Haiti faces food crisis and cholera in wake of Hurricane Sandy

In the wake of the havoc caused by the super storm on Haiti, only now is the extent of the devastation making itself known. Haitians face severe food shortages and the threat of cholera.

While the UN is warning that the flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy is leading to unsanitary conditions, threatening a sharp increase in cases of cholera, aid workers are concerned that the extensive crop damage will lead to increases in food prices and shortages.

Haiti has already reported the highest deaths from Sandy, with 52 lives claimed by swollen rivers and landslides... read more.

South African consumers win GM labelling victory

The African Centre for Biosafety reports that South African consumers have just won a hard-earned victory, regarding the labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods.

GM crops have been grown in South Africa since 1999. However most consumers are largely unaware that their staple food, maize (or corn), has been genetically modified. GM soya and cotton are also grown in South Africa, and a significant amount of foodstuffs on the supermarket shelves now contain GM components or ingredients... read more.  

GM crop technology backfires as farmers need more pesticides

A newly-released, peer-reviewed study reveals that the cultivation of genetically engineered crops has increased pesticide usage by hundreds of millions of pounds.

On top of this, Reuters reported today that the pesticide problem will intensify if the new round of GMO crops is approved.

According to Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, PhD, who is a senior scientist at Pesticide Action Network, this newly released study “shatters one of industry’s long-standing myths” that GMOs reduce pesticide use... read more.

Video: Dr. Vandana Shiva talks on genetically modified food

A lot of controversy is floating around about Monsanto and its genetically modified seeds and crops and pesticides. For those who wish to learn more, Dr. Vandana Shiva is an expert on the subject.

With a bachelors degree in physics, Dr. Vandana Shiva started Navdanya International 20 years ago.

When she discovered that global corporations, such as Monsanto, wanted to patent seeds, crops and life forms, she started the organisation in an effort to protect biodiversity, to promote organic farming and also to defend the rights of farmers.

She has been involved in creating markets for farmers and in promoting healthy, high quality and tasty food for consumers, by connecting the seed to the kitchen, and biodiversity to gastronomy.... read more and view video.