Commentaries

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July 30, 2010
The war on antibiotics PDF
Without strict new regulations, U.S. beef, poultry and pork production could rob us of effective antibiotics

June 24, 2010
Farm futures need financial reform PDF
Over the next few weeks, members of the Senate and House of Representatives will meet to iron out their differences in order to complete a historic financial reform bill. The final bill will cover a wide range of financial services, including credit cards, mortgages, payday loans and investment bank practices that affect all Minnesotans.

June 19, 2010
La salvación por el presupuesto? PDF
Commentary featured in La Jornada del Campo by IATP's Steve Suppan.

June 18, 2010
Perspectives on U.S. agriculture and carbon offsets PDF
Agriculture has a real and significant role to play in combating climate change but these opportunities are not being optimized, and in fact, may be squandered in new legislation under consideration.

May 26, 2010
Don't give up on Minnesota's agriculture innovation PDF
The federal government spends an estimated $100 million a year maintaining navigation on the Mississippi River system, which is primarily used to get crops like corn and soybeans out to international ports. Navigation industry proponents are pushing for more—a move that would hurt Minnesota agriculture.

May 17, 2010
Supremely important: Genetically engineered crops PDF
Fifteen years after farmers and agribusinesses began planting genetically engineered crops in out nation's fields, we still know very little about their long-term environmental, and social consequences.

May 14, 2010
Farm to School: Growing healthy eating habits in the fields of Minnesota PDF
Of the many strategies aimed at fighting rising rates of obesity and associated health impacts like diabetes, Minnesota’s Farm to School initiatives are a no-brainer. These initiatives show that we can provide healthier, fresh food for kids, teach children where and how their food is grown, and support local farmers. The win-win-win nature of Farm to School is why it is rapidly catching on around the state.

April 16, 2010
In global climate negotiations: Agriculture not just one more sector PDF
Any international negotiations or initiatives on climate change and agriculture must begin with recognition of the multifunctionality of agriculture. It is not just one more sector.

April 9, 2010
Challenging the Obesity System PDF
The quality of the calories produced by U.S. agriculture may be at least as important as their quantity. For us to make long-lasting progress on obesity, we must heal the symptom’s source: an unhealthy food system.

March 22, 2010
Colonialism is not dead PDF
The Gates Foundation—along with giants of biotech—is planning to export biotech seeds to Africa. If the history of colonialism and subsequent development practice has taught us anything, it is that all interventions must strengthen resilience, encourage diversity and be locally appropriate. The biotech seed proposal for Africa fails on all three counts.