A new analysis just gave consumers one more reason to eat organic – the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Sciences Europe has documented the diametrically different approaches the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization took when determining the cancer risk from exposure to Monsanto’s weed killer glyphosate. The report shows that EPA ignored a large number of peer-reviewed independent studies that link glyphosate to cancer in humans, instead of using research paid for by Monsanto to support the agency’s position that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. A French court canceled the license for one of Monsanto’s glyphosate-based weed killers on Tuesday over safety concerns, placing an immediate ban on Roundup Pro 360, in the latest legal blow to the Bayer-owned business. With the growing season just months away, some farmers say the government shutdown is threatening their ability to buy seeds, land, and fertilizer in time to plant major crops like corn and wheat this year. The widespread decline of bees, resulting from the loss of wild areas and pesticide use has caused great concern in recent years, but towns and cities have been suggested as potential sanctuaries. Michigan Radio reported half of the state’s bumblebee species have declined by 50 percent or more. “Of those twelve species, about half of them have declined and the other half are stable,” Thomas Wood, a post-doctoral research associate at Michigan State University, told the radio station. Minneapolis Public Schools swapped processed foods for whole foods nearly seven years ago, and the district reports selling over a million more meals because of it. The change happened when Bertrand Weber, now director of the district’s Culinary and Wellness Services, introduced children to whole chickens instead of nuggets and actual potatoes instead of tater tots. In other news, more and more people have started saying: “I’m not a brand person.” From Campbell’s to Kellogg’s, classic brands are feeling the crunch.

Analysis: EPA Ignored Scientific Research Showing Monsanto’s Glyphosate Causes Cancer

A new analysis from the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Sciences Europe documents the diametrically different approaches the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization took when determining the cancer risk from exposure to Monsanto’s weedkiller glyphosate.

Farmers cut off from their federal lifelines as shutdown persists

With the growing season just months away, some farmers say the government shutdown is threatening their ability to buy seeds, land and fertilizer in time to plant major crops like corn and wheat this year.

French court cancels Monsanto weedkiller permit on safety grounds

A French court canceled the license for one of Monsanto’s glyphosate-based weedkillers on Tuesday over safety concerns, placing an immediate ban on Roundup Pro 360 in the latest legal blow to the Bayer-owned business.

City bees: allotments and gardens can help arrest decline – study

Allotments, weedy corners and fancy gardens are all urban havens for bees and other pollinators, a study has found. The widespread decline of bees resulting from the loss of wild areas and pesticide use has caused great concern in recent years, but towns and cities have been suggested as potential sanctuaries.

A school ditched processed food 7 years ago, and student lunch sales skyrocketed

Minneapolis Public Schools swapped processed foods for whole foods nearly seven years ago, and the district reports selling over a million more meals because of it. The change happened when Bertrand Weber, now director of the district’s Culinary and Wellness Services, introduced children to whole chickens instead of nuggets and actual potatoes instead of tater tots.

From Campbell’s To Kellogg’s, Classic Brands Are Feeling The Crunch

Those few seconds used to be the holy grail for brands, the moment you would get hooked forever on that Tide detergent or Heinz ketchup — an event referred to as “the first moment of truth.” But lately, the moment of truth has moved to the Internet. What’s more, ripples from the 2008 recession have changed us as shoppers. More and more people have started saying: “I’m not a brand person.”

Half of Michigan’s Bumblebee Species in Decline, One Extinct

In Michigan, half of its bumblebee species have declined by 50 percent or more, Michigan Radio reported.

“Of those twelve species, about half of them have declined and the other half are stable,” Thomas Wood, a post-doctoral research associate at Michigan State University, told the radio station.