Organic Foods are Better - for Many Reasons

In response to the article on organic foods last week, the following article was forwarded which gives a wonderful overview of the negative study, its weaknesses, but importantly, highlights the benefits not included in the original scoping of the report.

But as this article submits, there really was nothing wrong with the report given its data and scope of study. The study was not designed to look at anything beyond the mineral content of produce using relevant and appropriately published papers, so the retorts from the organic industry are really irrelevant....but I have to admit, I just love the last paragraph...Defending organic production is not fixing the 'real' problem of unchecked capitalism in industrial food production. How true.

Downgrading Organic Food

Multinationals seem to be corrupting the fundamental tenets of organic production. For example, when multinational corporation Dean Foods acquired Silk soy milk, Midwestern farmers and farmers cooperatives were told they had to match the rock-bottom cost of Chinese organic soybeans -- a price they simply could not meet. Unfortunately, the import-fueled corporatization of questionably organic food is expanding.

Cultured Meat

What a euphemism! A pioneering group of scientists are working to grow real animal protein in the laboratory, which they not only claim is better for animal welfare, but actually healthier, both for people and the planet. They claim conventional meat production is also hard on the environment. Environmental groups like PETA are highly supportive of the idea.... Bizarre!

Grazing Management Benefits Environment

Perhaps the message is getting out there. When asked about the growing perception that meat is an environmental problem, the Meat and Livestock Australia managing director included the comment: "Livestock are, in effect, carbon managers, and a well-managed pasture sequests 7% more carbon than what occurs in the soils beneath a forestry plantation, for example." He also mentioned that "The critics' use of figures such as 100,000 litres of water to produce a kilogram of beef relied on factoring in all rainfall on an area of land..."

Eating Our Water

Even as the greenest among us cut our showers short and let our toilets go yellow, we may be blissfully unaware that our household water use accounts for only 6% of the water that we consume. The other 94% comes from the products we buy, everything from almonds and tomatoes to blue jeans and microchips. The Pacific Institute and the Nature Conservancy, wants to reward farmers who minimize their water footprints by introducing a "blue" ecolabel on produce. Another idea looks at how a cap-and-trade program makes manufacturers compete for the right to spew CO₂ - perhaps farms could compete through efficiency for the right to suck up water...

Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting

Wow, what a line up of topics (and speakers) the Ecological Society of America has for their 2009 annual meeting. Below are some snippets I found interesting from their first day's agenda:

High soil emissions of reactive nitrogen at temperatures above 40˚C and the absence of soil respiration at these temperatures supports the hypothesis that nitrogen gas emissions are often driven by non-biological processes.  

Plants are capable of complex responses to external stimuli, increasingly referred to as behaviors. In general the individual foraging response of plants declined with increasing neighbor density.

Herbivores affect ecological systems not only by exploitation of plant biomass, but also by functioning as ecosystem engineers...by soil trampling, braking branches and woody vegetation consumption. In open patches, grazing reduced plant species richness; in woody patches, grazing increased plant species richness.

Use of desert adapted cattle appears to be a mechanism to lessen localized overgrazing common to [arid grazing] systems when using larger temperate breeds, and may be an appropriate breed for areas with sensitive riparian communities.  

Biology Taps into Soil Nutrients

Biology in the soil can help make 'locked-up' phosphorus available for crop growth on a continual basis. The key is to build and maintain the soil's biological fertility. Carbon, organic matter and soil bugs all help to ensure that nutrients from the total soil reserves can be cycled effectively and supplied to the crop.  Lockyer Valley Sweet

Corn 05/08/2009,22:23 64.04 Kb

Biosequestration Recognition Delay

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has played down the possibility of rewarding farmers for carbon stored in soil until international rules are changed to recognise biosequestration. She said the government was pushing to change international carbon accounting rules to allow recognition of emissions stored in soil, but until this happened, Australia could not afford to offer such farm credits.

Meanwhile the opposition's alternative policy would see carbon targets met largely by Government and industry purchasing international carbon offset permits, rather than actual emissions cuts on shore.

Carbon Bigger Than Coal

Australia could develop a trade in agricultural carbon offsets to the United States worth more than the nation's current global coal exports - but not if agriculture is covered by an emissions trading scheme (ETS), says an international carbon trading expert says.

Leave Ag Out of Carbon Trading

Australia is likely to be the only country internationally to include agriculture in its carbon trading scheme. As a result more voices are calling for Australian farms to be left out of any carbon trading scheme too. Instead they argue for an approach of providing farmers with incentive-based means of reducing emissions. Afterall, farms are biological systems that emit carbon but also absorb it back into soils, pastures, crops and trees.

