HOW YOUR FOOD GETS THE “NON-GMO” LABEL . . . GROWERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN AG POLICY MORE CRUCIAL THAN EVER . . . NOVA SCOTIA’S ORGANIC FORUM . . . FOOD DIVERSITY UNDER SIEGE FROM GLOBAL WARMING, UN SAYS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HOW YOUR FOOD GETS THE “NON-GMO” LABEL
Source: NPR
Demand for products that don't contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is exploding. Now many food companies are seeking certification for products that don’t have any genetically modified ingredients, and not just the brands popular in the health food aisle. Even Cheerios, that iconic cereal from General Mills, no longer contains GMOs. (read more)

GROWERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN AG POLICY MORE CRUCIAL THAN EVER
Source: Winnipeg Free Press
Succession planning has always been a big deal in agriculture. Because most farms are still operated by families, the task of transferring to the next generation is fraught with complex business decisions amid sometimes complicated family politics, so much so, it’s been known to tear both the family and the business to pieces. So there’s been a lot of work done by extension workers, family coaches, and financial advisers encouraging farmers to be proactive about succession planning long before it becomes necessary. (read more)

NOVA SCOTIA’S ORGANIC FORUM
Source: ACORN
Committed to learning more and contributing to the future of organic agriculture in Nova Scotia? ACORN is happy to invite you all to the 2nd N.S. Organic Forum, Wednesday January 28 at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market, 1-5pm. The Forum is an opportunity for the N.S. organic sector to discuss sector-specific issues; to spend dedicated time together examining challenges and opportunities for growth; and to revisit the N.S. Organic Strategic Plan to develop actions to move awareness and opportunities for organics forward in the province. (read more)

FOOD DIVERSITY UNDER SIEGE FROM GLOBAL WARMING, UN SAYS
Source: DairyHerd.com
Climate change threatens the genetic diversity of the world’s food supply, and saving crops and animals at risk will be crucial for preserving yields and adapting to wild weather patterns, a UN policy paper said on Monday. Certain wild crops – varieties not often cultivated by today’s farmers – could prove more resilient to a warming planet than some popular crop breeds, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said. But these wild strains are among those most threatened by climate change. (read more)