Who Will Feed Us?

This is an fantastic report by the ETC Group that puts forward questions for food/climate Crises negotiators in Rome and Copenhagen. Up front it poses that it is in fact peasants that currently feed the hungry, and the industrial food model is not as efficient as many have fooled themselves into believing [History repeating itself - Russian discovered the same thing!]

"The bottom line for both Rome and Copenhagen is that in the middle of a crisis - do no harm! Do nothing to disrupt the existing sources of food security. This means safeguarding peasant farms, respecting their resource rights, guaranteeing access to uncultivated lands, and protecting/promoting urban gardens." 

[This is an absolutely brilliant read and is the world I wish to live in - a must must read!]

Just A Little Dust Storm

Wow, this is a video of driving into a dust story at Broken Hill - it really is spectacular and surreal. I think I would have been having doubts about driving into it too!

Protecting Nature Can Be Profitable

Money invested in protecting nature can bring huge financial returns, according to a major investigation into the costs and benefits of the natural world. It says money ploughed into protecting wetlands, coral reefs and forests can bring a hundredfold return on capital. "And we find that with protected areas, for example, no matter how you slice the figures up you come up with a ratio of benefits to costs that's between 25-to-one and 100-to-one."

The Botany of Desire

This is a film based on Michael Pollan's book The Botany of Desire - the first bit of writing I came across by him. I was hooked. It explores the history of four different plants: the tulip, hemp, potatoes and apples, and suggests that perhaps it is not we who control them, but rather they that shape us. A fabulous journey with beautiful cinematography and curious histories.

Misleading Food Labels

Misleading marketing and deliberately deceptive labels are being used by large producers to con consumers into thinking they are buying ethically produced food. The free-range egg, poultry and pork industries are particularly vulnerable to the deceptive practices. "Bred free range", "eco-shelter" and "cage-free" were some of the terms creeping onto labelling for mainstream produce, with processors and manufacturers relying on lax labelling laws and consumer confusion to remain immune from prosecution under trade practice laws.

 Meanwhile the small producers are losing out with meat substitutions, but very little being done  by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. I have been witness to a few conventional for organic pork substitutions, but it appears it's happening quite regularly everywhere.

The Raw Milk Revolution

When health and business journalist David E. Gumpert, author of the newly released Raw Milk Revolution: Behind America's Emerging Battle Over Food Rights, decided to look beyond the official FDA statement on raw milk and pasteurization, he encountered farmers and producers of nutritional supplements who told a very different story. He shares the history of pasteurization and its exaggerated health benefits versus the health benefits of raw milk, a living food containing beneficial enzymes.

The Big Business of Barcodes

D-Barcode has been creating custom barcodes for a mostly Japanese clientele. They've even begun selling their wares to anyone who wants to license them, starting at $1,500 for the design, and $200 a year for licensing. A custom or exclusive use code will run upwards of $4,000. [Check out some of the fancy barcode designs. Who'd have thought...]

Livestock's Small Water Footprint

Research funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) suggests that the water and emissions footprints of red meat production may be a fraction of earlier assumptions. Some of the disparity can be blamed on methodologies of measurement. For example, some of the most-quoted water footprint data comes from the United States, which is heavily dependent on grain finishing and so entails more "embodied" water than Australia's largely pasture-based beef production systems.

More Brands Go GM Free

For the first time Nestle, Schweppes, Foster's and Lindt will join other brand super-powers to publicly veto GE ingredients in the recently launched 2010 Greenpeace Truefood Guide. Their stance on GM will assist iconic Australian brands like Milo, Uncle Toby's cereals, VB and Peters Ice Cream to remain GM-free - even as the first harvest this year of Australian GE canola begins to find its way into foods like pasta sauces, breads, cakes, baby food, oils and margarines.

GM Bread Recalled

Several bread labels have been removed from supermarket shelves in Denmark this week due to traces of genetically modified grains.  All GM ingredients are banned in Europe, although the regulatory authority behind the bread's removal did also advise there were no known health concerns associated with the bread in question.

