Reactions have been rolling in as Alexander & Baldwin announced that it is transitioning out of farming sugar and will instead pursue a diversified agricultural model for its 36,000-acre Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company plantation on Maui. Sugar operations will be phased out by the end of 2016, and the transition to a new model will occur over a multi-year … Read More
USDA Planning GMO Labeling Stakeholder Meeting
In the new year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack plans to bring stakeholders in the genetically engineered food labeling debate to the table to reach common ground on the issue. “I intend to, after the first of the year, convene a meeting of folks who have been reaching out to me,” said Vilsack. “These are not necessarily Senators or members of … Read More
2016 Named International Year of the Pulses
2016 has been declared as the International Year of Pulses (IYP) by the United Nations. Pulses are edible grain legumes – think pinto, kidney, garbanzo, lentils, and peas. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization wants the public to recognize pulses “as a primary source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.” “We want to increase awareness of the importance of … Read More
No National Labeling in Omnibus Bill
The broad spending and tax legislation compromise unveiled by House Republicans Tuesday night lacks a provision that would allow for a national food labeling standard to head off state food labeling mandates for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) set to take effect in 2016. “The failure of Congress to act will result in enormous costs to the agriculture and food industry … Read More
Food Companies Launch SmartLabel™ Initiative
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has launched the SmartLabel™ technology initiative that will enable consumers to have easy and instant access to detailed information about thousands of products, with more than 30 major companies already committed to using it. Consumers will be able to find this detailed product information in several ways: by scanning a QR code on the package, … Read More
Food, Ag and Health Summit Seeks Solutions
The UC Davis Food, Ag and Health Solution Summit is being held now. This 32-hour, caffeine-fuled event has been dubbed an “idea hack,” with participants aiming to gain precision solutions for current agricultural challenges. The hope is to create uncommon collaborations to help us feed the future populations. The event will include: * Tuesday, Dec. 1: Precision Ag Workshop with industry … Read More
FDA Denies GMO Food Labeling Requirement
In a victory for food producers, the Food and Drug Administration Thursday denied petitions from anti-GMO activist organizations requiring the labeling of biotech foods. The FDA maintains that there is no need for additional labeling of foods derived from GE (genetically engineered) sources unless there is “a material difference – such as a different nutritional profile – between the GE … Read More
CEOs Launch Sustainability & Innovation Council
The heads of several agribusiness companies last week made a new commitment to sustainability. Elanco president Jeff Simmons, Kellogg CEO John Bryant, and Chris Policinski, President and CEO of Land O’ Lakes, joined former Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman to discuss what sustainability means to their companies last Thursday and to launch a new council. These companies, along with DuPont Pioneer, … Read More
Senate Ag Committee Holds Hearing On Biotechnology
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing this week on agriculture biotechnology (GMO) with that showcased the overwhelming scientific consensus regarding GMO safety, as well as the urgent need for Congressional action to pass a reasonable, common-sense solution that prevents a state-by-state patchwork of labeling laws. “This is the first time in 10 years this Committee has held a hearing … Read More
Land O’Lakes Global Food Challenge Fellowship
Land O’Lakes, Inc., created the Global Food Challenge Emerging Leaders for Food Security fellowship in 2014 to engage future leaders in the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the coming decades. An expected increase in population from 7 to 10 billion by 2050 requires a 70% increase in food production, yet this needs to be accomplished in a sustainable manor. … Read More