Delivering the week’s top organic food news
7.11.2017
100% Non-GMO

Genetically-Engineered Trees and Genetically-Engineered Moths Could Soon Be Invading Our Environment


As I write this email to you today, I cannot recall the organic industry being at a more dangerous precipice.

Aside from the massive fraud issues that have surfaced as of late, we are now facing the very scary prospect of genetically-engineered trees and genetically-engineered moths pervading the American agricultural landscape, whose impact would be irreversible and catastrophic.

Here is a quick recap on each and where things stand.

GE-TREES

A company called ArborGen is seeking approval from the USDA for its genetically-engineered eucalyptus tree, advocating that these trees can produce more wood on less land, for things such as paper.

As I have written about on Living Maxwell, these GE-trees consume incredibly large amounts of water, are highly invasive and flammable, do not promote biodiversity, and have caused very serious problems in local communities around the world. Furthermore, GE-tree plantations will only lead to more deforestation.

In response to the agency’s draft Environmental Impact Statement, 280,000 comments were submitted to the USDA on July 5th arguing against these trees.

There was plenty to say, especially considering the inadequacy of the USDA’s environmental analysis. It looked at the potential environmental impact of 200 communities in the seven states where current pine plantations exist – places where GE-trees would be planted.

The agency didn’t look at the environmental impact of these trees being planted in states such as California or Oregon. If GE-trees are approved, they will be allowed to be planted and sold anywhere in the U.S.

George Kimbrell, Legal Director at the Center for Food Safety, said that “There is no clock on the agency, as to when we could hear something from them. It could be tomorrow or years. GE-salmon applied for approval in 2011 and received it in 2015. The USDA’s only obligation is to respond to the comments that were filed.”

Given the USDA’s track record, whether under the previous or current administration, it is widely expected that GE-trees will be granted approval.

If and when this does happen, any possible legal action will be decided upon at that time. Until then, there is nothing much we can do but wait.

GMO-MOTHS

In an alert that I sent out on Friday, the USDA has given the green light for the release of genetically-engineered diamondback moths.

These moths pose a very serious risk to both the environment and economic health of organic farmers in the New York region, and dead GMO-moth larvae could very well end up in organic broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower. This could cause irreparable harm to organic farmers in that area.

Right now, the State of New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DOC) is (a) evaluating whether it has the jurisdiction to give a permit or not and (b) evaluating if a permit is needed.

This is brand new terrain for the DOC, and it all comes down to whether the state’s lawyers are being consulted on this decision and how the law is being interpreted.

One of my sources, who is very close to the situation and asked to remain anonymous, believes that a decision will be coming out within the next few days and that the DOC will not require a permit.

If that does happen, we should expect legal action to be taken very quickly.

As soon as more information becomes available about both situations, I will be sure to keep you posted.

It is imperative that we do whatever we can to make sure that GE-trees and GE-moths do not become a part of our environment.

Because once they are out, we will never be able to reverse course and bring them back in.

Sending you my best,

Max Goldberg, Founder

This Week's News Items

Weekly News Summaries

First Course
The Washington Post

Amish Farmers are Unfairly Losing the Battle Against Big Organic

By Peter Whoriskey

As this story discusses, small family farmers do not have an equal playing field when competing against major organic dairies. The USDA must change the way it is doing business.

Bloomberg

What Really Took Place in the Bidding for Whole Foods

By Craig Giammona and Devin Banerjee

With the filing of a proxy statement, we learned that Albertson's and four private equity firms all expressed interest in the company. Additionally, Whole Foods unsuccessfully sought $45 per share from Amazon.

Civil Eats

Is the Market Ready for a 'Regenerative Agriculture' Seal?

By Christopher Collins

As interest in Regenerative Agriculture heats up, there is debate about where and how a possible certification fits into the marketplace.

Food Business News

Campbell's Acquires Pacific Foods for $700 Million

By Monica Watrous

This is just more evidence that Big Food sees the organic industry as a solution to its broken business model, and acquisitions will not stop anytime soon.

The Organic Center

The Organic Center Presents at the United Nations

Dr. Jessica Shade, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center, presented at the United Nations and highlighted the ways that organic can provide innovative sustainability solutions for all of agriculture.

Second Course
Digital Trends

Genetically-Engineered, Heat-Resistant Cows - Yes, You Read That Correctly

By Luke Dormehl

Geneticists at The University of Florida are developing a cow that is able to withstand the earth's rising temperatures due to global warming. And the U.S. government just gave the school $733,000 to pursue this insane experiment.

Green Med Info

Monsanto and Dow's RNAi Technology Gets EPA Approval - A Frightening Prospect

By Sayer Ji

A very thorough and detailed look at the terrifying prospect of RNAi corn intended for human consumption.

Third Course
TechCrunch

Armed with $50 Million in Funding, Brandless Tackles the Online CPG Market

By Ryan Lawler

With an experienced management team and plenty of money, Brandless wants to sell you "unbranded" consumer products, many of which are organic.

Long Beach Press-Telegram

Is Costco Prepping to be the Next Shake Shack?

By Nancy Luna

In Seattle and at select Southern California locations, Costco is testing out an organic cheeseburger at its food court.

My Salaam

An Organic, Halal Meal Delivery Service Launches in Chicago

While there are many organic meal delivery services, Halal Chef is the first one that I have encountered that focuses on the halal market.


The material in this newsletter is copyrighted and may be reprinted by permission only. All requests must be in writing. Please use our contact form to request republication rights.

Share This Newsletter

Share This

Search Newsletter Archive

Newsletter Archive

Newsletter Topics

Organic Insider