Why Do We Need GM?

It's not proving itself in yield, reduced chemicals or price, and perhaps most worrying, concerns about its safety as a food will not go away, especially when the health of the population is declining alarming over the years and most processed foods have some form of GM included - without the consumer knowing... [I like seeing someone finally pointing out that comparing GM crops with conventional GM crops is not helpful. Attention should be on chemical free crops that have got their soil health sorted out - then some real landscape-wide solutions are likely to show up, like drought resistance]

Australia Accepts Europe's GM Reject

A genetically engineered corn authorised by the Australian food regulator as safe for human consumption has been withdrawn from Europe because of safety concerns. Although the crop has yet to be grown here commercially, Monsanto Australia told the Herald there were no immediate plans to withdraw from the local market.

Attitude Towards GM Changing

[Tell the story enough times and it becomes a 'truth' I guess]. A more detailed understanding of just how big an issue food security will be over the next 100 years is altering the public's perception of GM according to Monsanto's director of research Harvey Glick. He believes the tide was turning towards GM...

Methane Confusion

Confused about how much responsibility livestock bear for global warming? So are scientists. The figures, estimates and guesstimates are ever shifting!

Earth's Greenhouse Effect Constant

An Hungarian physicist, Ferenc Miskolczi, has discovered that the Earth's greenhouse effect remains constant. If CO2 goes up, water vapour goes down. It's the climate process's automatic dynamic response which has been enough to counter the impact of any CO2 and methane increase. These results recognise that the surface climate temperature can rise or fall, but they also say that the ratio of the surface temperature to the sum of the incoming energies is fixed at a critical value; the ratio cannot be altered by adding a greenhouse gas such as CO2. [Interestingly this theory is not contested, but seemingly just ignored]

Airborne CO2 Not Changing

Ecosystems on the land and in the oceans have a much greater capacity to absorb carbon dioxide than had previously been recognised, and the balance between the airborne and the absorbed fraction of carbon dioxide has stayed approximately constant since 1850. The strength of the new study, published online on Nov 9 in Geophysical Research Letters, is that it rests solely on measurements and statistical data, including historical records extracted from Antarctic ice, and does not rely on computations with complex climate models.

More Climate Sceptics Emerging

Liberal Senate leader Nick Minchin has openly defied Malcolm Turnbull by declaring most of his party do not believe humans are responsible for global warming and by encouraging backbenchers to speak out against their leader's stance on the issue. [Who says the debate is over?]

What is Being Signed at Copenhagen

So what are we signing up to at Copenhagen? Lord Monckton has read the Treaty and he is alarmed. It appears that whatever we are signing up to, it will override our Constitution. And I noticed in the commentary under the Nick Minchin article above, someone is also suggesting that the Codex Alimentarius will be attached too (global harmonisation on human health - think drugs, supplements and food). I think its time to ask our politicians what it is or isn't all about. Alan Jones has certainly started flying the flag of concern. This is a selection from Lord Monckton's powerpoint presenation - which might need to be viewed along with his full speech to make much sense.  Letter to Politicians 02/11/2009,23:50 22.50 Kb

For a bit of balance, you might like to read this about Lord Monckton's graphs -personally I see some big egos and misrepresentation at work on both sides, but still stick to my guns that yes, something is going haywire, humans are killing nature and its ability for biofeedback (hence resilience) through toxins, pollution etc etc. I guess I would call myself a CO2-denier... As for trading CO2 - that's just an excuse to create a new economic industry out of thin air.

Farmers vs Green

America will not pass a cap-and-trade law in time for the global climate-change summit in Copenhagen next month. To understand why, it helps to ask a farmer. To an urban locavore, pricey fuel does not sound so terrible. Americans will eventually give up driving and move to densely-packed cities where they can walk to the shops. To a typical farmer that sounds like Hell. "It'd be like living in Beijing," he gasps, gazing across an open plain to the mountains in the distance.

