Re: Organic Bytes: Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Do We Do Now?

[Guest guest]

This article was so depressing...it makes me wonder -- can we win?

laura

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Subscribe

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=ItLGZM%2BAYw0HmohH7%

> 2B6SqmSfPXmy6Zak> | Unsubscribe

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=hJx8saym4vqu9ihDXCQj

> q2SfPXmy6Zak> | Read Past Issues

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=8C%2FNpSrQH7r%2BO4aJ

> SOr5tWSfPXmy6Zak> | OCA Homepage

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=6RKAoJXTAAuM5JecJn74

> olPjdmC%2BxoBc> | Donate

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=QV7RiXNK6McftMoEpfJG

> v1PjdmC%2BxoBc>

> Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Do We Do Now?

>

> #261, January 27, 2011

>

> In this issue:

>

> * Essay of the Week: Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto <#SEC1>

> * Poll of the Week: NPR Says 93% Want GE Food Labeled <#SEC2>

> * Alert of the Week: Millions Against Monsanto - World Food Day 2011 <#SEC3>

> * Alert Update: 50,000 Against Monsanto's GMO Alfalfa <#SEC4>

> * Don't Forget to Take Action... <#SEC5>

> * Video of the Week: Hundreds of Birds Poisoned by USDA <#SEC7>

> * Campaign of the Week: Fearless Food Policy <#SEC8>

> * Book of the Week: All That We Share: A Field Guide to the Commons <#SEC9>

> * Little Bytes <#SEC10>

>

>

>

> Essay of the Week

> " Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto " by Ronnie Cummins

> " The policy set for GE alfalfa will most likely guide policies for other GE

> crops as well. True coexistence is a must. " - Whole Foods Market, Jan. 21,

> 2011

>

> In the wake of a 12-year battle to keep Monsanto's Genetically Engineered

> (GE) crops from contaminating the nation's 25,000 organic farms and ranches,

> America's organic consumers and producers are facing betrayal. A

> self-appointed cabal of the Organic Elite, spearheaded by Whole Foods

> Market, Organic Valley, and Stonyfield Farm, has decided it's time to

> surrender to Monsanto. Top executives from these companies have publicly

> admitted that they no longer oppose the mass commercialization of GE crops,

> such as Monsanto's controversial Roundup Ready alfalfa, and are prepared to

> sit down and cut a deal for " coexistence " with Monsanto and USDA biotech

> cheerleader Tom Vilsack.

>

> Read More

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=Je3AbV%2F1A%2FQi29Rl

> F8%2FOE2SfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Poll of the Week

> NPR Poll: 93% Want GE Food to Be Labeled

> " Only a quarter of Americans say they fully understand what genetically

> engineered food is all about, according to a survey of more then 3,000

> people conducted for NPR by Thomson Reuters last month.

>

> " Press people a little further by asking them if genetically engineered

> foods are safe, and the uncertainty climbs higher. Only 21 percent of people

> are convinced the foods are safe. Most are unsure - 64 percent. The

> remaining 15 percent think the foods aren't safe.

>

> " One thing everyone seems to agree on is that a food should say on its label

> if it's from some genetically modified animal or plant - 9 in 10 people

> surveyed said so. "

>

> Americans Are Wary Of Genetically Engineered Foods - Hensley, National

> Public Radio

>

> Read More

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=z1tVoxwW%2F5y90X3vsN

> iKSmSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> January Fundraising Appeal

> Donate and Help OCA Mobilize Millions Against Monsanto and Factory Farms

> The powerful antidote to corporate crime and villainy is mass grassroots

> awareness and grassroots action. GMOs, Factory Farms, and deceptively

> labeled consumer products pose a mortal threat to public health, the

> environment, climate stability, farm animals, and all living things. GMOs

> and organic crops, GMOs and biodiversity, cannot " coexist. " As we speak,

> organic crops are being contaminated with Monsanto's GMOs. We need your

> financial support to educate and mobilize consumers, to protect and maintain

> strict organic and Fair Trade standards, and to pressure the entire food

> industry to adopt Truth-in-Labeling practices.

>

> Please Donate

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=MMJ%2BwGhEsr4lVoxgTp

> f6VmSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Alerts of the Week

> Mark Your Calendars! World Food Day 2011 is October 16!

> Let's Deliver a 1,000,000-Person Petition to Monsanto!

>

> Please join the Organic Consumers Association's Millions Against Monsanto

> campaign to truthfully label foods that contain genetically modified

> organisms (GMOs) and/or come from factory farms (Confined Animal Feeding

> Operations, CAFOs) on World Food Day, October 16, 2011, when we will deliver

> 1,000,000 petition signatures from consumers who want mandatory " GMO " and

> " CAFO " food labels to Monsanto, the top food retailers and our elected

> officials.

>

>

>

> How will we get 1,000,000 signatures?

>

> 2,300 Signatures X 435 Congressional Districts = 1,000,000

>

> OCA needs a volunteer in every congressional district to coordinate the

> gathering of 2300 petition signatures between now and October 16, 2011.

