Obama's nominee for the head of USAID Rajiv Shah appears to be just another Monsanto crony through AGRA. Where will this all end? It will end when we stand up forcefully to end it. But people need this information first in order to take action to protect their food and food sovereignty. The industrial agricultural model of the Monsantos of this world is not sustainable. It is time for REAL change.Obama's nominee for the head of USAID Rajiv Shah appears to be just another Monsanto... more
In 2008, global food price spikes and four successive hurricanes battered the Caribbean island of Haiti, causing an estimated US$220 million in damage to food crops. Tens of thousands of farmers were left without a means of earning an income and the country without enough food to eat. This short video looks at a special IFAD-funded programme designed to kick-start the country’s food production quickly and the support needed to make Haiti food secure.In 2008, global food price spikes and four successive hurricanes battered the... more
The ranks of America’s hungry are expanding—including double-income families in some of the richest places in the country.
The deepening hunger crisis revealed this week by a U.S. Department of Agriculture report has largely been attributed to the recession. But an exclusive analysis by The Daily Beast finds several states with hunger problems that far outpace their poverty rates, an indication that it isn’t just the fragile economy that’s to blame.
In states with disproportionate hunger problems—Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, and Connecticut top the list—bureaucratic red tape, geographic and demographic challenges, and high housing and energy prices are keeping people from getting the food they need, analysts and activists say.
The worst 10 offenders for disproportionate hunger are:
1. Colorado
2. Alaska
3. Oregon
4. Connecticut
5. Utah
6. Nevada
7. Vermont
8. Maine
9. Missouri
10. Oklahoma
“The bottom line is always political will,” says Kathy Underhill, executive director of the Colorado Coalition to End Hunger. “As a state, it’s where you put your resources.”
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What a disgrace. Yet, our military defense budget is obscene. So please Obama, don't continue talking and saying you are going to work on 'reversing this trend' when this is more than just a trend for one, and you then sign bills giving more money for defense spending and wars. A country's character is defined by its priorities. We need to work a lot harder on ours.
And by all means, please keep on appointing Monsanto insiders as well to show how much you truly care for the poor and the environment.What a disgrace. Yet, our military defense budget is obscene. So please Obama, don't... more
Just a week before millions of Americans across the country sit down for their Thanksgiving feasts, “Fair Food: Field to Table” launches to tell the story of the nation’s farm workers, growers and advocates of fair food in their own voices, and promoting realistic solutions for a more socially-just US food system.
*Approximately 2.5 million farm workers toil in harsh conditions to harvest the agricultural bounty of the United States, earning near starvation wages of $11,000 annually while risking their lives in one of the nation’s most hazardous occupations.
*The 20-minute piece, which was shot across the United States, is available in streaming multimedia format and can be viewed at: www.fairfoodproject.org
*‘Fair Food’ is one of the few comprehensive explanations of both the serious problems facing farm workers and innovative, workable solutions currently put into action by forward-thinking growers and food businesses.
*While most information about farm worker conditions focuses on the negative, Fair Food educates viewers about the growing movement for a more just food system and ways that farmworkers, growers, businesses, students and advocates and consumers are working to achieve that goal.
*“Fair Food: Field to Table” was created by The California Institute for Rural Studies (www.cirsinc.org) and photographer/writer Rick Nahmias (“The Migrant Project”).
*Additional information resources launching with the project include a dedicated website (http://www.fairfoodproject.org) with links to dozens of farm worker related organizations and advocacy sites, plus an educators’ tool kit.
Honestly, we're surprised that this doesn't already exist: Tribudesign, a young Lebanese firm, has secured a distributor for White, which is basically a bong that looks like an iPod.
Maybe bong is too cavalier a word. It's supposed to be a hookah, and it's going to be distributed by Airdiem, a Parisian company that appears to specialize in high-end Persian smokers.
White is made of a palette that includes stainless steel, acrylic, and leather, and that's more healthful because those materials are easier to clean and would thus produce less marijuana resin carcinogenic tobacco soot. Its slim design also makes it easily stashable. And if that isn't enough, you can just throw it next to your computer in a pinch, and pray that the cops mistake it for a USB drive.
It's hard to say if Obama's trip to China has achieved some results. The American president has reached a compromise with the Asian nation on climate change, but in practice that excludes binding decisions at the summit in Copenhagen in December. He demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, but said almost nothing to the Chinese government about the many imprisoned dissidents and repression of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang. http://www.inaltreparole.net/en/world/obamachina151109.htmlIt's hard to say if Obama's trip to China has achieved some results. The American... more
For the first time in human history, the number of people across the world suffering from hunger exceeds 1 billion -- one sixth of the world´s population.
Next week, global leaders will meet at the World Food Summit in Rome to address this growing crisis. But some wealthy countries are threatening to renege on a new $20 billion pledge made earlier this year to boost agriculture in the poorest countries.
Let's act before famines set in. Sign the petition below and tell friends, it will be delivered directly to world leaders and through a spectacular stunt at the Roman Colosseum on the eve of the Summit.
