1. WEBSITE LAUNCHED: familyfarmer.org A new website has been launched that seeks to build alliances between farmers, environmentalists, consumers and other activists. The website, which can be found at is designed to foster understanding and communications between groups. The vision is to advance agriculture that sustains farm families and heals the land. This site will also house information on various agribusiness "front groups" including the American Farm Bureau Federation.Visit the site today and let us know what you think! 22. TACO BELL'S BIO-SHELLS Last week a national media buzz rocked consumers when it was discovered that bio-engineered corn not approved for human consumption ended up in Taco Bell taco shells. Apparently, the corn Taco Bell was using was approved only for animal consumption. It had not been tested by federal agencies for potential allergic human reaction."Taco Bell and Philip Morris are using an illegal genetically engineered ingredient that could put the health of their customers at risk," said Larry Bohlen, a spokesman for Friends of the Earth, one of the groups that announced the test results. "This food contamination incident could easily be just the tip of the iceberg." Last week the American Corn Growers Association, concerned about consumer backlash feared farmers will bear the brunt of scandal being unable to sell corn they unwittingly grew. This week, true to form, the manufacturer of the corn, Aventis, announced they would segregate crops and stop selling the seeds. See the story at: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Taco-Recall.html. 3. INCENTIVES FOR WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENT The Institute for Agricultural and Trade Policy has just released a new report entitled "Incentives for Wildlife Enhancement on Midwestern Farms." The detailed 50 page report provides excellent analysis and resources for Midwestern farmers, ranchers and other rural landowners with an interest in promoting wildlife on their land. The report defines wildlife"not only as traditional fish and game species, but all native species that can be enhanced on farmland, including plants, aquatic organisms, and invertebrates." The report, written by Marcos Robles, emphasizes private sector and community based incentives. Available from the Institute for Agricultural and Trade Policy for $5 plus $2 postage and handling. To order contact Candace Falk. (612) 870 3453.4. FARM BUREAU INVESTIGATION UPDATE Though tens of thousands of citizens have contacted Congress calling for an investigation into the leadership of the Farm Bureau, no courageous political leaders have stepped forward to initiate this much needed probe. Meanwhile family farmers, who suffer from staggeringly low prices, continue to decline at the rate of 1000 a week from farm policies advocated by farm bureau leaders. Farm Bureau policies also threaten wildlife, water quality rural lifestyles - and in some cases - human rights. Unbelievably, Farm Bureau's extensive funding to lobby these extreme positions are paid for, in part, by our taxpayer dollars. (To learn more about Farm Bureau's sweet tax deal see Defenders of Wildlife's report on Farm Bureau - "Amber Waves of Gain" at: Open "Appendices" and read "Appendix two") If you have not signed on to the call for an investigation into the American Farm Bureau Federation you can do so at: http://www.defenders.org/rural3.html.If you would like to subscribe or unsubscribe to this list, e-mail: sjohnson@albq.defenders.org |
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