The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

New testing method for GMO crops developed

Researchers from North Carolina State University in Raleigh have presented a new method to determine whether safety testing of genetically modified crops is needed. Published in Science in September, the article reported that “genomics could be used to scan new crop varieties for unexpected DNA changes,” similar to the way biomedical sciences scan human genomes […]

India’s Supreme Court halts release of GM mustard pending further investigation

In early November, the Supreme Court of India put a stay on a GEAC decision of October 18 that was used by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on October 25 to allow environmental release of GM mustard in five states. The herbicide-tolerant mustard won’t be released, pending further consideration on November 10. Ms. Aruna […]

Perennial rice takes root in China, could transform farming

Thousands of farmers in China are growing a new rice variety that grows and is harvested over several years. The perennial rice grows each year from long-lived roots in the soil and promises labor- and money-saving benefits to farmers. The rice was developed by researchers at Yunnan University in Kunming, China who worked for more […]

ADM contracts with North Dakota farmers to produce regeneratively grown flaxseed

Paul and Diane Overby of Wolford, North Dakota are enjoying the premiums from growing flaxseed for specialty food markets using regeneratively grown practices. The best part is spreading the word to farmers and consumers on the benefits of no-till, low chemical use, more sustainable agriculture that promotes healthy soil. In 2019, Archer Daniels Midland—for whom […]

Ancient grain teff earns the spotlight as a climate change hero

Crises often prompt a re-examination of resources—what do we already have in our toolkit that can solve our problem? In the face of global warming exacerbating drought, and subsequent crop losses leading to food shortages, an ancient grain from Ethiopia is looking particularly promising. The tufty grass crop teff—with tiny grains resembling millet—has been grown […]