Petition to G8 leaders attending the Rome summit:
We urge you to deliver, in full, the $20 billion developing country agriculture and food security package pledged in L´Aquila G8 Summit last July. This money must be additional to existing aid commitments, and priority should be given to investments in sustainable, small-scale farming.
__________________________
Take action to see sustainable agriculture supported in developing nations as promised. NO GMOS.For the first time in human history, the number of people across the world suffering... more
Another fool who doesn't understand the dangers of GM foods...... thank goodness!
excerpt:
Commentary
Jim McCarthy , 10.26.09, 05:10 PM EDT
An Irish farmer's plea for access to technology in agriculture.
I much prefer the business of farming in Argentina. It's a dream place for agriculture. I'm not just referring to the climate. I'm thinking about how hard farming has become in Ireland, or just about anywhere else in Europe. The Argentine government doesn't tell me what I can and cannot grow based upon deliberate ignorance. It lets me make my own decisions.
If I was a younger man, I'd be tempted to move permanently to Argentina. But Ireland is home. I'm not going anywhere. It nevertheless saddens me to see a vocal minority of Green party activists throttle the future of farming.
There are about as many people in Ireland as there are in Oregon--just shy of 4 million. The world adds roughly this number of people to its total population every three weeks or so. The demand for food has never been higher--and if current trends continue, it will continue to set new records every year for the rest of my life.
It will take Irish farmland--and existing farmland everywhere--to meet this need. Europe must do its part to produce more and use its influence, especially in Africa, to encourage biotechnology. The policy of refusing to take GM crops seriously sets us up for an awful tragedy.
Maybe there's some good news ahead: This week, the Royal Society, the U.K.'s National Academy of Science, has released a report that calls for the acceptance of genetic modification on the farm.
Let's hope for a better future, so our present doesn't become a past we come to regret.Another fool who doesn't understand the dangers of GM foods...... thank goodness!... more
Students at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School, an institution that teaches sustainable and environment practices, offer some solutions on how Americans can be more sustainable in their food disposable.Students at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School, an institution that teaches... more
On Today's CSR Minute: Harrah's Travelife Gold Awards; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grants for Agriculture Development; AMR Research's Supply Chain ConferenceOn Today's CSR Minute: Harrah's Travelife Gold Awards; Bill and Melinda Gates... more
Launched today, naumesfruitgifts.com is a new, socially responsible gift giving solution that delivers delicious pear gift boxes to family and friends, and a matching donation of fresh fruit to food banks that feed hungry families.
The first of its kind, the Donate Fruit program provides a new way to give and represents a growing demand nationwide for quality gifts that give back.
“Sharing a gift that has also made an important difference in the life of another makes it even more special,” said Laura Naumes, Vice President of Naumes. “Our signature fruit gift box lets gift recipients know that their premium fruit gift has been matched pound for pound with a donation to those in need.”
Addressing hunger in America is especially critical in today’s economic climate, in which one in eight Americans are affected. Fresh and nutritious fruit is a vital component of food donated to hungry families who too often rely on processed foods that can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Naumes Inc. is one of the largest family owned and operated pear growers in the world and has been donating fresh fruit for generations. They have been the major pear grower working with Feeding America, donating almost 10 million pounds of pears and reaching people in need across the country over the past seven years.
The launch of naumesfruitgifts.com today allows the family to offer its premium fruit directly to consumers for the first time and to expand their charitable contributions.
“We take great pride in offering a quality and nutritious gift option that our customers can feel good about,” said Mike Naumes, President of Naumes, Inc. “We lost our first orchard in the Great Depression so we understand firsthand the importance of doing our part to help others in need.”
Naumes handpicked gourmet pears are available in a variety of gift boxes and are available online at naumesfruitgifts.com.Launched today, naumesfruitgifts.com is a new, socially responsible gift giving... more
It struck me that this is the easiest damn protest I have ever been on!
I'm taking part in the COPENHAGEN CLIMATE CHANGE - WORLD HUNGER STRIKE.
Any day from now right up to and including the Copenhagen Conference in December you can commit to as little as one day of your time without solid food and be part of a YELL that world leaders will have ringing in their ears.
A grandmother can be involved in this global protest and be heard from the comfort of her favourite armchair!
Sweden, for instance, has set a 40 per cent target for 2020 and a new government bill requires its transport sector to be fossil-free by 2030. While such initiatives may be applauded, Sweden is as a result investing heavily in research and influencing EU-wide policy that provides financial incentives for companies to buy up land in Africa for biofuel production. Two Swedish biofuel companies, SweTree Technologies and SEKAB, currently sit on the industry-dominated board of the European Biofuels Technology Platform (EBTP). The EBTP have privileged access to European Commission decision-making and help shape research direction and spending of public money.[2] SweTree Technologies, for instance, is researching second-generation biofuels by genetically modifying trees for fuel conversion. SweTree’s director, Björn Hägglun, also happens to be the chief director of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Sweden, only one of only two NGOs that has openly admitted its involvement with the EBTP. Second-generation biofuels are now mandated to produce twice as much energy compared to first-generation biofuels in meeting the 10 per cent EU-wide transport target.
