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InfoFlash for English Readers 1602

admin — Tue, 24 May 2016 08:00:16 +0000

– In Canada, free seeds to bring back the bees
– Glyphosate : EFSA answers the attacks
– “Amish use GMOs, pesticides yet cancer rates remain very low”
– Food risks : John Oliver mocks misleading science with Todd Talks
– To smile and think: “Salt, Vinegar, and Glyphosate”
– A new style for ForumPhyto

In Canada, free seeds to bring back the bees

In Canada, General Mills, owner of the Honey Nut Cheerios trademark, has decided to put away their bee-mascot from packaging for some weeks. This way, they aim to make their customers be aware of the massive bee death. They offer free wildflowers seeds to every Canadian to bring back the bees. Have a look to #bringbackthebees (in English) or…

Glyphosate : EFSA answers the attacks

In November 2015, EFSA finalised the re-assessment of glyphosate, well-known active substance of Monsanto’s Roundup and other herbicides. Read EFSA press release, and detailed explanations on its risk assessment. The report concludes that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and proposes a new safety measure that will tighten the control of glyphosate residues in food….

“Amish use GMOs, pesticides yet cancer rates remain very low”

The Amish, an insular people in the United States for nearly 200 years avoid modern technologies such as telephones, automobile, and even zippers. Many people think the Amish must also eschew genetically modified crops and pesticides. In addition, Amish are healthier than the rest of the US population. Their cancer rates are very low. So the anti-pesticides and anti-GMO…

Food risks : John Oliver mocks misleading science with Todd Talks

Most eat-this-don’t-eat-that studies are garbage, in the way that garbage could become a Dr. Oz endorsed superfood with a scientific study designed to generate the desired answer. John Oliver agrees on a sarcastic, hilarious AND serious talk-show on HBO. Barfblog, a reference blog in food safety, publishes a good written summary. It concludes “That’s where his idea for Todd…

To smile and think: “Salt, Vinegar, and Glyphosate”

A “homemade” herbicide recipe is floating around the web : salt, vinegar and dish soap. Many of you have probably seen it posted to Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest, or on your favorite home gardening site. Is it efficient, safe and cheap? That is the question Control Freaks, a Weed Science blog which is linked to USDA, answers to in…

A new style for ForumPhyto

Our site appearance is changing, with 3 main objectives: – A clearer and more readable display – A more simple display for mobile terminals (smartphones and tablets) – In consequence, a better indexing on search engines Notinhing else has changed : every former address is still functional. Your remarks are welcome.

InfoFlash for English Readers 1601

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:08:53 +0000

– Clearly make the difference between risk and hazard (Andrew Maynard, Michigan University, USA)
– “They killed the cats! Precaution, superstition and eco-zealots” (The Risk-Monger)
– “Why You Should Thank A Caterpillar For Your Mustard And Wasabi” (NPR, USA)
– How to Make a Natural Weed Killer (Andrew R. Kniss)

Clearly make the difference between risk and hazard (Andrew Maynard, Michigan University, USA)

CropLife International put on the Internet some pages based on the work of Andrew Maynard, who directs the Risk Science Center at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health (USA). Read « Meet the Risk and Hazard Guru » Watch 5 videos of graphical explanations, including the funny “Risk Song”. At last,more concrete for ForumPhyto readers, CropLife also…

“They killed the cats! Precaution, superstition and eco-zealots” (The Risk-Monger)

That is the title of an article (in English) by David Zaruk, on his blog The Risk-Monger D Zaruk starts with an historic fact “During the Great Plague of London (1665-66), the authorities were convinced that the outbreak of bubonic plague was being spread by cats. As cats had then been looked upon by religious leaders as symbols of evil and…

“Why You Should Thank A Caterpillar For Your Mustard And Wasabi” (NPR, USA)

« The next time you dab wasabi on your sushi or spread mustard on your hot dog, take a moment to thank a caterpillar » : That’s how begins this article (in English) by NPR, a public radio in the USA It’s based on a scientific article published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, where “a group of scientists…

How to Make a Natural Weed Killer (Andrew R. Kniss)

In this article, Andrew R. Kniss, University of Wyoming (USA), Associate Professor, Weed Biology & Ecology, “introduces when bilanaphos enters the plant, about half of the molecule is quickly chopped off, leaving behind a smaller molecule – phosphinothricin”, which is an herbicide. So…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1505

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:31:52 +0000

– European Union: Are NGOs really independant?
– Plant protection (a serie of articles by CulturAgriculture)
– A visual guide to food waste and losses (The Guardian)
– “The Colossal Hoax Of Organic Agriculture” (Henry I Miller, Forbes)
– NGOs about GMOs : “Unhealthy Fixation” (William Saletan, Slate)

European Union: Are NGOs really independant?

