Organic News

In an effort to overcome the economic downturn and scarcity of available jobs, many Americans are seeking opportunities in ecologically-minded businesses. The boom of regional composting facilities offers new potential for green job seekers, but the industry is not without its pitfalls.

Monsanto sets its sights on “honeybee health” acquiring a company manipulating gene expression. Maryam Henein, director of the documentary Vanishing of the Bees, says we should "bee" afraid. Bee very afraid.

In food desert communities that can barely support themselves, a new program turns the CSA format on its head, tears down the perception that fresh, high-quality organic foods are only for the well-to-do, and provides a viable model for new or established farmers who want to enter these underserved markets.

The media buzz around colony collapse disorder (CCD) has quieted down, but winter deaths still hover around 30% and concerns about contaminated honey are on the rise. Get the latest from researchers on suspected causes and possible paths toward a healthier honeybee population.

With more than a half-million consumers already on board, a campaign petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to label genetically engineered (GE) food launched the video “Labels Matter” by filmmaker Robert Kenner encouraging consumers to fight to know what is in their food.

Rodale Institute farm director Jeff Moyer highlights the top issues up for vote at the latest National Organic Standards Board Meeting in Savannah, Georgia this winter. From animal welfare to herbicides to sulfites and omega-3s, the discussions were often heated, but resulted in level-headed decisions.

With the Super Committee process now dead and the Agricultural Committee deal scrapped, everyone is wondering "Now what?" The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition takes a shot at answering that question as it relates to immediate and 2012 budget issues as well as the Farm Bill process.

Buying that fresh turkey to roast up for the winter holidays is a long-standing American tradition. Learning what the labels mean and how to ask your farmer about his or her practices can make shopping for your holiday bird almost as easy as eating it.

Because the environmental impacts of crop production are strongly affected by the methods farmers use to control weeds and insect pests, a donor from the Orange County Community Foundation has awarded Rodale Institute with a grant to encourage farmers to increase their use of cover crops and rotational no-till practices, and decrease their use of herbicides.

In a country that labels everything from cosmetics to cleaning agents, it is surprising there are no laws in the U.S. requiring labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods. When we sit down to eat, it is like dining in the dark. Tell the FDA you want to know what you're putting in your mouth.