Wednesday, September 30, 2015

'Exxons of Agriculture' Wielding Power to Block Real Climate Solutions: Report

Common Dreams

The industry 'fuels a model of agriculture that is destroying the planet,' report states. Details here.

No, GMOs Didn't Create India's Farmer Suicide Problem, But…

Mother Jones

Some anti-GMO activists have blamed the high suicide rate directly on biotech seeds—specifically, cotton tweaked by Monsanto to contain the Bt pesticide, now used on more than 90 percent of India's cotton acreage.

GMO enthusiasts, by contrast, counter that Monsanto's patented seeds are a boon to India's cotton farmers: They've boosted crop yields, driven down pesticide use, and alleviated rural poverty.

So which is it? Story here.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Stephen Harper's Covert Evangelicalism

THE TYEE

How an apocalyptic strain of Christianity guides his policies and campaigning. Story here.

Monday, September 28, 2015

After Decades of Discrimination, US Farm Workers Get Pesticide Protections

Common Dreams

Environmental Protection Agency creates new rules giving equal protection against pesticides to farm workers. Story here.

Stealin' All My Dreams - an Anti-Harper Song by Blue Rodea (Video)

Shell Abandons Alaska Arctic Drilling

theguardian

Oil giant’s US president says hugely controversial drilling operations off Alaska will stop for ‘foreseeable future’ as drilling finds little oil and gas. Story here.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Are Plant Infection Rates Increasing For Crops?

Grainews

Prairie farmers are spending more time and money on disease prevention than ever before. Story here.