Posts
Filipino Farmers Protest Government Research on Genetically Modified Rice
Inter Press Service Jon Sarmiento, a farmer in the Cavite province in southern Manila, plants a variety of fruits and vegetables, but his main crop, rice, is under threat. He claims that approval by the Philippine government of the genetically modified ‘golden rice’ that is fortified with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, could ruin his livelihood. Story here.
Ontario Takes Tough, Timely Action to Reduce Harm From Neonicotinoid Pesticides
David Suzuki Foundation Swallowtail butterfly. Larry Powell PinP photo. The Ontario government announced a plan today to protect bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects from the harmful effects of neonicotinoid, or neonic, pesticides. In a discussion paper posted to the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) registry , the government outlined a strategy to reduce the use of neonic-coated seeds in the province by 80 per cent by 2017. Story here. Related: "Canada's Biggest Province, Ontario, Acts to Protect Bees While The Federal Government Twiddles Its Thumbs"
Obesity-Related Cancers on the Rise, Especially in Developed Countries
United Nations News Centre A veggie basket from an organic farm in Manitoba, CA. Larry Powell PinP photo. A healthy diet can help to alleviate risk factors for a range of chronic diseases linked to obesity. Details here. Related: "R esearch Suggests Our Past, Prolific Use of the Insecticide DDT May Still Be Contributing To A Scourge Of Modern-Day Diseases Related To Obesity."
The Canadian Province of Manitoba Makes Largest-Ever Land Donation to Protect Iconic Lake Manitoba Wetland
Flood Control, Water Quality, Carbon Storage, Wildlife to Benefit: Minister Mackintosh Photo credit - Town of Gladstone. A Lake Manitoba wetland about five times the size of Birds Hill Park called Big Grass Marsh has been donated by the municipalities of Lakeview and Westbourne for conservation, making this the largest such land donation in the province’s history, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today. This is the largest conservation agreement of its kind in Canada.
Canada's Biggest Province, Ontario, Acts to Protect Bees While The Federal Government Twiddles Its Thumbs
The Sierra Club TORONTO – The global campaign to ban neonicotinoid pesticides took a big step forward in the province of Ontario today. The provincial government -- using its own pesticide control legislation -- will reduce the use of neonicotinoid pesticides by 80%. Details here. Honeybee hive. Larry Powell PinP photo. Related: " PinP Declares Manitoba's Minister of Agriculture a Liar."
Farm Leaders on the Canadian Prairies Peg Water Damage in the Billions
Manitoba Co-Operator A sodden farm field near Neepawa, Manitoba. Larry Powell PinP photo. Farm leaders from Manitoba and Saskatchewan hope a new lobby group of stakeholders from both provinces can bring some long-term solutions to excess water problems that have led to billions of dollars in damages. Story here. Related: "Manitoba makes $1M available to compensate farmers flooded last summer."