Just Label It News Roundup 8-17

A new report by EWG finds the weed killer in $289 million cancer verdict in oat cereal and granola bars. EWG’s report shows that the amount of glyphosate found in organic products is a well below amount found on conventional products and the children’s health protective benchmark set by EWG’s scientists. But, the risks of contamination, even at low levels, should not be foisted on farmers or consumers. A jury ordered Monsanto to pay nearly $290M in to a groundskeeper exposed to Roundup over a long period of time. Lawyers for Dewayne Johnson, a school groundskeeper dying of cancer, argued that a weed killer made by the agribusiness giant likely caused his disease. Johnson is the first person to take Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup, to trial out of 4,000 other plaintiffs. With the Bayer and Monsanto merger nearing completion, significant developments have unfolded in lawsuits facing two of Monsanto’s top weedkilling products — both of which will be inherited by Bayer. Dicamba and Roundup are both in the line of fire in the fields and the courts. Dicamba drift continues to torment the farmers across the nation. What is Dicamba drift? The tendency of the dicamba pesticide to vaporize and float into unintended places—is an persisting problem for non-treated soybeans. In Brazil, a judge has suspended the use of products containing the agrochemical glyphosate, a widely employed herbicide for soy and other crops in the country, according to legal filings.

Press Release: Organic Voices’ statement on EWG’s new report on glyphosate

EWG’s report not only highlights the serious public health risks glyphosate poses to every American, especially our kids, but also highlights the economic risks posed to responsible companies who are refusing the use chemicals linked to cancer. As EWG’s report show, the amount of glyphosate found on organic products is a small fraction of the amount found on conventional products and well below the health benchmark set by EWG’s scientists. But, the risks of contamination, however small, should not be foisted on farmers or consumers.

Breakfast With a Dose of Roundup?

Weed killer in $289 million cancer verdict found in oat cereal and granola bars.

With Bayer takeover near, lawsuits facing top Monsanto weedkillers mount

With the Bayer and Monsanto merger nearing completion, significant developments have unfolded in lawsuits facing two of Monsanto’s top weedkilling products — both of which will be inherited by Bayer.

Monsanto ordered to pay $289m as jury rules weedkiller caused man’s cancer

Court finds in favor of Dewayne Johnson, first person to take Roundup maker to trial.

Reports From Dicamba’s Drift Across America

Dicamba drift—the tendency of the dicamba pesticide to vaporize and float into unintended places—is an persistant problem for non-treated soybeans.

But of the many aspects of dicamba that are not well-enough understood, one of the least understood is how dicamba affects plants other than soybeans. Emily Unglesbee at the Progressive Farmer reports dozens of instances of dicamba drift on non-soybean plants, and the struggles to recoup losses.

Innovative Food Bank Program Benefits Local Farmers While Feeding Those in Need

For a long time food banks and food pantries have occupied a respected, but a relatively fixed role in the food system. They are the safety net that catches food before it goes to waste and redirects it those in need. But as popular movements to combat food waste reshape the way food moves through the food system, the reactionary role of food banks is changing too. With even large-scale grocers finding ways to compost or donate their would-be waste, food bank staff are having a harder time bringing in enough quality food to keep their clients well fed.

Brazil Judge Suspends Use of Agrochemical Glyphosate

A Brazilian judge has suspended the use of products containing the agrochemical glyphosate, a widely employed herbicide for soy and other crops in the country, according to legal filings.

Jury orders Monsanto to pay nearly $290M in Roundup trial

Lawyers for Dewayne Johnson, a school groundskeeper dying of cancer, argued that a weed killer made by the agribusiness giant likely caused his disease.

The climate impact of the food in the back of your fridge

According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, 30 percent of food is wasted globally across the supply chain, contributing 8 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would come in third after the United States and China in terms of impact on global warming.