Consumer Reports tested 458 pounds of ground beef and discovered alarming rates of bacterial contamination. 82% of conventionally produced and processed beef samples were found to have at least 2 types of bacteria. CONVENTIONAL SAMPLES WEREMORE THAN TWICE AS LIKELY TO HAVE BACTERIA WHICH WAS RESISTANT TO 3 OR MORE CLASSES OF TYPICAL ANTIBIOTICS.
A new USDA study (published in the journal PLOS ONE) tracked crop diversity across farms in the US from 1978 to 2012 using five year ag census data.
While the overall data confirms the dominance of monoculture farming – a practice known not to be sustainable in the long-term – there is evidence that in five of the nine Farm Resource Regions where fruits and vegetables reign supreme crop diversity was either maintained or increased slightly. Check out the map for specifics and read more…
In an effort to strengthen local and regional food systems, the USDA has promised millions through several grants to support farmers markets, CSA’s and ‘hub’ businesses that aggregate and facilitate regional food promotion, awareness of resources and actual distribution channels. Farm-to-institution programs are also included which is great news for educational and health organizations!
"SLOW FOOD unites the pleasure of food with responsibility, sustainability and harmony with nature."
- Carlo Petrini, Slow Food International
Founder and President