Australian Farmers Winning Too?

Australia is likely to have an emissions trading scheme locked in by the end of next week, with the Government caving in to a key Coalition demand to permanently exclude the farming sector. And in a further concession, the Government will also examine giving farmers the opportunity to earn cash by selling carbon offsetting credits on the open market. [Phew! If we have to have it, at least good farmers can benefit]

Terrestrial Carbon Group

The Terrestrial Carbon Group is an international group of specialists from science, economics, and public policy with expertise in land management, climate change, and markets. The objective of the Terrestrial Carbon Group is for terrestrial carbon to be effectively included in the international response to climate change. They have written a paper (July 2008) that proposes a system to credibly include terrestrial carbon in developing nations in the international response to climate change using carbon markets.

Downwind of Pollution

Dr Dick van Steenis is a retired GP who was asked to look at the possible health effects of pollution from power stations in South Wales. He mapped the use of asthma inhalers by primary school children and discovered that he could predict the number of asthma patients to within 1-2% by simply by measuring how far they lived from the nearest major source of pollution. He started deploying his simple test in other parts of the country - with the same results. He continues his campaign about the health implications of particulate gas pollution to both humans and animals and will be talking at the Liverpool Plains 7th December - details to come. [Interestingly it appears that a scientist working on the atom bomb project back in 1943 also knew of the dangers of certain particulates - and mentioned to HQ that if you could get particle sizes down below 1 micron you could mist a battlefield without seeing, smelling or tasting it]

Asking Tree Leaves About Pollution

Measuring magnetism in tree leaves provides an indicator of pollution levels. Leaf samples taken from urban trees were up to 10 times more magnetic than leaves plucked from rural sites, where there was little traffic. The magnetism in the leaves is created by tiny particles of iron oxides and other pollutants that drift through the air, coming mostly from diesel exhaust or eroding from the brake pads of vehicles. The particles, so tiny that they would pass directly through a human nasal passage and lodge in the lungs, apparently aren't damaging the plants but could cause health problems for humans.

Capturing Water in Nets

Many of Peru's grittiest slums can only dream of access to water. But thanks to a German NGO, simple technology and hard work, some humble homes are the first to use plastic netting to harvest water from the fog cloaking the night sky.

Sanitising Oysters

Eager to deliver on their pledge to improve food safety, US federal officials say sanitizing oysters is a simple way to save lives. But oystermen, state officials and their representatives on Capitol Hill say the federal government is overreaching and aiming to destroy a gastronomical delight. Healthy consumers are unlikely to be affected by it. However, for those with diabetes, liver disease, cancer, AIDS and other chronic conditions, the infection can be deadly.

Dangers of Sulfuryl Fluoride

Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas fumigant that has been used -- since the 1950s -- to kill bugs and rodents in indoor structures, such as homes, warehouses, and railroad cars. Up until recently, federal guidelines prohibited food-related uses of sulfuryl fluoride. This prohibition, however, has recently been rescinded -- due to an intensive lobbying effort from DOW AgroSciences. Fumigations with sulfuryl fluoride produce high levels of fluoride residues "in or on" the stored foods. There are no labeling requirements for foods fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride. [this is interesting in the light of the EU stand against fluoride contamination of food...see Fluoride Rules Unnerve Food Industry]. You can find more detailed information on sulfuryl fluoride.

Mary River Saved

It seems the people have won and the Mary River has been saved from being dammed. Thank goodness the decision by Peter Garrett was based on science, and not just because people didn't want it...what would the world be like if that started happening...

Bioplastics

There is scarcely a thing we use that isn't made-in whole or in part-of the petroleum-based product called plastic. But the very characteristics that have made plastic a wild success-extreme durability and resistance to degradation-also make it a huge environmental liability. But one man believes he has the solution, his engineers have spent the past 15 years refining a catalytic process in which engineered microbes spin a variety of sugars into fatty-acid globules. This bioplastic, trademarked as "Mirel," is functionally identical to the petrochemical variety-except that it dissolves harmlessly in both water and soil.

