessment Protocol for New Genomic Technologies, a new guidance for governments and the private sector for the assessment and regulation of new GMOs (also called NGTs or New Genomic Technologies). This new and highly disruptive technology is an existential threat to organic and agroecological systems worldwide and […]

Brazil’s rapid GMO soy expansion linked to increased childhood leukemia deaths

As the top global GM soybean producer and pesticide consumer, it’s not surprising Brazil is the focus of research on health impacts of industrial agriculture. A recent study from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in collaboration with the University of Denver and University of Wisconsin-Madison illustrates the link between expanded soybean production and pesticide use with a jump in childhood […]

Pure Flour from Europe initiative drives record exports of Italian organic wheat flour and semolina

European flour exports topped 337 million euros in 2022, spurred by demand for healthier, organic ingredients Pure Flour from Europe has triggered a surge in Italian wheat flour and semolina exports, setting industry records with a remarkable value of 337 million euros in 2022. Notably, 14.5% of these exports were sourced from organic agriculture, reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier […]

Glyphosate exposure linked to severe depression and cognitive decline

A new study from Taiwanese scientists uncovered a strong link between exposure to the herbicide glyphosate and severe depression and cognitive decline in American adults. The percentage of participants with detectable levels of glyphosate was 80.4%. Researchers analyzed data from 1532 adults participating in the 2013-2014 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate […]