Dean Foods, Biotech, USDA Conspiring to Pollute Organics

By Cornucopia

Largest Corporate Dairy, Biotech Firm and USDA Accused of
Conspiring to Corrupt Rulemaking and Pollute Organics

Watchdog Requests Federal Investigation, Files Ethics Charges

WASHINGTON, DC: The Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry research and watchdog organization, announced it has formally requested the USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate corruption at its National Organic Program resulting in the use of illegal synthetics in organic food and then allowing powerful corporations to “game the system” for approval “after the fact.”

The controversy surrounds products developed by Martek Biosciences Corporation. Martek, part of a $12 billion Dutch-based conglomerate, recently petitioned for approval of its genetically modified soil fungus and algae as nutritional supplements in organic food.

Will Organic Farmers See Their Day in Court against Monsanto?

By OSGATA
Organic Seed Growers and Trade Assn.

In a development celebrated by the organic plaintiffs, Judge Naomi Buchwald announced on Dec. 28 that oral arguments on Monsanto’s motion to dismiss the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) et al v. Monsanto will be heard in federal district court January 31, 2012 in Manhattan. Judge Buchwald’s decision will establish if organic farmers are to see their day in court.