Who's Behind the Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and Why it Matters Michael Pollan notes that the food giants have begun to fight back, against him, against the makers of Food, Inc., against anyone calling attention to the fact that our industrial food production system is horrible for us on almost every level. They are manipulating the national dialogue in a deviously clever way by creating the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, which is, in effect, a $30 million PR campaign to take the country’s gaze off CAFOs and processed food and focus it on agriculture itself and its farmers. SPIN! Read about them here. And here in the NYT. Food Policy News for NYC Last month, the New York City Council passed a package of bills known as the "FoodWorks" legislation to help improve the local food system. When these bills are put into effect (Mayor Bloomberg is expected to sign the legislation shortly), it will be easier for everyone in the city to eat locally and create less waste. A few highlights of the legislation include: Intro. 452 - Although farms throughout New York State are a vital part of our food system, much of our city's food is flown or trucked from around the country and globe. Under Intro. 452-A, sponsored by Council Member Gale Brewer, a set of guidelines will be developed for city agencies to follow to help make sure that more of our food is being purchased from farmers right here in New York. Intro. 461 - Approximately a third of the waste that we generate as a city is comprised of the boxes, containers and other packaging that our food and beverages come in. Intro. 461-A, sponsored by Council Member Annabel Palma, will result in the creation of guidelines for reducing packaging and will require City agencies to follow these guidelines as they solicit bids from City contractors. This will help save taxpayers' money while reducing our impact on the environment. Reso. 627 - This resolution, introduced by Council Member Debi Rose, calls on the State Legislature to amend the State General Municipal Law to allow New York City to extend preferential treatment to regional farmers. By doing so, we will be able to purchase food not only from farmers within the State, who already receive preferential status, but also from local food providers in the New York region. Click here to read all about the FoodWorks plan. Five Essential Reads on Food Politics Okay, okay, we know that this summer's 5 essential reads on food politics may not be your idea of lite beach reading, but this is a reading list we believe in. (The Atlantic by way of Food 52.) Top 10 Things You Should Know about the Farm Bill Sara Sciammacco, Civil Eats If you care about the affordability and availability of healthy food and clean drinking water, here is what you need to know about the massive piece of legislation that guides federal agriculture policy. Is Drug Resistance in Humans Coming from Chickens? Maryn McKenna, Wired Magazine The CDC says there is enough similarity between drug-resistance genes in E. coli carried by chickens and E. coli infecting humans that the chickens may be the source of it. Contaminated Sprout Seeds Could Be Anywhere Ross Anderson, Food Safety News French health authorities have confirmed that the E. coli outbreak in Bordeaux is linked to the earlier German epidemic, and that contaminated sprouts may well still be available across Europe and the world. Joan Nathan demonstrates 60 minute Challah Famed Jewish food writer Joan Nathan has come up with a technique that makes two loaves of fresh-baked challah in less than 60 minutes. The recipe, in her new book "Quiches, Kugels and Couscous," flavors the bread with anise and studs it with sesame seeds. Read more here. Earth Based Judaism – Reclaiming Our Roots, Reconnecting to Nature A wonderful article in Zeek by Zelig Golden, Co-founder of Wilderness Torah. Click here to read>> A great piece in the Huffington Post by Rabbi Ari Hart, Co-founder, Uri L'Tzedek (Awaken to Justice): Orthodox Social Justice, about the Jewish movement to promote sustainable, ethical eating. Click here to read>> Bringing Organic Sweet Corn back to Long Island Eve and Chris Walbrecht from Garden of Eve Organic Farm experimented with pheromone trapping and fertilizers to grow organic corn. Click here to read more>> Eat Less Meat, Eat Better Meat The list of Meatless Monday supporters continues to grow across the globe, and surprisingly to some, many of the latest enthusiasts make their living either cooking meat, such as chef Mario Batali or producing it, like rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman. What makes Meatless Monday so successful is its simple and inclusive message which promotes moderation with the goal of improving public health and the health of the planet Read more here. |