Don't Have to Test GM Seeds

Next spring, farmers in Canada will be able to sow one of the most complicated genetically engineered plants ever designed, a futuristic type of corn containing eight foreign genes. But the seeds haven't been tested for safety and Health Canada say: [they] didn't have to do so, because it is relying on the two companies making the seeds, agriculture giants Monsanto Co. and Dow AgroSciences LLC, to flag any safety concerns. But the companies haven't tested the seeds either, because they say they aren't required to...

Saying No to GM Wheat

Monsanto has just announced new research to develop new genetically modified (GM) wheat and industry is now paving the way for approval of GM wheat. But in 2004, GM wheat was rejected by farmers and consumers across the globe. Join a global response against this move again.

Blending Farm with Town

A forward thinking farmer with a forward thinking idea. He suggests that part of his farm could be developed for housing, while he continues to farm the better soil. The farm's crops could supply an "eco-restaurant". Next to a fruit and vegetable stand could be a community kitchen and education center where customers could preserve the berries they just bought or learn how to improve their home gardens. In regards to urban development in general he thinks "maybe we should start with the farm first and create the community around farms"...

Separating Science from Politics

A panel of scientists and policy experts urged the Obama administration to establish procedures for keeping politics from clouding science in regulatory decisions. "Often, policy disputes are cast as fights over science. This damages the credibility of science and obscures the real issues that ought to be debated. For example, how much risk a substance poses to human health or the environment is a science question; how much risk is acceptable is a policy question."

Energy Efficient House

For those interested in energy efficient houses, I thought this house may stimulate interest for many reasons. Click on the interactive photo for more details, but I just love the banana greenhouse idea.

Powerlines Across Farms

Northern Tablelands graziers, croppers and wine producers are joining forces with tourism and business operators to fight a proposed 215-kilometre high voltage powerline being run through the middle of their properties to service fast-growing coastal populations - "How would people living on the coast feel about having their lives affected to this extent to provide a service to people west of the Range?... Why is it not okay to build power lines in a National Park, but it is in our backyard?"

Tidal Energy

Capturing the energy of the tidal flow at the mouth of UK's longest river could meet 5% of the entire country's electricity needs. One of the main proposals is a barrage across the mouth of the river - a massive wall of concrete blocks ten miles long. But many fear it could be disastrous, especially to marine life. 

Holistic Management Course

A 3 day grazing planning training module will be held at Glenmorgan 18th - 20th August. It is a FarmReady accredited course, but applications need to be in asap!  Training Practitioner Outline 2009 11/08/2009,23:09 780.50 Kb

Sue Dengate on Food Additives

Former teacher and psychology graduate, twice nominated as Australian of the Year, Sue Dengate became interested in food intolerance after recognising the effect of foods on her own children. In the past 18 years, Sue has spoken to tens of thousands of parents in Australia, the USA and the UK, and has conducted food trials in schools with remarkable success. She will be speaking in Inverell 18th August.  Dengate 2009 24/06/2009,23:05 147.10 Kb

Herd Health Workshop

Great Lakes Council and Livestock Health & Pest Authority present a free workshop at Coolongolook 28th August covering basic anatomy and physiology of stock, nutrition, deficiencies and supplements, common diseases and parasites and their prevention and treatment, poisonous plants, zoonotic diseases, basic legal obligations of stock owners, question and answer session.  Herd Health Workshop 11/08/2009,23:19 268.47 Kb

Climate Change and Carbon Farming

Graeme Sait of Nutri-Tech Solutions is holding a one day seminar in Lismore 31st August. He will be teaching how to nurture and encourage the biology that builds soil carbon (humus), while reducing reliance upon increasingly expensive, petro chemical-based inputs. This course is ideal for anyone seeking to increase their understanding of Biological Agriculture - the fastest growing farming system in Australia.  Climate Change Carbon Farming 12/08/2009,05:04 138.06 Kb

NTS Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture

This is becoming such a popular course (and rightly so - it is brilliant) that it was booked out one month in advance for last July's course, and some people even missed out. The next Yandina course is 9th - 12th November - so this is an advanced warning to those interested - book in now to avoid disappointment!   NTS Course Nov 09 12/08/2009,00:13 227.39 Kb

Permaculture Courses

Milkwood Permaculture have a range of permaculture courses coming up. Introduction to Permaculture in Bathurst 5-6 September, Permaculture Design Certificate in Mudgee 4-17 October, Urban Permaculture in Action in Sydney 14-15 November, Compost and Compost Tea Workshop in Mudgee 26-28 November, Introduction to Permaculture in Mudgee 5-6 December, Keyline Design Course in Richmond 14-16 January.

Health

Vitamin D Levels Low in Children

Given that Vitamin D seems to be linked most human health problems, including colds and flus, but rarely checked - it is perhaps unsurprising that a recent study found millions of U.S. children have disturbingly low Vitamin D levels. The low levels are being blamed on a combination of factors, including children spending more time watching television and playing video games instead of going outside, covering up and using sunscreen when they do go outdoors, and drinking more soda and other beverages instead of consuming milk and other foods fortified with Vitamin D.

