Tag Archives: agriculture

The New York Fracking Debate: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

by Kai Olson-Sawyer, research and policy analyst, GRACE Communications

As the last reverberations died from Governor Cuomo’s 2012 resounding New York State of the State address, it must be noted that not a single syllable was uttered about the controversial issue of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). No doubt, Cuomo and his advisors – aware of how inflammatory the topic has become in New York state (NYS) – made the political decision to sidestep it, and his silence spoke volumes. Just outside the Albany convention center where Cuomo was speaking, an anti-fracking rally called loudly for a permanent state ban on the practice. Continue reading

Hurricanes, CSAs and the Resilience of Farmers


by Erin McCarthy, program associate at the GRACE Communications Foundation

When Hurricane Irene hit New York City on August 28th, turning out to be a nonevent, residents breathed a sigh of relief and even a chuckle at the extensive preparations made for this less than significant storm. But even though we city dwellers were spared, I had a terrible feeling that farmers upstate might not be so lucky. I was especially worried about the farmers who provided me with my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) vegetables every week. And before I even had time to pluck off my rain boots, I received an email that made my heart sink. Continue reading

The Biggest Loser, Farm Bill Edition

 

By Rich Bindell, senior writer and blogger at Food & Water Watch

You know Jillian Michaels as the now-famous inspirational trainer (and former overweight consumer) from The Biggest Loser. Did you know that the main reason she has been able to maintain her healthy body is from eating organic foods and staying FAR AWAY from processed food products? It sounds like Jillian is well aware of the problems that burden our corporate-controlled food system, run by giants like Monsanto, Cargill, Tyson and Nestlé. If only the show could focus on that part of a better health strategy, it could really teach people about the critical importance of the Farm Bill in improving our food and our health as a nation.

Fair Farm Bill VideoWait a minute… that gives us an idea!

America has already opened its collective consciousness to the lessons of The Biggest Loser. The show’s contestants are close to our hearts for good reason: they’ve allowed us to examine ourselves and how we view our own health. But, now it’s time to welcome a new group into the fold and follow them as they head down a path toward self-improvement and healing. Only this time, the contestants aren’t playing for themselves, but for everyone who depends upon a healthy food system.

Welcome to the Biggest FARM BILL Loser.

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