Superweeds out-flank glyphosate: calling for cultivators

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:33:27 -0400

As the world’s leading herbicide loses its punch, cultural methods and careful mechanical cultivation re-emerge as the smart choices for managing weeds.

By Betsy McCann

Ban against genetically-engineered alfalfa upheld by appeals court

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:01:49 -0400

Citing environmental risk to organic and non-organic crops, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals (CA) rejected Monsanto’s request for appeal regarding the sale of genetically-modified alfalfa, re-affirming a prior decision.

Hairy vetch, winter rye, Juliet, fungi and a Pink Beauty

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:47:22 -0400

Tomato trial puts cover crops, mycorrhizae inoculation to the test.

By Alison Grantham and Betsy McCann

UNEP looks towards bio-systems for mega-carbon storage

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:54:47 -0400

The UNEP is trying to draw the focus of the global discussion on carbon sequestration back to the earth’s biosphere. While billions of dollars have been set aside for carbon storage at power stations, the organization has released a new report calling for enhanced investments in the rehabilitation and protection of biological systems that may benefit the global economy and environment.

Executive Director Achim Steiner claims that some of the world’s eco-systems could sequester over 50 gigatonnes of carbon in the next several decades.

Loyal organic customers hang on as “local food” rises in popularity, USDA study shows

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:12:40 -0400

USDA researchers found that while organic producers must compete with more and more “local food” labels and overcome the drag of the global economic crisis, they have a well-established, loyal following that will continue to purchase their products through tough times. The findings are part of a USDA study that outlines the evolution of organic agriculture and the economic hardships it faces

Contest highlights sustainable outlook for FFA students

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:00:59 -0400

Students from Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Oregon win top prizes.

BOOK REVIEW: Farming in the Dark

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:31:06 -0400

Where are our priorities, and are we there yet, asks farmer, researcher and educator Rhonda Janke of her fellow believers in her discussion about the future of sustainable agriculture.

By Genevieve Slocum, with Greg Bowman

Livestock producers have a major stake in the direction of commodity programs

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:38:39 -0400

By Daryll E. Ray

With all of the challenges faced by the livestock sector over the last several years — bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease), export bans, E. coli and other food borne diseases, uncertainty over the implementation of animal identification and country of origin labeling — the last thing they needed was a 250 percent increase in the cost of the grains and oilseeds they use as feed ingredients coming at the same time as they faced a dramatic increase in fuel costs.

Filipinos look to make organic farming state policy

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:24:37 -0400

Agricultural advocacy groups in the Philippines are pushing to turn organic farming into state policy, stressing the importance of carbon sequestration. The state is looking to reduce their carbon footprint and to provide consumers with a healthy substitute to the conventionally grown rice that is the staple of the Filipino diet.

Government officials have also recognized the benefits of carbon credits, a global fund that awards conscious efforts to reduce carbon emissions, to help finance further organic growth.

Brazil creating registry, proposing regulations for organic farming

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:18 -0400

Brazil is looking to tap into a rapidly developing South American organic market. Government officials have instituted a series of regulations for organic goods and are in the process of constructing a registry to keep tabs on the growing population of organic farmers. The regulations will help monitor the “processing, storage and transportation” as well as total yield of organic products, which range from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics.

Regenerative Farming News and Research