Exporting biofuels or feedstocks from developing countries to the EU will push up food prices and hurt poor consumers. Studies and countless media reports link biofuel plantations with a number of destructive conditions that directly undermine their potential, not to mention ethics. For instance, the EU has a contractual obligation to import sugar from ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) states entering into an EPA (economic partnership agreement). But there are no clear legal mandates to determine the difference between 'environmentally sound' and 'environmentally damaging' imports.[3]
As such, European companies are scrambling for a slice of African soil. The financial incentives along with home policies drive the business fury and yet, according to a report by the European Parliament, only a tiny percentage of biofuel is imported from Africa because of high tariffs. The United Nations FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation) along with the IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development) and the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) conducted a study that looks at the impact of land acquisition in Mali, Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia and Madagascar. Since 2004, close to 2.5 million (ha) hectares of land – excluding land allocations below 1,000 ha – have been appropriated by foreign acquisition in these countries. Two-thirds of 3 billion people survive on around 500 million parcels of land less than two hectares in size. Most of the land claimed by foreign acquisition was already in use by local people. Women, who are the main food producers, were more easily driven out due to discrimination. In Tanzania, a sugarcane plantation for biofuel in the Wami basin displaced 1,000 farmers. The results are disheartening as people end up in over-populated urban centres and their outlying slums.
The promise of easy money in an environment without strong regulation and cheap land is a motivating factor for companies and the hosting government. Weak legislation means mechanisms that are supposed to protect local rights, interest, and welfare is disregarded.[4] Rich arable land used for commercial biofuel production has serious implications for a people who already spend 70 per cent of their incomes on food. Food and energy security concerns are supposed to be key drivers behind government-backed investments. However, the key driver behind these deals is investment opportunities. This is compounded by a global demand for non-food agricultural commodities and biofuels, which promise high rates of return. The buy-outs and speculation of African land is also driving up its value while policy measures in home and host countries encourage the scramble.
more at the link.Sweden, for instance, has set a 40 per cent target for 2020 and a new government bill... more
This December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to come up with a global response to climate change.
The World Hunger Strike is a voice of all global citizens being raised for global leaders to hear. We as citizens of the world acknowledge the time is now that our global leaders MUST sign a deal that will reduce global emissions that are contributing to climate change that will increase the death by starvation worldwide of our Brothers and Sisters.
From October 18th right up to and including the Copenhagen Conference of the 7th to the 18th of December, the Greenhouse Neutral Foundation is calling for volunteers to register and participate in a rolling global HUNGER STRIKE for periods of 1, 3, or 5 days. (*conditions apply)
On average there is a death from hunger around the world every 3 seconds of every day. During the course of the World Hunger Strike campaign there will have been 1,756,800 people around the world that will have died of hunger
This is a PROTEST everyone - not just the green movement can participate in and we will YELL at world leader and save the lives of many least able to cope with the future the face.
I implore you to take part even for just 1 day.
I will start my 5 day protest this Sunday October 18th at midnight.
AFP - The food crisis in poor countries coupled with the global economic crisis have caused a spike in world hunger, with more than one billion people undernourished this year, the UN food agencies said Wednesday.AFP - The food crisis in poor countries coupled with the global economic crisis have... more
With a packed house, and time for only one more question, author Jeffrey Smith stepped to the mic and received the loudest applause of the morning with this question on genetically modified (GM) foods.With a packed house, and time for only one more question, author Jeffrey Smith stepped... more
"The fight to end hunger is being hurt by environmentalists who insist that genetically modified crops cannot be used in Africa, Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of software giant Microsoft, said on Thursday.
Gates said GMO crops, fertilizer and chemicals are important tools -- although not the only tools -- to help small farms in Africa boost production.
'This global effort to help small farmers is endangered by an ideological wedge that threatens to split the movement in two,' Gates said in his first address on agriculture made during the annual World Food Prize forum.
'Some people insist on an ideal vision of the environment," Gates said. "They have tried to restrict the spread of biotechnology into sub-Saharan Africa without regard to how much hunger and poverty might be reduced by it, or what the farmers themselves might want.'"
More at link..."The fight to end hunger is being hurt by environmentalists who insist that... more
"It's time to raise the bar in the fight against poverty. Last year, 116 million people got involved. This year, make sure your voice counts too."
More:
"Trust me, it feels good. I've marched for fair trade with farmers in rural Kenya, and then visited their farms when the event was over. There's no feeling in the world like standing in solidarity with people that till the land for crops we eat and depend on. (In my case in Kenya, it was coffee, so technically not a necessity, but... I can't say I don't depend on it.)
If you're near Seattle, for example, support the launch of the Global Center for Women's Land Rights. In Chicago, join a video conference with Paul Farmer, or help out the local Girl Scouts in collecting peanut butter and jelly. (Point is, the options, and locations, are endless.) In Kenya? Join the woman standing up against sexual harassment and fighting for maternal health."
A lot of tips and info at the link like planting trees for your community,clean ups, buying fair trade etc.
"There's no feeling in the world like standing in solidarity with people", it's so true,
we are one believe it or not!