> There are already signers in every district, but if we were starting from

> scratch, we would need to collect about 300 signatures in each district,

> each month between February and September.

>

> Volunteer to coordinate signature gathering! Please use this form

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=8i0DH3Mc4Q%2FnYpQZXY

> t4JmSfPXmy6Zak> .

>

>

>

> Start gathering signatures!

>

> You can gather signatures online by distributing the online petition via

> e-mail and through social networking sites to friends, colleagues and

> like-minded groups

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=NljTaXpo1aYP4PAzbMAA

> KGSfPXmy6Zak> .

>

> You can gather signatures in person at grocery stores, farmers markets and

> sustainable agriculture events by printing this petition form

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=AVfHgmS0UuegL0uQPdl%

> 2BimSfPXmy6Zak> .

>

>

>

> What? We're going to spend the next 8 months just collecting petition

> signatures?

>

> No! We're planning 8 months of Millions Against Monsanto actions and

> adventures that will only get more fun and more effective the more

> supporters we draw into the campaign through the petition.

>

> Learn more about our plans for Monsanto in 2011

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=5FAXpDPgm3vvT4tE9LEP

> UWSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Alert Update

> 50,000 Against Monsanto's GMO Alfalfa

> On Jan 24, 2011, the Organic Consumers Association filed over 50,000

> comments from our members with the USDA, asking the agency to block

> Monsanto's new genetically-modified, herbicide-loving alfalfa and opposing

> Sec. Vilsack's idea that organic and GMOs can " coexist. "

>

> Thanks everyone, we'll keep you posted!

>

>

>

>

> Alerts of the Week

> Don't Forget to Take Action...

> Ban Triclosan! Take action by Feb.7, 2011

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=wZQbENK6XNpDJRPhxO7M

> ymSfPXmy6Zak>

>

> New York: Label Milk From Cows Given rBGH (Genetically Engineered Bovine

> Growth Hormone)!

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=0v7WG2g5H%2FMtql1P4F

> %2Bi8VPjdmC%2BxoBc>

>

> California: Label GMO Salmon!

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=mINXQZ5lCsfp5Bzj9UGt

> M2SfPXmy6Zak>

>

> Nationwide: Get a GMO Labeling Bill Introduced in Your State

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=Qbl50t9KyI9aFDHKWSlV

> 8WSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

>

> Internship Opportunities with the OCA!

> Office Internship

>

> We are offering an internship working in our national office in Finland MN,

> beginning in Late February, 2011 for 4 months, with the option to stay on

> longer. This is an unpaid internship but you will be provided with a place

> to stay and a small stipend for food and living expenses. The internship

> will consist of basic office tasks such as answering phones, interacting

> with members, data entry, work on our website, as well as specific projects

> that we will work with you to develop. Opportunities will also be provided

> for local community involvement, including visits to a local CSA, dairy

> farm, and other sustainable agriculture and community venues in the region.

>

> Online Research Internships to help OCA's Fair World Project

>

> FWP seeks online interns to conduct internet research to support our Fair

> Trade Procurement Campaign and our Database Research Project. Interns will

> locate and post news stories, campaigns, and events, and reach out to

> like-minded organizations and green businesses or collect contact

> information on natural food stores, CSAs, etc. Although these are unpaid

> internships, FWP is willing to work with students to arrange college credit

> for your work.

>

> These are excellent opportunities to help the OCA while gaining experience

> in the workings of a international nonprofit campaigning for health, justice

> and sustainability.

>

> For more information, to apply, and to see OCA's other internship offerings,

> please visit our internship page

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=xv38ud6TL0WpUIwieIsO

> Z2SfPXmy6Zak> .

>

>

>

>

> Video of the Week

> Hundreds of Yankton, South Dakota Birds Poisoned By USDA

> It's happened in places like Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky. Hundreds of

> birds mysteriously found dead.

>

> Folks in Yankton, South Dakota, thought they were being added to the list

> after hundreds of dead birds were found there on Monday. Turns out the

> unpleasant feathered discovery has a solid explanation. They were poisoned.

>

> Watch

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=MFTI6V%2B2mAFuDbSkXe

> LjDGSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Campaign of the Week

> Fearless Food Policy

> " We cannot continue to let the consolidation of corporate food production

> create a food system that values quantity over quality and refuses to take

> into account the true cost of production. We must consider the environmental

> and health problems that creating food in unsafe and inhumane ways causes,

> leading to outbreaks of foodborne illness, antibiotic resistant bacteria,

> and polluted drinking water. Big Ag is very effective in playing the insider

> game, constantly lobbying Congress and federal agencies.

>

> " As Congress prepares for consideration of the farm bill next year, it is

> imperative that we have Fearless Leaders to speak up for the people when

> lawmakers hear from corporate interests prioritizing profits over health.

