Senators Speak Out Against Bayer-Monsanto Merger

20 September 2016

At a Senate panel hearing on consolidation and competition in the U.S. seed and agrochemical industry, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed his concerns about the implications for U.S. farmers that the proposed $66 billion merger of German medicine and farm-chemical maker Bayer with the American seed and weed-killer company Monsanto. This deal will combine two of the six U.S. and European companies that dominate the global agrochemical market. The merger would create a global giant in agricultural and chemicals with a broad array of products. The St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. accepted an offer from Leverkusen, Germany-based Bayer AG last week after months of negotiations, which will pay $57 billion to Monsanto shareholders and assume $9 billion in Monsanto debt. Senator Grassley has said he is concerned that this deal could hurt American farmers who are greatly impacted by rising costs. Grassley defended farmers by stating that they are under “tremendous pressure” as the agriculture economy has slowed in the last couple of years, with lower crop prices and higher seed prices. He also urged antitrust regulators to closely watch the consolidation of the agricultural and biotech industries and coordinate oversight between agencies. Jim Blome, president and CEO of […]

Bringing Locally Grown, Organic Produce to Those in Need

13 September 2016

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A new farm stand in Encinitas, San Diego, California is helping to make locally grown, organic produce more readily available and affordable for those who are struggling. The weekly Farm Stand has a “pay what you can afford” philosophy, and is run by the non-profit Coastal Roots Farm. Coastal Roots Farm, conceived and funded by the Leichtag Foundation, is about a year old and is modeled after Jewish community farms in other parts of the country. Its main goals are to produce food for the local community, to model sustainable agriculture, and to reflect and serve the values of the Judaism, which is deeply rooted in agriculture. An agricultural way of life helps promote social justice, self sufficiency and environmental stewardship. The farm also showcases innovative water conservation techniques that have been developed in Israel. The farm stand uses “Suggested Donation Pricing” which displays prices that are comparable to a traditional farmers’ market produce. Customers are told what the produce costs to produce, but then customers can privately decide what to pay based on what they afford. The farm stand also accepts EBT (food stamps). Coastal Roots Farm has donated 80 percent of its produce to local food banks and community organizations, such as St. […]

Summits For Lesbian Farmers Held by USDA

19 August 2016

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is holding summits to promote the role of lesbian farmers as a part of its “Rural Pride” campaign. The agency is working with singer and LGBT activist Cyndi Lauper for a “day of conversation” about the struggles of gay and transgender individuals in rural America. The agency says its wants to change the perception of what it means to be a farmer in America away from the “white, rich male.” The latest summit, first reported by the College Fix, will be held on August 18 at Drake University in Iowa. “The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, in collaboration with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and The True Colors Fund, will engage with LGBT rural communities across the country to host the LGBT Rural Summit Series,” the USDA said. “Each series will offer a unique opportunity for USDA and other federal agencies to share information relating to policies, programs, and services that exist to protect, promote and strengthen LGBT rural communities.” The all-day summit will teach lesbian and transgender hillbillies how to get subsidies from the government like rural housing loans and “community facility grants.” Bullying will also be discussed. The summit will talk […]

Find Out When Turmeric Is Unsafe For You.

17 August 2016

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Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian food. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. While it does have a long history of being beneficial for your health, it should be noted that it is not for everyone. Continue reading to find out more. Those of you reading this who are diabetic and take medication should be particularly wary of this spice, as it boosts the effects of these types of medications, and can consequently increase the risk of low blood sugar. TURMERIC SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY Pregnancy and breast-feeding: During pregnancy and while breast-feeding, turmeric is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food. However, turmeric is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric if you are pregnant. There is not enough information to rate the safety of medicinal amounts of turmeric during breast-feeding. It is best […]