Vaccination Mechanics

I know many Australian doctors and specialists are aware of these different immune stimulating routes, but it is generally talked about behind closed doors. I heard about this from a GP who broke ranks many years ago. Injecting viruses (attenuated or dead) short-circuits our bodies natural defense system, while including other 'nasties' in the vaccine at the same time, like squalene. Personally, I trust my own defense system to be able to do the job exactly as it was designed to do.

Over Vaccinating Pets?

A few bold veterinarians have paved the way for ending over vaccination. As they point out, we continue vaccine boosters until our pets are well into their senior years, and there is no scientific evidence that annual vaccines are necessary. Additionally, there are no adjustments in dose for size or age of different pets. Meanwhile there is growing alarm that over vaccination appears to be causing a multitude of serious medical problems, particularly with the immune system, including allergies, seizures, anemia and cancer.

Letting Consumers Design Foods

Its a form of eavesdropping, but food firms are beginning to tap into online social networks and the thoughts are that firms need to follow the consumers lead, not the other way round. [Is this a good or bad thing?]

Insect Repellent Dangers

One of the world's most common insect repellents, DEET, acts on the central nervous system in the same way as some insecticides and nerve gases. Sold as lotions, creams and sprays in concentrations from five to 100%, scientists still don't know exactly how the compound works on blood-seeking insects, or the effects of DEET in humans.

St John's Wort Better than Drugs

The popular herbal extract St. John's wort is more effective at treating the symptoms of depression than any antidepressant drug, and has fewer side effects, researchers have concluded.

Proof of Thimerosal Toxicity

A new scientific study proves that the mercury-based compound used as vaccine preservative -- known as ‘thimerosal' -- induces neural damage similar to that seen in autism patients.

Cell Phones and Brain Tumors

Cell phones could double the risk of malignant brain tumors, one of the deadliest types of cancer. This is an Australian documentary which includes Dr Teo.

Flu Vaccine Unhelpful

Work in the British Medical Journal shows Tamiflu and Relenza rarely prevent complications in children with seasonal flu, yet carry side effects. There is also the risk that widespread use of the drugs will mean the virus will develop resistance to them.

Injunction Against Compulsory Vaccination in US

A Preliminary Injunction to stop mandatory vaccinations has been issued in the United States District Court of New Jersey. The injunction will stop the US federal government from forcing anyone in any state to take flu vaccine against their will. The legal papers have been written not only for filing in federal court, but additionally so they can be looked at by activists around the world for ideas on filing lawsuits in their own countries to help stop forced vaccinations.

Gardasil Reactions

An increasing number of formerly healthy girls are turning into "one more" victim of vaccine adverse reactions. In 2008 alone 28 women and girls died after receiving Gardasil injections (up from 19 deaths in 2007). Please inform yourself first before considering this vaccine.

Call to Ban Antibacterial Soaps

Some scientists are calling for the removal of triclosan from consumer products because it is building up in the ocean's food web. A new study found that one-third of the bottlenose dolphins tested off South Carolina and almost one-quarter of those tested off Florida carried traces of triclosan in their blood. It is known to disrupt the hormones and growth and development of other animals.

Cartoon

Miscellaneous

Cultural images and beliefs have a way of seeping onto our personal identity.  The curious thing is the way the bonding-survival reflex acts upon cultural beliefs morphing them into our self image. This curious fact is the source of centuries and centuries of insane and violent behavior. And it is here that hope for real transformation rests. Who we think we are, the self-image we justify and defend throughout life, is a reflection of culture, not real intelligence. And culture is moulded primarily through organised religion, compulsory schooling and mainstream parenting. [A very thought-provoking read]

Events

The calendar is playing up, so most of the links below are directed back to other websites where possible or to a contact email address. If there are no links, look to the related article above.   

* Holistic Management Grazing Planning Course - Glenmorgan Qld 18th - 20th August 2009.

* Herd Health Workshop - Coolongolook NSW 28th August 2009.

* Climate Change and Carbon Farming - Lismore NSW 31st August 2009.

* Introduction to Permaculture - Bathurst NSW 5th - 6th September 2009.

* Permaculture Design Certificate - Mudgee NSW 4th - 17th October 2009.

* NTS Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture -Yandina Qld 9th - 12th November 2009.

* Urban Permaculture in Action - Sydney NSW 14th - 15th November 2009.

* Compost and Compost Tea Workshop - Mudgee NSW 26th - 28th November 2009.

* Introduction to Permaculture - Mudgee NSW 5th - 6th December 2009.

* Keyline Design Course - Richmond NSW 14th - 16th January 2010.

Postscript