> The farm bill defines the federal government's role in the agricultural

> market, and we must fight to see that it supports family farms and

> sustainable farms that promote healthy foods. We need to take back food

> production; after all, we are what we eat. "

>

> - The Fearless Campaign

>

> Learn More

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=TcijWWGMf6VpGr42Fsof

> 3WSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Book of the Week

> All That We Share: A Field Guide to the Commons

> " Growing numbers of citizens-including many who never before questioned the

> status quo-now seem willing to explore new ideas that once would have seemed

> radical. Millions of Americans are now making shifts in their personal lives

> such as buying organic foods, using alternative medicine, collaborating

> online, and searching for something beyond consumerism that offers a sense

> of meaning in their lives. They may not yet be sprinkling their

> conversations with the word commons, but they are looking for changes in

> their lives.

>

> " Now is the time to introduce a decisive shift in worldview. People

> everywhere are yearning for a world that is safer, saner, more sustainable

> and satisfying. There's a rising sense of possibility that even with our

> daunting economic and environmental problems, there are opportunities to

> make some fundamental improvements. Everyone deserves decent health care.

> The health of the planet should take precedence over the profits of a few.

> Clean water, adequate food, education, access to information, and economic

> opportunity ought to be available to all people. In other words, a

> commons-based society. Let's transform that hope into constructive action. "

>

> - Jay Walljasper, editor and chief author of All That We Share: A Field

> Guide to the Commons

>

> Read More

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=%2B8CynPHZ%2FL9%2Fcg

> hzzNjmKWSfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Little Bytes

> Food and Resource Revolts: The Year of Living Dangerously

> READ MORE

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=ug3kpVSY4STr%2BIE%2B

> B1hRNWSfPXmy6Zak>

>

> At Oregon Sugar Beet Seed Farms, It's Organic Agriculture vs. Genetic

> Engineering

> READ MORE

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=r8LgqIPr%2FMRKyDAjfM

> 3AdFPjdmC%2BxoBc>

>

> Stop Buying Antibacterial Soaps, Handwipes and Cleaning Agents

> READ MORE

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=AmcjPj%2F79EpjnxRflC

> ShDlPjdmC%2BxoBc>

>

>

> With Food-System Reform Slowed to a Crawl, Local Initiatives Come to Fore

> READ MORE

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=zggU4j%2Fdv3tWKt8Q2J

> ZCQVPjdmC%2BxoBc>

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=tH%2BqJ%2BGAl1bELhvx

> GipQaGSfPXmy6Zak>

>

> Monsanto Launches Deceptive Ad Campaign in Desperate Attempt to Improve

> Image

> READ MORE

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=MWDL0ep7fiW7WNy0tZZH

> C2SfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> LOCAL Your State NEWS OF THE WEEK

> Your State - Get Involved Locally

> * Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in Your State

> here

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=fUhm%2BNpXnBiJG2f2tX

> UesmSfPXmy6Zak> .

>

>

>

> Dr. Bronner's is Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary!

>

> Marking the 60th Anniversary of the company, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is

> pleased to announce that all classic liquid & bar soaps are now not only

> certified under the USDA National Organic Program, but also certified Fair

> Trade! In addition, we are pleased to introduce a revolutionary new range of

> high-quality organic products, from hair rinses to shaving gels ­ all

> certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods.

>

> Please visit us on the web at DrBronner.com

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=RR29ZE1jCJrTIE6VTead

> t2SfPXmy6Zak>

>

>

>

>

> Become an OCA Sponsor!

> Every issue of Organic Bytes now goes to 250,000 organic consumers with a

> thousand new subscribers each week. Please help us and your business by

> letting our subscribers know who you are and that you support the work of

> the OCA. Please contact us if you want more information

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=qpac3EuAzNp%2B7Ynir0

> g%2BYmSfPXmy6Zak> !

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web

> sites,

> print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!

> Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=JEAsrRFCLMK0yy5uc4CQ

> vmSfPXmy6Zak>

> 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: -

> Fax:

>

> Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=RhdI3LW0LbhqfITDDw2%

> 2FNGSfPXmy6Zak>

> Subscribe

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=FSqapg6wCgjNipSuWgsN

> b2SfPXmy6Zak> | Unsubscribe

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=M%2B5oYi5N2MbdFfEGi5

> zOc2SfPXmy6Zak> | Donate

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=J%2BbzQruup7xmQnMYY1

> NvSGSfPXmy6Zak>

> Connect with us:

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=4IMCC2nnhmB3mPXGxL0

> tRmSfPXmy6Zak>

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=F6pmLu9%2BLjXkL8bsMC

> IMwlPjdmC%2BxoBc>

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=5FAXpDPgm3szBNQacapi

> z2SfPXmy6Zak>

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=BG3jXH123zPj9tU%2FwI

> 7Q12SfPXmy6Zak>

> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2 & c=24amCwzZId1cxaXRTG11

> vmSfPXmy6Zak>

> <http://www.salsalabs.com/?email>

>

>

> ------ End of Forwarded Message

>