In 2015, in the frame of the LIFE program, the EU 24 environmental & climate NGOs with €9 million funding. The EU has published a article summarizing these fundings and a complete report with details for each organization and each action For example, about « pesticides », Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe), receive 150K€ for a work program detailed…

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Plant protection (a serie of articles by CulturAgriculture)

Christophe Bouchet, CulturAgriculture blog, has begun a serie of articles about plant protection and plant protection products. The three first articles are worth reading… – “What is a pesticide?” (en français, in English, en español), dedicated to definition and utility of pesticides. – “Reminder” (en français, in English, en español), utile rappel historique. – “Herbicides, what for ?” (en…

A visual guide to food waste and losses (The Guardian)

The Guardian, a British daily, publishes “Produced but never eaten: a visual guide to food waste” which is a global analysis of the food waste (“intentional”), but as well of losses which are uninentional. “Each year 1.3bn tonnes of food, about a third of all that is produced, is wasted.” “In developing countries there are high levels of…

“The Colossal Hoax Of Organic Agriculture” (Henry I Miller, Forbes)

Upon this title, Henry Miller, Biomedical scientist, FDA drug regulator and scholar at the Hoover Institution, argues mainly on the fact that pesticides residues issue is not a real issue and on the difficulties to implement an effective control of the organic chain, for regulatory reasons. That leads cheating. There is nothing in the article about agronomy or…

NGOs about GMOs : “Unhealthy Fixation” (William Saletan, Slate)

“Unhealthy fixation” is a long, detailed, but very clear article. In it, William Saletan, author at Slate, questions “The war against genetically modified organisms is full of fearmongering, errors, and fraud”. This war is very similar to the one against “pesticides”. One important point in this article is how W Saletan argues that every judgment about agricultural practices…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1504

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 10:12:44 +0000

– Minor uses and speciality crops at the European Parliament
– Biocontrol for Fruit and vegetables in Africa-Caribbean-Pacific
– Historic movie : Good Phytosanitary Practices in the USA in 1963
– “Why everyone who is sure about a food philosophy is wrong” (T Haspel, Washington Post)
– To smile: Chemical Party (video)

Minor uses and speciality crops at the European Parliament

19 agri-food chain organizations, associated in the AFCRT, and Anthea McIntyre, UK MEP, organized an event at the European Parliament. They “call for a coherent policy on plant protection solutions, including minor uses and speciality crops” Read the presentation including: – Agriculture production perspective, by Luc Peeters, Copa-Cogeca: need for a quick and concrete harmonization of the EU plant…

Biocontrol for Fruit and vegetables in Africa-Caribbean-Pacific

COLEACP-PIP is an initiative for the search of Plant Protection solutions for ACP (Africa-Caribbean-Pacific) countries . In this article (in English), COLEACP, which pilot this initiative, explains the work in progress for a better knowledge of biocontrol solutions. COLEACP notes : « Minor crops (including fruit, vegetables, and herbs) face a global shortage of plant protection products PPPs). The…

Historic movie : Good Phytosanitary Practices in the USA in 1963

L’atelier des archives, a French Internet site, has put this movie (in English) on line. USDA (US Department of Agriculture) and HHS (United States Department of Health and Human Services) had produced this movie in 1963. It’s all about Good Practices in Plant Protection, especially in using pesticides. The movie insists on the obligation of complying with pesticide label,…

“Why everyone who is sure about a food philosophy is wrong” (T Haspel, Washington Post)

Upon this title, Tamar Haspel, writer, demonstrates that the “unbreachable divide between advocates of modern conventional agriculture and, essentially, everyone else, from the mainstream (organic, local, anti-GMO) to the less-so (biodynamics, permaculture, agroforestry)” is not only partisan, but also misleading, “for the simple reason that food and philosophy don’t mix”. According to T Haspel, agriculture is a matter of…

To smile: Chemical Party (video)

The University of Oslo (Norway) has put this humoristic and didactic short video about attraction and repulsion between atoms, which the engine aof chemical reactions.