Inflatable Rear Seatbelts

Ford is bringing to market the world's first automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.

NSW Solar Panel Incentive

The State Government will increase the incentive for families installing solar panels by about $1500, overturning its cautious approach to supporting the technology. Households with solar energy systems will be paid for all of the electricity they generate, receiving the so-called ''gross'' feed-in tariff and not just the smaller ''net'' amount for surplus electricity they actually sell into the power grid.

And some of you might be interested in one couple's journey (Ochre Arch, Grenfell) into lighting up their house with wind and solar. They started off with gas and a generator, so the journey has been full of wonder!

Geomantica Magazine

Edition 43 is now posted up and includes book reviews, and snippets on many energy lines and ancient sacred sites. There is also a list of upcoming events for dowsing, permaculture and natural architecture.

Support for Organic Grant Program

The Victorian Government will provide support for the state's organic food industry with a new funding program, to the tune of $400,000. To be eligible for the grant, businesses or projects needed to aim to build the capacity of the organic sector for future growth and build consumer and producer awareness of the organic sector.

YouthWEST - AgriUP 2009

South West NRM Ltd invites you to a forum for the community of south west Queensland focusing on opportunities for leadership and representational positions within the community, agricultural boards, and all levels of Government. The forum will also focus on development of skills to engage with the community and government and take charge of your future in rural industries. Charleville 28th - 29th November. [This event is being facilitated by The Right Mind - which will make it particularly valuable]  Youthwest Agriup 2009 10/11/2009,20:04 309.07 Kb

Recognising Women Farmers

Liverpool Plains Land Management will be hosting a series of  workshops in rural centres in the Namoi Catchment. Aimed at rural women, but open for all women from regional and remote areas, these workshops will be about inspiring women to find their voice and be recognised for their vital contribution to agriculture. I will be speaking at the next workshop in Manilla 24th November. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Come along!

Health

Exploding Pyrex

There are more and more casing of Pyrex baking dishes exploding - and it appears that what might be the cause of so many shatterings is that while Pyrex products were originally made of borosilicate glass, the company's products now vended in the North American market (an Australia apparently) are fashioned of tempered soda-lime glass, a cheaper material.

A New View of Depression

Depression is thought to occur through stress, or an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain which triggers depressive symptoms. Yet, the majority of people who take antidepressants for depression never get relief. The new research has found strong indications that depression actually begins further up in the chain of events in the brain. Essentially, the medications have been focusing on the effect, not the cause. The researchers also found powerful molecular evidence that quashes the long-held dogma that stress is generally a major cause of depression.

Chiropractors in Hospitals?

A radical attempt by chiropractors to treat patients in hospital emergency departments faces fierce opposition from doctors. ''Chiropractors do seem to help some people with back pain, but a lot of it is probably just helping the patient feel better while their back gets better anyway.'' To support their case, chiropractors are demanding a three-year trial be set up in a big hospital. [I know I would be asking for a chiropractor...]

Doctors vs Vets

Doctors who sit in with vets will notice one big difference between human medicine and veterinary medicine. Whether it is a sick household pet or an ailing stud bull, one of the first questions is always ‘What are you feeding this animal?' Although a ‘good diet' was discussed in medical school, we were never taught that this line of enquiry might help us when a child came in with his fourth middle-ear infection for the winter, or recurrent abdominal pain, or chronic constipation. Would we confess to the vet that Rover has Coco Pops for breakfast or routinely finished lunch with an iced donut? Zoos are bedecked with signs saying: ‘Do not feed the animals'. The zoo vet fears that we will give the animals the same junk food that our kids are eating on their day out. [This is absolutely brilliant - its an excerpt from Carol Hungerford's "Good health in the 21st century: A family doctor's unconventional guide"]

Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Deodorants deal with smell by neutralizing it and by killing the bacteria that metabolize the proteins and fatty acids. Antiperspirants try to prevent sweating by blocking the pores using aluminum. It might be a surprise to learn that the antiperspirant you use daily is in fact an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. One study has asserted that the use of aluminum based antiperspirants increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 60% and its link to breast cancer continues to be investigated.

