GMO
Mum’s the label for GMO meeting
Both sides agreed to keep quiet about a meeting called by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to discuss labeling of GMO foods. "I gave my word," said one participant in referring questions to USDA, which did not respond to queries. Up to a dozen people were expected at the meeting.
GE potatoes clear reviews at USDA and FDA
The genetically engineered V11 Snowden potato developed by JR Simplot gained USDA approval for commercial cultivation and the agribusiness company based in Boise, Idaho, said the FDA concluded its GE Russet Burbank Generation 2 potatoes are safe.
African nations warm to GMO crops
The El Niño-intensified drought in southern Africa "could nudge African nations to finally embrace genetically modified crops to improve harvests and reduce grain imports," says Reuters.
Campbell Soup supports mandatory GMO food labels
One of America's best-known food companies, Campbell Soup, said it "will advocate for federal legislation that would require all foods and beverages regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be clearly and simply labeled for GMOs." With the decision, Campbell is the first major foodmaker to support mandatory nationwide labeling.
Chinese farmers jump the gun on GMO corn
Even though China has not approved cultivation of GMO crops, environmental group Greenpeace says farmers in the northeastern part of the country are growing the crop illegally, said Reuters.
Worldwide biotech quest for drought resistance in crops
"Around the world, researchers are working to create genetically modified crop varieties that can withstand severe drought, expected more often with climate change, or thrive on arid lands now considered unsuitable for farming," writes Matt Weiser for Ensia.
Biggest food and farming stories of 2015 will roll into next year
Looking back on 2015, editors at FERN listed more a dozen newsworthy stories from the year that could have lasting effects. Here's a look at them, starting with half a dozen top-tier developments, including the FDA's approval of the first genetically engineered animal.
Food industry sees chance for GMO label deal in January
Rebuffed this year on pre-emption of state labeling laws, the food industry sees the chance for a compromise on GMO food labeling in January under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "We stand ready to roll up our sleeves to work with him and others to find a solution that can be passed by Congress quickly," said Roger Lowe of the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
GMO pre-emption out, COOL repeal in omnibus bill
The long fight over labeling GMO food will continue into the new year despite a last-ditch push by the food industry for Congress to pre-empt state label laws.
Sugar-beet growers face opposition on GMOs
Almost all of the U.S. sugar beet harvest comes from GMO varieties. At the annual meeting of the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, president Kurt Wickstrom told members to be aware of anti-GMO sentiment among consumers, says Agweek.
FDA approves GE chicken to produce human drug
Oregon county allows hay farmers time to adapt to GMO ban
The first Oregon county to ban GMO crops reached a settlement with farmers who wanted $4.2 million in exchange for uprooting 300 acres of genetically engineered alfalfa.
Few routes left in Congress for GMO pre-emption
Time has run out in Congress for a standalone bill to pre-empt state laws that require labels on GMO foods, said Agri-Pulse, but the issue isn't dead even as Congress plans to adjourn within two weeks.
EPA changed view on Dow herbicide safety
En route to approving the herbicide 2,4-D for use on new GMO strains of corn and soybeans, EPA scientists "changed their analysis of a pivotal rat study by Dow, tossing aside signs of kidney trouble that Dow researchers said were caused by 2,4-D," said an investigative report in the Chicago Tribune.
In GMO labeling war, foodmakers unveil “smart” labels
Foodmakers and one of the largest U.S. grocery chains launched the SmartLabel campaign that will allow customers to learn about products by scanning bar and QR codes or searching the Internet. The technology will include information by the end of 2017 on whether 20,000 food items contain GMOs, said the trade group Grocery Manufacturers Association.
Climate change likely to worsen global hunger
One out of nine people in the world endures chronic hunger now, and climate change could put as many as 175 million additional people at risk of undernourishment by 2080, says a U.S. paper released today in Paris.
‘Consumers deserve to know’ if they are eating GMOs
In an editorial, the New York Times says, "Congress should overturn" the FDA decision against special labels on the genetically engineered AquAdvantage salmon, the first GE food animal cleared for human consumption. "Consumers deserve to know what they are eating."
Ag poses huge hurdle for U.S.-EU trade pact, says Vilsack
If negotiators cannot resolve major agricultural disputes, "then in my view, you are not going to have a TTIP [Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership]," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at a farm conference in Brussels.