InfoFlash for English Readers 1503

admin — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:36:17 +0000

– Minor uses, a major issue… in the USA
– EU: “Transparency – Stop the Good Lobby / Bad Lobby Nonsense”–
– “Is Monsanto evil?”
– “Does An Apple A Day REALLY Keep The Doctor Away?” (Video)

Minor uses, a major issue… in the USA

IR-4 is an USA program dedicated to the minor uses issue in the USA: Since 1963, it has been “the major resource for supplying pest management tools for specialty crop growers by developing research data to support new EPA tolerances and labeled product uses.” Read the 2014 IR-4 Year End Summary to understand what is the IR-4 program….

EU: “Transparency – Stop the Good Lobby / Bad Lobby Nonsense”

On this title, David Zaruk, on his blog The risk monger, describes how, in a EU meeting, there is a heavy process to give the talk to the NGOs lobbyists and to ostracise the industries lobbyists and their data. There is a huge difference between Washington DC and Brussels : In the USA, there are lobbyists. In Brussels,…

“Is Monsanto evil?”

On the 23rd of may 2015, thousands of people, at a global level, marched “against Monsanto” (read here). What are the arguments leading to this increasing hostility against this company ? Are they valid? Are they the manifestation of a mmore general issue? The litany The main charges against Monsanto are about : its origins, the invention of the…

“Does An Apple A Day REALLY Keep The Doctor Away?” (Video)

In this video, TestTube, Internet site of science popularization, tell a motivating story : short history of apples and of the famous proverb. But also list of the science based health benefits of apple eating: vitamins, fibers, micro-nutrients… The video ends with a praise for food diversity. Not to be missed.

InfoFlash for English Readers 1502

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:49:27 +0000

– “A call for a coherent policy on plant protection solutions, including minor uses” (Agri‐food chain Roundtable for plant protection)
– In praise of fast food
– “Almond growers plant wildflowers to help bees” (The Modesto Bee)
– What plants talk about ? (Documentary video)
– To smile: DHMO Alert

“A call for a coherent policy on plant protection solutions, including minor uses” (Agri‐food chain Roundtable for plant protection)

The Agri-food Chain RoundTable for Plant Protection is an informal coordination of 16 europeans organizations of growers, cooperatives, food importers, plant protection industry, etc. including Copa-Cogeca, Freshfel, Profel, ECPA and IBMA. In December 2014, the Roundtable released “A call for a coherent policy on plant protection solutions, including minor uses” (originally in English, and now available en français, en…

In praise of fast food

In this article, issued by the Utne Reader (USA) which publishes books extracts, Rachel Laudan dare to tell the truth : “We need a culinary ethos that comes to terms with industrialized food” “For our ancestors, natural was something quite nasty. Natural often tasted bad. Fresh meat was rank and tough, fresh fruits inedibly sour, fresh vegetables bitter. Natural…

“Almond growers plant wildflowers to help bees” (The Modesto Bee)

Under this title, The Modesto Bee, a California newspaper, writes about the action of Project Apis m (in English), a non-profit association of growers, beekeepers and scientists which “funds and directs research to enhance the health and vitality of honey bee colonies while improving crop production”. “Researchers say the causes could include diseases, parasites, trucking stress, pesticides or poor…

What plants talk about ? (Documentary video)

Upon this title, this canadian film by Nature Top Documentary Films shows “that plants do behave and lead anything but solitary and sedentary lives”. It teaches us “all that plants are smarter and much more interactive than we thought!” A very beautiful, sensible and educational film wich is supported by interviews of academic people. Not to be missed. …

To smile: DHMO Alert

The DHMO Research Division has published its results about DHMO on the Internet Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound. Its use is widely spread. DHMO most important dangers are : Death due to accidental inhalation, DHMO is a major component of acid rain. Gaseous, DHMO can cause severe burns, found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1501

admin — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:52:05 +0000

– Non-regulatory requirements from supermarkets issue (Fruit Logistica)
– “The impact of losing plant protection products on UK food production”
– A good reference : “Modern food microbiology”, JM May, MJ Loessner, DA Golden
– To smile : before and after an all organic diet

