New Healthy WIC Foods Available in Minnesota August 1

Important changes to the foods provided by the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition program (WIC) will increase access to healthy fruits and vegetables in underserved populations in Minnesota and throughout the nation, according to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Krugman on Carbon Derivatives: A Rebuttal

Steve Suppan, Senior Policy Analyst with IATP, responds to Paul Krugman of the New York Times regarding carbon derivative offset cap and trade proposals.

IATP Congratulates Abbott Northwestern on Healthy Food Initiative

A new healthy food initiative launched by Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the largest hospital in the Twin Cities, is part of a growing trend to bring healthy, local food to health care.

Rural Summit to Bring Together Policymakers, Rural Residents

USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager and other national, state and local-level policymakers will join rural residents at the Midwest Rural Assembly in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, August 10-11.

A Dozen Mini Farmers Markets Bring Local Produce to Minneapolis Neighborhoods

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Mini Farmers Market Project has kicked off another successful season, doubling in size from six markets in 2008 to 12 markets in 2009.

Ethanol Industry Can Stop Using Unnecessary Antibiotics

The ethanol industry should voluntarily stop the unnecessary use of antibiotics in the production process, particularly because viable alternatives are readily available, concludes a new report by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

G-8 Commitment on Hunger Must Support Small-holder Farmers and Sustainable Practices

G-8 discussions on the food crisis must include more than additional money, and should prioritize agriculture and food policies that improve the position of small producers—particularly women.

IATP Applauds Mayor, City Council on Local Food Initiative

The Minneapolis City Council approved a resolution today put forth by the Homegrown Minneapolis initiative to support the production, sale and consumption of local, sustainably produced foods in the city and surrounding region.

Senate Report on Wheat Speculation Calls for Regulation

A report issued today by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations found that excessive speculation by commodity index traders drove up wheat prices and disrupted the market. The report confirms the urgent need for new regulatory safeguards on excessive speculation in commodity markets, according to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Iowa Forest Protects Critical Bird Habitat

A 77-acre forest in northeast Iowa is the first in the state to be certified under international Forest Stewardship Council management standards for its protection of native vegetation and ecologically important wildlife, including rare bird species.