People’s Assembly Convenes to Counter Ecocide

Last Friday’s opening session began a three-day conference held in The Hague, Netherlands, where visitors from all over the world discussed strategies to counter the problems caused by industrial agriculture. The most popular (and largest) offender responsible for developing fragile monocultures, propagating disastrous pesticides, and engendering higher priced markets with less organic options for farmers is Monsanto. Since the merging of Bayer and Monsanto announced last month, many have increased concerns regarding the risks that this mega-threat will impose on public health and agriculture. Parallel to the People’s Assembly was the Monsanto Tribunal which brought witnesses of these issues together having experienced first hand the crimes against humanity incurred onto them by corporate power and toxic herbicides.

Coffee On the Decline

Coffee is a key global crop and the second most valuable commodity exported by developing countries, however, strong evidence shows that climate change is projected to cut worldwide production in half over the next thirty years. If carbon emissions are not addressed quickly, then rising temperatures and sporadic rainfall patterns are expected to continue to affect coffee yields, quality, pests, and disease—badly affecting the economic security in some coffee regions. Our power as people is first to become aware of these challenges faced by coffee producers and communities, as well as learn about organizations helping to build their capacity to adapt to climate change. As consumers, we can also help to alleviate these issues by looking for coffee brands that are carbon neutral, in addition to supporting organizations like Fairtrade which work in the movement towards social equity.

Tyson Invests in Plant-Based Meats

Tyson, the country’s largest meat processor, announced last week that it was investing in Beyond Meats, a California-based company creating “meat that looks, cooks, and tastes like fresh ground beef”. In the current climate of animal welfare activism, food justice groups, and the documented rise of cardiac disease in our country (not to mention legitimate concerns over factory farm animal production, ahem, antibiotics!), there are many experts who agree that it makes sense for Tyson to invest because, well, consumers are looking for healthier, cleaner alternatives. This is proof that we can vote with our dollar and influence what companies are producing and manufacturing. Above all, companies like Tyson are interested in profit, so if you don’t buy the hormone-laden, antibiotic-pumped meat then they won’t stock it! However, you need to be very mindful that when big corporations invest in smaller companies, they often influence the quality of the product. Keep your eyes open. I don’t trust Tyson!