Non-regulatory requirements from supermarkets issue (Fruit Logistica)

Upon the consensual title “Challenges in production and marketing for stonefruit and other fresh produce“, FruchtHandel Magazine organizes a panel in the frame of Fruit Logistica on Thursday 5 February 2015 from 16h30 to 17h30, Hall Forum, Kleiner Stern. “Healthy food is a paramount request from consumers. It includes food safety and sustainable development. When speaking of natural products…

“The impact of losing plant protection products on UK food production”

The NFU (National Farmers Union) has released « Healthy Harvest », a public friendly document based on a full report on “The Effect of the Loss of Plant Protection Products on UK Agriculture and Horticulture and the Wider Economy” Over-regulation, both at an EU and UK level, severely hampers our ability to provide the raw ingredients for the food and drink…

A good reference : “Modern food microbiology”, JM May, MJ Loessner, DA Golden

Upon this title, Anwaa Agri put this universitary book on line for free. Historical Background, Habitats, taxonomy, and growth parameters Complete list of microorganisms in foods Determing microorganisms and/or their products in foods Food protection and some properties of psychotroph, thermophiles, and radiation-resistant bacteria Indicators of food safety, principles of quality control Foodborne diseases A specific chapter is dedicated…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1406

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:53:08 +0000

– Essential: Encyclopedia of pests and natural enemies in field crops (AHDB)
– “The Contributions of Pesticides to Pest Management in Meeting the Global Need for Food Production by 2050″ (CAST, USA)
– “Precision agriculture: an opportunity for EU farmers” (European Parliament)
– “Five myths about the chemicals you breathe, eat and drink” (IFL Science)
– How Vegetables Can Save the World (AVDRC The World Vegetable Center)

Essential: Encyclopedia of pests and natural enemies in field crops (AHDB)

This encyclopedia issued by AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board), available on line in pdf format, is a reference work. Complete, well illustrated, it includes more than 200 pests and natural enemies, and how to manage them. It includes also definitions, identification features including for larvae, quick reference for pests tresholds, and life cycle descriptions It cannot be ignored. …

“The Contributions of Pesticides to Pest Management in Meeting the Global Need for Food Production by 2050″ (CAST, USA)

CAST, standing for Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, is a non-profit association of research organizations and individuals. Crop protection is critical to the growth of healthy plants, the enhancement of the environment, and the production of healthy foods. Recognition of the critical role of crop protection in food production has been ignored and derided by some sectors. This…

“Precision agriculture: an opportunity for EU farmers” (European Parliament)

The European Parliament’s has adopted a report on the potential use of precision agriculture to help implement the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), released by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Using information technology, satellite positioning systems and remote sensing, Precision agriculture is able to manage spatial and temporal variability associated with all aspects of agricultural production – crops and animal…

“Five myths about the chemicals you breathe, eat and drink” (IFL Science)

In this article, IFL Science, an educational site on science, try to break 5 misconceptions on “chemicals” which “in the news, in advertising and in common usage” are thought to be “bad”. As a result of the emotive language often used in conjunction with “chemicals”, a series of myths have emerged. Myths that Sense about Science and the Royal…

How Vegetables Can Save the World (AVDRC The World Vegetable Center)

AVDRC-The World Vegetable Center is a global non-profit research institute supported by numerous governments et private fondations. « How vegetables can save the World » is a list is good with eating and growing vegetables: – Vegetables are powerful disease fighters against obesity, cancer, etc. – Vegetables are packed with nutrients – Vegetables are cost-effective – Vegetables adapt…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1405

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:34:01 +0000

– “Is Varroa Destructor or Neonicotinoid Pesticides Responsible for Bee Health Decline?”
– Anti-oxydants, heavy metals,… : Is organic better than conventional?
– “Manage each plant individually at nine m.p.h.” (The Western Producer)
– “Why is Organic Agriculture so neglected by Organic Advocates?” (T Daynard, Canada)
– To smile : Do not shoot your Petri dish!

“Is Varroa Destructor or Neonicotinoid Pesticides Responsible for Bee Health Decline?”

