The EPA released an analysis of the benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments for insect control in soybeans. Neonicotinoid pesticides are a class of insecticides widely used on U.S. crops that EPA is reviewing with particular emphasis for their impact on pollinators. The analysis concluded that there is little or no increase in soybean yields using most neonicotinoid seed treatments when …
Study: GMOs Could Be Global Hunger Solution
According to a new report, “The Future of Farming and Rise of Biotechnology” released by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA), decreasing regulations on genetically modified crops (GMOs) could be a valuable strategy in combating global hunger. NCPA Research Associate David Weisser notes that Nobel Prize winner Norman Borlaug’s use of biotechnology has been credited with saving 1 billion …
Recruit for NAMA and Win
Recruit someone you know to become a National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) member and you will be entered to win an iPad Mini. The “Member-Get-A-Member” campaign will run from October 15 to December 10. The drawing will take place on December 11. Simply tell your recruit to join NAMA online and add your name and company in the “Referred By” box …
Water in the Sunshine State
Florida is the third largest state in terms of population and the 14th in agricultural production, so competition for water resources is fierce in the Sunshine State. “Population growth is a big factor in driving water use demand and that will continue in Florida,” said Richard Budell, who is director of water policy for the Florida Department of Agriculture and …
Pollinator Advocate of the US Award
The Pollinator Advocate Award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to pollinator protection, conservation, and issue outreach resulting in increased awareness of the importance of pollinators and pollination. The 2014 Pollinator Advocate of the United States Award will be given to Julie Zahniser and The American Bee Project of Ft. Pierce, FL. Honey bees require proper nutrition gained through a …
Industry Reacts to WTO COOL Decision
Industry reaction to the World Trade Organization decision against the United States on the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law have been coming in steadily since the announcement was made earlier today. National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson says they believe the situation can be handled by USDA. “Under the guidance of USDA, any changes to COOL to ensure …
Zimfo Bytes
By 2050 we will need to feed 9 billion people, join the ENOUGH movement to bring awareness. Swanson Russell announces the promotion of Nate Custard, Jordan Kaiser and Taryn Liess in its Lincoln office. Arysta LifeScience announced that Platform Specialty Products has reached a definitive agreement with a company backed by the Permira funds to acquire Arysta LifeScience for approximately …
Food Dialogue on GMOs
What do you know about GMOs? Most people not much with the exception that many have been led to believe they are bad. In a recent Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jimmy Kimmel, he took to the streets to ask people what a GMO was and not one person knew, even thought most believed they were bad. In case you don’t know, …
Verdesian Signs Deal with Los Alamos National Lab
On the heels of a media day hosted at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) sponsored by Verdesian Life Sciences, comes the announcement the Verdesian has signed a licensing agreement with LANL to develop and market their latest nitrogen enhancement technology for plants. The agreement extends the current relationship with LANL, under which Verdesian is marketing and distributing the research institution’s …
2014 GAP Reports Highlights Food Supply Obstacles
The 2014 edition of the GAP Report finds that global productivity is not accelerating fast enough to meet the expected agricultural demand by 2050 through sustainable practices. Published by the Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) and released during the World Food Prize, the trend means a new global challenge is emerging: how to sustainably provide enough food, feed, fiber and fuel …