We couldn't change the Agriculture Secretary, but we haven't given up the hope of changing agriculture policy. USDA Watch is a new initiative aimed at ensuring organic standards are upheld and improved, and holistic ecological solutions to our global crisis are pursued in our new administration.
Overhaul of Agriculture Systems Needed
Scientist: GM Food Safety Testing Is "Woefully Inadequate"
Links to Recent Outstanding Research on the Hazards of Genetically Engineered Foods
Monsanto's Roundup Residues in GM Food Cause Cell Damage
New Study Links Genetically Engineered Corn to Infertility
Monsanto Tried to Block Research Showing GE Corn Causes Infertility
An Impossible Coexistence: Transgenic and Organic Agriculture
Bee Learning Behavior Affected by Eating Toxin from GE Corn
An excellent film exploring the dangers of genetic engineering and corporate agriculture. Click here to view the rest of the movie.
Click below to voice your support of a sustainable & organic future!
Despite a massive public outcry, including over 100,000 emails from the Organic Consumers Association, Barack Obama chose former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to be the Secretary of Agriculture and he was confirmed by the Senate on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009.
We weren't able to stop Vilsack from becoming Agriculture Secretary, but we were able to start a vibrant national discussion of agriculture policies. The news coverage of our Stop Vilsack campaign shows how OCA shaped the debate:
OCA Executive Director Ronnie Cummins Explains the Case Against Vilsack on Democracy Now!
NPR Interviews Ronnie Cummins:
Obama's choice for secretary of agriculture points to the continuation of agribusiness as usual, and the failed policies of chemical and energy-intensive, genetically engineered industrial agriculture.
Omaha World-Herald Quotes Ronnie Cummins:
This is going to amount to small change in the USDA, not the far-reaching change required by the national emergency on climate change, energy and public health.
Hazards of GE Foods & Crops - Why We Need a Global Moratorium by Ronnie Cummins
UN: Biofuel Production 'Criminal Path' to Global Food Crisis
Biofuel, Food Shortages, & the Comeback of the Biotech Bullies
Study Criticizes Converting Cleared Farmland to Biofuel
Running on Top Soil: The Biofuel Illusion
Tom Philpott on The 'Secret' World Bank Biofuel Report