The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Up to 144,000 genetically engineered mosquitoes released in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) and Oxitec, a British biotech company, began the first-ever U.S. release of genetically engineered (GE) Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at the end of April. Despite scientific concerns and public outcry over the human health and environment risks, the field trial’s first phase will release up to 144,000 GE mosquitoes […]

Natural farming model in Andhra Pradesh could advance sustainable agriculture in India

India is experiencing an agriculture crisis—distressed, debt-ridden farmers, suicides, and mass protests reflect a dire economic situation, climate impacts, and depletion of natural resources. The vast majority of public dollars go toward the input-driven, green revolution model of farming that has caused farmer insecurity, insufficient yields, and ecological imbalance. The unsustainable situation has resulted in […]

Guess what’s coming to dinner? Genetically engineered fish and meat, maybe soon

Like it or not, genetically modified animals may soon be sitting on Americans’ dinner tables. Sonny Perdue, former U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary, proposed on his final day in office to move oversight and regulation of genetically modified animals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the USDA—a move that would significantly reduce safeguards […]

Large South Dakota organic farm faces criticism over soil erosion, poor management

A 34,000-acre organic farm in South Dakota that supplies organic grains to General Mills has been criticized for soil erosion due to tillage and failure to follow recommendations for soil conservation. In 2018, General Mills engaged in a strategic sourcing arrangement with an investment firm to transition Gunsmoke Farms near Pierre, South Dakota to organic. […]

USDA invests $2 million in value-added organic grains

Cornell University is leading a project to spread consumption of diverse and ancient grains in the Northeast and Midwest, funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The three-year project will develop infrastructure for organic cultivation and marketing of grains including bread wheat, naked barley, hulless oats, rye, emmer, spelt, […]