Category Archives: Farming

Future of Family Farming a Moral Issue

Posted on November 21, 2004 by Trish Nelson

Future of Family Farming a Moral Issue Minutemanmedia by George Naylor Now that the election of 2004 is history, voters must face some important questions. Will our political system take time, amid political fund raising and heated rhetoric on cultural … Continue reading →

Posted in Farming, Main Page | 1 Comment

A Grassroots Battle Over Biotech Farming

Posted on October 15, 2004 by bfialindathieman

A Grassroots Battle Over Biotech Farming

By Robert Mullins, NewsDesk.org

Local initiatives target genetic engineering

When voters in the Northern California county of Mendocino passed an initiative this spring banning the cultivation of genetically engineered crops, there were celebrations 3,000 miles away in Vermont.

That same day, March 2, nine town councils in Vermont passed resolutions calling for a state moratorium on genetically engineered farming, bringing to 79 the number of townships there that have taken such a stand.

“We were thrilled in Vermont after the Mendocino County vote passed the same day as our town vote. This is a huge boost for our campaign,” said Amy Shollenberger, an organizer of GE-Free Vermont, an advocacy group opposed to genetically engineered crops.

On the heels of these successes, and buoyed by widespread disapproval of genetically modified foods in Europe, municipalities around the U.S. are presenting their own versions of the ban to voters this November.

But activists may be trying to close the barn door after the horses have already fled. Many food crops worldwide are already being grown with genetically modified seed, and the agribusiness lobby, perhaps caught off guard by the Mendocino vote, is refocusing its well-funded lobbying machine.
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Converting Manure Into Crude Oil

Posted on October 12, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Converting Manure Into Crude Oil ThePigSite.com Tired of politics? Let's talk pig poo. American industrial agriculture is executed on an enormous scale. To look at just one slice: More than 100 million head of hogs and pigs are slaughtered in … Continue reading →

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Iowa Hog Lot Controversy Far From Over

Posted on October 10, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Iowa Hog Lot Controversy Far From Over by Shawn Harmsen, KIMT-TV, Mason City Supporters of a Worth County livestock ordinance say their fight for a cleaner environment isn't over.  Iowa's Supreme Court struck down the ordinance [last week].  That decision … Continue reading →

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Iowa Livestock Air Law Has No Penalties

Posted on October 6, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Iowa Livestock Air Law Has No Penalties by Perry Beeman, Des Moines Register Iowa has its first limits on air pollution from livestock operations – but the rule has no teeth, and few are satisfied with it. Those who called … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Farming, ICCI, Main Page | 1 Comment

The Future of Family Farms: Oct. 3 at 9am

Posted on September 30, 2004 by bfialindathieman

The Future of Family Farms: Oct. 3 at 9am Ethical Perspective on the News is on KCRG channel 9 Cedar Rapids, Sunday Oct. 3rd at 9:00am (MORNING).  The topic is “The Future of Family Farms” Moderator: Karen Brown Professor Philosphy, … Continue reading →

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Family Farms, Rural Communities Threatened by Craig Amendment

Posted on September 21, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Family Farms, Rural Communities Threatened by Craig Amendment Environmental Integrity Project WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 21, 2004) – The air and drinking water, lakes and streams in and near family farms and rural communities across the United States would be jeopardized … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Farming, Iowa in the News, Main Page | 1 Comment

Iowa Fair Trade Campaign: Stop Outsourcing Our Future!

Posted on September 8, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Iowa Fair Trade Campaign: Stop Outsourcing Our Future!


The Iowa Fair Trade Campaign seeks to bring Iowans together to work for new rules for the global economy that respect workers, family farmers, immigrants, the environment, human rights, and democracy.

Groups and individuals in Iowa have worked for fair trade and global justice for many years. During the months proceeding the 2004 Iowa Presidential caucuses, we came together as the Iowa Fair Trade Campaign to insure that trade was discussed by the Presidential candidates, to present a common statement to the candidates on trade issues, and to persuade them to embrace this position.

A network of over 200 individuals representing labor, family farmers, the faith community, immigrants, students, environmentalists, and others “birddogged” the Presidential candidates throughout the state, and all the candidates campaigning in Iowa embraced our basic requests before the Iowa caucuses. The Iowa Fair Trade Statement was endorsed by 25 Iowa organizations, outlining a common position on what responsible trade agreements should include.

The Iowa Fair Trade Campaign is working to stop the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), and the expansion of the World Trade Organization (WTO). We seek, instead, a new set of rules for the global economy that will insure that all Iowans, not just a few, benefit from trade and trade agreement.
 
Plan for September and October 2004

The IFTC will educate, organize, and mobilize citizens in Iowa to oppose the corporate global trade agenda and support new rules for global trade and investment agreements that protect the interests of workers, the environment, family farmers, consumers, human rights, and democratic processes.   A major educational component will be the holding of 'town hall meetings' called 'Stop Outsourcing Our Future!'  Each town hall meeting will be co-sponsored by IFTC member groups, with panelists representing as many of our constituencies as possible.  Public participation and suggestions for citizen action will be a major part of each town hall meeting.

The Iowa Fair Trade Campaign currently has scheduled five town hall meetings.  They will be held at the following locations and times.

Waterloo, Sept. 13, Center for the Arts, 7-8:30 pm

Marshalltown, Sept. 27, Iowa Valley Community College, 7-8:30pm

Mason City, Sept. 29, Public Library, 7-8:30 pm

Keokuk, Sept. 30, Public Library, 6:30-8:00 pm

Muscatine, Oct. 2, Muscatine Commuity College, 10:30-Noon

Please spread the word about these meetings and let Iowa Fair Trade Campaign organizer Dave Leshtz know if you'd like to have such a meeting in your part of the state.  Co-sponsors and panelists are being identified.  Suggestions are welcome.  Contact Dave at dleshtz@ia.net or 319-621-4205.

Current co-sponsors include Iowa Farmers Union, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, many labor councils, League of Rural Voters, Americans for Democratic Action, and Iowa Conference United Methodist Church.

To read the Iowa Fair Trade Coalition’s Statement on Trade Agreements in its entirety, click on “more >>” below.
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Iowa Lobby Groups Spar Over Meaning of Family Farm

Posted on September 5, 2004 by bfialindathieman

Iowa Lobby Groups Spar Over Meaning of 'Family Farm' by Matthew Wilde, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier IOWA FALLS – Saving family farms is a top priority in Iowa.  Special interest and activist organizations aren't disputing that. But what constitutes a family … Continue reading →

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BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE SWEETHEART DEAL THAT EXEMPTS FACTORY FARMS FROM AIR POLLUTION REQUIREMENTS

Posted on August 8, 2004 by bfialindathieman

BUSH ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE SWEETHEART DEAL THAT EXEMPTS FACTORY FARMS FROM AIR POLLUTION REQUIREMENTS   Sources Inside EPA Say Deal to be Released as Early as Next Week; Earlier Commitment to Public Comment Period Now Not Expected to be Honored … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Farming, GOP, Main Page, National News | 1 Comment