President Obama has charged the Pollinator Health Task Force with preparing a Research Action Plan to “determine the relative contributions of, and mitigation strategies for, different stressors leading to species declines and colony collapse disorder….” Although many factors ranging from nutrition to genetics to pathogens have been studied to assess whether or to what extent they contribute to bee…

Anti-oxydants, heavy metals,… : Is organic better than conventional?

An international study coordinated by the University of Newcastle (UK) states that organic fruit and vegetables have higher levels of anti-oxydants and lower levels of heavy metals and pesticides residues. What’s about? University of Newcastle study conclusions read the study summary . Many medias have reported and approved these conclusions. The main points : – The study is…

“Manage each plant individually at nine m.p.h.” (The Western Producer)

Plant-by-plant sensing of fertilizer needs and weed control at nine m.p.h. has moved from science fiction to science fact.That is the story told by The Western Producer, a professional USA review. And that is the result of a research done by Texas A&M, the Agricultural and Mechanical Texas University.

“Why is Organic Agriculture so neglected by Organic Advocates?” (T Daynard, Canada)

Under this title, Terry Daynard, Ontario (Canada) grain farmer and former University of Guelph crop science professor, tells the story of his surprising experience at a recent organic conference in Guelph, Ontario. There were two very different conferences – both at the same time and place. In one room were the organic growers, marketers and advisers. The meeting was “a…

To smile : Do not shoot your Petri dish!

Science cannot be only a Petri Dish experiment. In science, one must show sound evidence in vivo, ie real life. For example, do not believe GE Séralini: it appears he makes the confusion between in vitro toxicity and in vivo toxicity in some of his articles. Look here on ForumPhyto (in French: sorry!). Xkcd is a Web comics Internet site…

InfoFlash for English Readers 1404

admin — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 10:10:14 +0000

– “Unnecessary to worry about fruits, veggies with pesticide residue” (USA)
– “Whodunit: Unwitting Oregon Bee Killer Turns Self In” (Bob the beekeeper, USA)
– Agent Orange: Background on Monsanto’s Involvement
– Solar Power Plants Are Literally Roasting Birds In-Flight (Slate.com)
– Mind of plants : Documentary on the intelligence of plants (video)

“Unnecessary to worry about fruits, veggies with pesticide residue” (USA)

In this story, which has been issued in some daily newspapers in the USA, Barbara Quinn, a nutritionnist, disagrees with the “Dirty Dozen” campaign of the EWG, a environmentalist NGO: It “may unnecessarily scare people from eating perfectly safe and healthy food”, she writes. “Even the EWG, which publishes the “dirty dozen” list, confirms “the health benefits of a…

“Whodunit: Unwitting Oregon Bee Killer Turns Self In” (Bob the beekeeper, USA)

“Whodunit: Unwitting Oregon Bee Killer Turns Self In” is a story on real facts, written by Bob the beekeeper, a professional beekeeper and American blogger, In June 2014, on her blog, Dena Rash Guzman, an Oregon (USA) citizen, hobbyist beekeeper, suspected neonicotinoids pesticides of of the mass bee die-off which striked her hives. Activist groups like Beyond Pesticides wasted…

Agent Orange: Background on Monsanto’s Involvement

Not so easy nowadays to speak about Monsanto without inducing emotional reactions. For a number of environmentalist NGO, Monsanto is the Devil. They claim « Vade retro Monsanto ». Being repeated, some myths on Monsanto are accepted as truth by the public. One of this very common myths is the fact that Monsanto is supposed to be the discoverer and…

Solar Power Plants Are Literally Roasting Birds In-Flight (Slate.com)

Promoting renewable energy is not an easy job: “it gets dogged by some ironic bit of environmental unpleasantness. Wind turbines can be dangerous to birds and bats. Biofuels require so much land, fertilizer, and water that they may use more energy to produce than they provide. Hydropower dams screw up a whole lot of river habitat and stop fish…

Mind of plants : Documentary on the intelligence of plants (video)

In this video clip (K production, Gedeon programmes and Arte france co-production), we can see how plants, sometimes and in a certain way, communicate and collaborate against pests, including mammals and to reinforce their natural defences. ! They react to sunshine, gravity, temperature and other stimuli. Plants can be trained against attacks of pests. In short, they are more…