A study by Russian scientists concluded that GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to reproduce in three generations. The details are a cause for concern and emphasizes the need for more research into the long term effects of genetically modified foods and the chemicals that are used to grow them. There are other reports of [...]
Supporters of transparency in labeling have proposed a new symbol to aid consumers in their food choices. Products who would carry the label would need to have more than half of the feed consumed be grass or hay (for ruminants). The proposal also requires producers to commit to continuing education on sustainable methods, funding new research on healthy food production and community involvement.
Saturday at the Clintonville Farmers’ Market, one of my customers said she was surprised to see so many yard signs in Clintonville in support of Issue 2. She reached the same conclusion I did: most of these people have probably fallen prey to the misleading advertisements in support of Issue 2.
Ohio producers of fresh fruits and vegetables have an opportunity to attend a Listening Session to hear about the various groups who are working to address the proposed changes to how local food is produced in Ohio.
In considering how to vote on Issue 2 (on creating a Livestock Care Standards Board for Ohio) I initially felt that a constitutional amendment was inappropriate for an issue that should be dealt with by the Ohio Legislature and the U.S. and Ohio Departments of Agriculture. According to an article in the Columbus Dispatch:
Support the Next Generation of Sustainable and Organic Farmers and Ranchers!
Tell USDA to Stop Delaying Implementation of the CRP Transition Option
for Beginning and Minority Producers!
Change happens at the transition. An aging farmer population, a new generation of farmers desperate for access to land, 4.2 million acres of land about to come out of the [...]
As food safety concerns continue to be topics of discussion among growers and policy makers, I thought I would pass along this following information. There will be a hearing in Columbus on Oct. 6, 2009. Details are below.
Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into law legislation that will help put more Illinois-grown food on Illinois tables. The law is designed to increase demand for locally grown food by building a reliable market for it at state agencies and facilities that receive significant state support. Read the Article
The City of Upper Arlington is considering changes to it’s zoning code to allow for some backyard hens.
Read the Full story at: ThisWeek Community Newspapers Upper Arlington
Grandview Heights City Council is considering an changing the ordinance to allow for a few backyard hens. Some of the provisions in the most recent version reveal the councilmembers’ skitishness over the issue. Included in the proposal are a $25 annual permit fee and a limit of only 10 permits issued citywide. The fee seems [...]
