IN THIS ISSUE

• PUT FOOD, FARMING, & CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE TABLE IN THE 2006 ELECTIONS
• USDA SAYS SHUT UP AND EAT YOUR FRANKENRICE
• BOOKS OF THE WEEK: THE WAR IN IRAQ & THE WAR ON U.S.FAMILY FARMERS
• UNTESTED, UNLABELED & TOXIC NANO-PARTICLES INVADING OUR HOMES & BODIES
• HEALTH NEWS OF THE WEEK: BROWN SEAWEED BURNS FAT
• 9/11--FIVE YEARS AFTER--PRESS FOR TRUTH
  

PUT FOOD, FARMING, & CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE TABLE IN THE 2006 ELECTIONS
The Organic Consumers 2006 Political Candidate Survey and Voter Guide are spreading across the country. If you haven't already done so, please visit the Organic Consumers Fund web page to see how candidates from your area have responded and to how get involved.
http://www.organicconsumersfund.org

Join OCA and our allies for the International Day of Climate Action on November 4, 2006. OCA will be hosting house parties, film screenings and demonstrations in conjunction with worldwide actions prior to the United Nations Climate Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where delegates from more than 175 countries will be meeting from November 6-November 17. For more information, please visit: http://www.organicconsumers.org/climateaction.cfm

USDA SAYS SHUT UP AND EAT YOUR FRANKENRICE
The USDA has finally reacted to the contamination of the U.S. rice supply by an unapproved, genetically engineered variety of rice created by the Bayer Corporation. Three weeks ago, it was discovered that Bayer's mutant rice, gene-spliced to survive heavy doses of a powerful herbicide called glufosinate, had contaminated U.S. long grain rice stocks. The USDA admitted it had "no idea" how extensive the contamination was. Meanwhile Japan has banned all U.S. rice imports, while the EU is rejecting U.S. imports that test positive for contamination. The rice industry has been in a state of upheaval, with rumors of a massive market recall spreading across the country. This week, the USDA announced its plan of action: instead of recalling this illegal, and potentially unsafe rice, it is working with Bayer to fast-track the approval process. "Illegal, potentially hazardous rice in grain bins, on supermarket shelves, in cereal, beer, baby foods, and all rice products. It should be a no-brainer. Recall this stuff to make sure no one eats it," said Joseph Mendelson, Legal Director of the Center for Food Safety. "Instead, USDA plans to rush through 'market approval' of a genetically engineered rice that Bayer itself decided was unfit for commerce. Why? To free Bayer
from liability."
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2159.cfm

HEALTH NEWS OF THE WEEK: BROWN SEAWEED BURNS FAT
At the 232nd American Chemical Society National Meeting in San Francisco, new research was released that indicates brown seaweed, the type used in many Asian dishes, contains an anti-obesity compound. Dr. Kazuo Miyashita from Hokkaido University reported seeing significant reductions in fat tissue in rats and obese mice fed the edible seaweed carotenoid fucoxanthin. "The mechanism for this effect is a new one," Dr. Miyashita points out in a statement, explaining the seaweed induces expression of the fat-burning protein UCP1. Prior studies by Miyashita's group have shown that fucoxanthin also helps promote the death of human prostate cancer cells in culture.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_2168.cfm

Citizens of the nation: We are cows from Organic Valley, a farmer-owned cooperative of independent family farms. We live on the land, grazing abundant pastures, free from the influence of synthetic hormones, pesticides and corporate overlords. Our movement is strong. Our cause is just. And our milk is undeniably delicious.

Visit www.organicvalley.coop to learn about our farmers in your region. Join Farm Friends to support our movement and receive an inspirational kit with coupons.