Treatment Better than Prevention

Companies say that it makes little economic sense to spend decades developing drugs to prevent cancer. The better business plan seems to be looking for drugs to treat cancer. [But many people are also choosing not to take a preventative drug, which to me is very much in the same philosophical arena as vaccines...]

Mercury Amalgam Poisoning

About 10 years ago, Kay Meyer lost 60 pounds when she developed severe food allergies. She couldn't think clearly, suffered from severe headaches and chronic fatigue. "I was diagnosed with high mercury elevation. Eventually, I found a dentist in Skowhegan who over several months very carefully removed all my fillings. Over time, my symptoms got better -- some of them went away." Yet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced recently that amalgam fillings with mercury, sometimes referred to as silver fillings because of their color, were safe.

Expert Exposes Vaccine Myths

Dr Larry Palevsky is a board-certified US pediatrician, and has done a lot of investigating into vaccines after he noticed many patients coming down with problems. What he was witnessing was different to what he was taught. And a lot of the so-called evidence for vaccine safety is simply not good science or logic! "For many health professionals it is a shock to discover that there is such a lack of information on the safety and efficacy, and a mounting degree of information that actually raises suspicions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and whether or not they have been properly studied."

Ukrainian Flu Fears

It appears that there is a new virus sweeping through the Ukraine with terrifying speed that is apparently not the seasonal flu or the swine flu, but rather a cocktail of three flu viruses that have mutated into a single pneumonic plague, and is causing rapid deaths. It took 2 weeks to reach our mainstream media (which is rather extraordinary given the number of people affected), with the news very watered down. A doctor in Western Ukraine who did not want to be named, said: " We have carried out post mortems on two victims and found their lungs are as black as charcoal. "They look like they have been burned. It's terrifying." It will interesting to see how it unfolds.

Polish Health Minister Queries Swine Flu Vaccine

This is an interesting insight to the concerns of a Health Minister (who is also a doctor) about introducing the swine flu vaccine to Poland. She is obviously not convinced despite ongoing negotiations with the vaccine companies.

Smoking Vaccine

Nicotine and cocaine molecules are so tiny that they easily pass from the bloodstream into the brain, where they produce feelings of pleasure or euphoria. This is where the vaccines come in. Like those against infectious diseases, the nicotine and cocaine vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies bind with the molecules, and the combo is far too large to pass through the blood/brain barrier. Addiction vaccines are an aid, not a cure, and the need for multiple shots might dissuade the less-committed.

Cartoon

Miscellaneous

The Land of the Free is certainly sold out. This is a thought provoking essay on what it was to be American in the 1800s and some of the changes that have occurred since. I was particularly taken with the concept that man was (but still is) born free and sovereign, and it is the corruption of faceless authorities/entities that design to take it all away.

But on a more positive note - this message from Bruce Lipton includes a wonderful metaphor on what seems to be a crumbling world. Much like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. What a marvelous and inspirational scientist.

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. 

* Recognising Female Farmers - Manilla NSW 24th November 2009.

* Youthwest - Agriup 2009 - Charleville Qld 28th - 29th November 2009.

Postscript

A couple has a dog that snores.

Annoyed because she can't sleep, the wife goes to the vet to see if he can help. The vet tells the woman to tie a ribbon around the dog's testicles,and he will stop snoring.

"Yeah right !" she says..

A few minute after going to bed, the dog begins snoring, as usual. The wife tosses and turns, unable to sleep. Muttering to herself, she goes to the closet and grabs a piece of red ribbon and ties it carefully around the dog's testicles.

Sure enough, the dog stops snoring. The woman is amazed...

Later that night, her husband returns home drunk from being out drinking with his buddies. He climbs into bed, falls asleep and immediately begins snoring loudly. The woman decides maybe the ribbon might work on him.