jdmann@labrea.stanford.edu (10/02/89)
/* Written 1:30pm 9/29/89 by David Yarrow(jdmann) in en.agriculture */
/* -------- STATES LEAD EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ORGANIC FARMING -------- */
Source: Whole Foods, Sept 89 in NewsLinks
WASHINGTON - Organic and low-chemical farming is flourishing at the
state level, reports the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
According to CSPI's recent study, "Organic Agriculture: What the States
are Doing," half the nation's states have significant activities to promote
sustainable agriculture. The report cited California, Iowa, Maine, Texas,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin with "strong efforts" underway to encourage
organic and sustainable farming methods.
"Here in Washington, proponents scratch and claw just to hang on to a
tiny $4.45 million sustainable agriculture program the Bush administration
and chemical lobby want to kill," commented Dan Howell, author of the CSPI
report. "In contrast, states are spending more money on a greater variety
of ambitious programs to increase production and marketing of foods grown
with few or no synthetic pesticides and fertlizers."
CSPI's report described several key steps taken to encourage sustainable
agriculture by state legislatures, depts. of agriculture and universities
which serve as "models for other states and the federal government to
follow." Such examples include:
* An Iowa law taxes agricultural chemicals, raising over $4 million a
year to help pay for programs designed to reduce the use of farm chemicals.
* Adoption of laws or regulations defining "organic" for labeling in 16
states. Five states - Texas, Minnesota, Washington, New Hampshire, and
Vermont - finance inspection programs to certify that organic farms comply
with strict production standards.
* Statewide sustainable agriculture programs in California, Iowa, Texas,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin promote low-input research and provide information
to farmers.
* Programs in several states, including Minnesota and Texas, make low-
interest loans available to farmers who adopt alternative farming methods.
* State universities offer college training in sustainable farming. The
University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Maine-Orono, and
University of Vermont offer degree programs in sustainable agriculture.
* Grants by New York and Vermont Agriculture Departments to help organic
farmers establish marketing cooperatives. Texas and Wyoming conducted
market research on production of hormone-free beef.
According to Howell, many state-level programs in sustainable agriculture
are being considered at the federal level, including proposals to set
national standards for organic food and provide financial assistance for
farmers who adopt alternative methods. He added the CSPI report is intended
to stimulate additional organic farming activities around the country.
=============================================================
COMMENTARY: If it's a dark night and all you have is a flashlight, let
it shine. Although there's big news from Texas, Washington, Minnesota,
Iowa, Wisconsin, and Vermont, most states are still asleep on sustainable
farming. And it was pure fluke NY made $15,000 available to finance a small
farmers' marketing coop called "Finger Lakes Organic;" I know, I wrote the
grant and did the start-up work.
Ag chemical industry is far from on the run, much less defeated. In Iowa
state legislators who support sustainable farm legislation are targeted by
ag chemical PACs and lobbies. I see little evidence organic industry is now
working together to finance its own lobbyists in DC, much less every little
statehouse, nor have I yet seen ads for organic food in Newsweek or Time,
much less during the 6:30 evening news. I see little demonstration of
organized consumer campaigns for safe food. I see less proof environmental
activists have woken up to agricultural realities and formed alliances with
sustainable farming advocates and practitioners.
LISA grants are still less than 1% of the USDA research budget, and so is
Iowa's $4 million for sustainable farming. But, on this long journey, one
step at a time.....
- prepared by David Yarrow, the turtle, for SOLSTICE magazine
***** SOLSTICE: Perspectives on Health and Environment, is published
bimonthly at 201 E. Main St Suite H, Charlottesville, VA 22901 804-979-4427
---
Patt Haring | United Nations | FAX: 212-787-1726
patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information | BBS: 201-795-0733
patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange | (3/12/24/9600 Baud)
-=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-