Biofuels Digest Finds Global Impact on Rising Food Costs

Laura McNamara

The media has been pointing fingers at biofuels, blaming them for rising food costs. But a study from The Biofuels Digest suggests rising food costs are the result of global pressures, such as China’s increasing demand for meat. Biofuels Digest says their study finds that for every bushel of grain used to make U.S. ethanol, six are used to support …

Agribusiness, Beef, Energy, Ethanol, Farming, Food

Ceres First to Brand Bioenergy Seeds

Laura McNamara

As technology unleashes more and more energy possibilities from more and more crops, it can get a little confusing as to which plants can do what. Ceres, Inc. plans to clarify bio-friendly seeds with its new bioenergy seed brand. Energy crop company Ceres, Inc. plans to market its agricultural seeds and traits under the trade name Blade Energy Crops in …

Agribusiness, Corn, Energy, Farming, Seed

It’s That Time Again…

Laura McNamara

…that time to find the nation’s worst cook. The American Egg Board is launching its second annual ‘Search for America’s Worst Cook.‘ Can you think of anyone that might qualify? Does your recipe repertoire consist of microwaveable meals and the phone number for Chinese take-out? Are you prone to flare-ups in the kitchen? Then you might just be America’s Worst …

Ag Groups, Food

Schwarzenegger to Speak at BIO International Summer Convention

Laura McNamara

The state of sustainable agriculture in developing countries will be one of the main issues addressed at the BIO International Convention this summer. The Biotechnology Industry Organization is hosting the convention in San Diego from Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 20. Biotechnology leaders from around the globe will be descending upon San Diego, one of the leading biotech hubs …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Energy, Environment, Food, Technology

Mysterious, New Beef Could Vanish

Laura McNamara

An agricultural research facility in Florida fears the 10 percent reduction in ag research funding will close its doors… and abruptly abort research on a nameless, mixed breed of cattle. The St. Petersburg Times reports: Indeed, few people have ever seen cattle like these. Unless you’re knowledgeable in bovine research, the cross-bred calves huddled in tall grass of the pastures …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Animal Health, Beef, Farm Policy, Farming, Livestock, Research, Technology

Naturally Iowa Showcases Bio Standard for Feds

Laura McNamara

Only one food and beverage exhibitor received an invitation to the 2008 USDA BioPreferred Showcase Conference. Naturally Iowa was one of twenty companies overall to attend the conference meant to give the federal government ideas on how to choose environmentally-friendly products. The invitation to participate in the conference was only extended to companies that can help the USDA “meet the …

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Type-A Cranberries

Laura McNamara

Cranberries pack a lot of punch. No, not juice, well, not just juice anyway. The Cranberry Marketing Committee reminds consumers how cranberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Do you know anyone who’s a Type-A personality? A multi-tasking, go-getter? Well, if fruit could take personality tests, the cranberry would turn out to be Type-A. There’s a lot of good stuff …

Advertising, Ag Groups, Food

Kids Go for Flavor

Laura McNamara

The Dairy Council of California says flavored milk does a child’s body good. That’s because, children drink up when chocolate, strawberry or vanilla is in the cup. Kids and teens, pour yourselves a tall one. Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milk, that is. New research shows that drinking flavored milk increases overall milk intake and improves nutrition without adding extra weight. …

Advertising, Ag Groups, Dairy, Food