Maryland farmer Chip Bowling agrees with a new survey that finds the main reason farmers have increased their use of genetically modified (GM) crops is sustainability. “We’re better at what we do because of technology, whether it’s seeds and traits or through the equipment that we use,” says Bowling, who farms on the Chesapeake Bay. He is also chairman of …
#Farmers View GMOs as Sustainable
According to a new survey of U.S. farmers and ranchers, the majority view biotechnology and GMO crops as an important solution in helping raise crops more efficiently. The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) surveyed over 280 farmers across the United States about their attitudes toward GMO crops and specifically the impact of biotechnology …
Moving the Middle at #ASTACSS
Tim Hassigner with Dow AgroSciences was at ASTA CSS & Seed Expo to talk with members of the seed industry about the gap in information between themselves and consumers. “It’s definitely a time when there’s more questions and concerns related to food, but […] information sharing can make a difference,” he told the audience durning the morning session. The consumer …
Ag Groups Defend Sustainability of #GMOs
Agricultural organizations are doubling down on their defense of biotechnology as sustainable, after challenging Dannon for its pledge to eliminate genetically-modified ingredients from some products, citing that it improves sustainability. “There comes a time when we as farmers and ranchers need to step up and challenge when companies misinform consumers,” said U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance CEO Randy Krotz on …
October is “Get to Know GMOs” Month
GMO Answers has proclaimed October as “Get to Know GMOs” month to answer consumers’ most pressing questions about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). “Since the launch of GMO Answers, we have answered over a thousand consumer questions about genetically modified foods—where they come from, how they’re used, and why they’re an important part of our food supply,” said Kate Hall, managing …
GMO Infographic Shows Impact on Water Conservation
GMO Answers released a new infographic to educate consumers about how GMOs help conserve water usage in agriculture in honor of World Water Week. Water is one of the most important factors in producing food, fuel and fiber, and preserving water is critical to agriculture’s sustainability. With changing weather patterns and an increased number of widespread droughts – water conservation …
#GMO Disclosure Bill Signed Into Law
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is now in charge of developing a national mandatory system for disclosing the presence of bioengineered material under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law, which was signed without fanfare on Friday by President Obama. USDA has formed a working group to develop a timeline for rulemaking and to “ensure an open and transparent process for …
Rep. Pompeo Declared #Soy Champion
The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) with the organization’s Soy Champion Award in a presentation before its board of directors earlier this week in Washington. The award recognizes the lawmaker’s outstanding public advocacy for soybean farmers. In the presentation, ASA specifically cited his work in authoring legislation that establishes a national framework for the labeling of …
Your Thoughts on Senate GMO Disclosure Bill?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What cookout cuisine do you bring to the table?” We’re well into grilling season and hot off an Independence Day weekend. Burgers and pasta salad were high on the list. In the Other category we got answers like my favorite – steak! Here are the poll results: Pasta Salad – 25% Cheese Burgers – …
Ag Groups Praise Senate Vote on #GMO Labeling
The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food (CFSAF), which has been actively campaigning on behalf of food and agriculture groups for a sensible national labeling standard for genetically modified foods, was one of the first organizations to praise Senate passage of the Roberts-Stabenow compromise legislation. “The Senate has provided all Americans a transparent and consistent system of disclosure that will give …