How do beliefs, values, and history frame the post-modern worldview? Dr. Robinson contrasts the beliefs and values of modernism and postmodernism, and illustrates their differences using examples from art, architecture, society, human health, and agriculture. He also discusses sustainable agriculture in relation to the post-modern worldview. The specific value propositions in postmodern agriculture are discussed and illustrated through grass-based agriculture and entrepreneurship.
John holds a BA in Biophysics from the Johns Hopkins University. He also received a MD and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Robinson is an Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University. His laboratory performs NIH-funded research on the pathophysiology of heart failure. He is also the Managing Partner at NuAgra, a company promoting the mutual interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.
An international protest is planned for May 25 against biotechnology company Monsanto in six continents and demonstrations are planned in tens of countries. Monsanto, a titan of the emerging biotech industry, has come under attack from environmentalists, agriculturalists and average consumers over the company’s conduct in the realm of genetically-modified organisms and genetically-engineered foods. Despite research on the effects of GMO crops being largely considered inconclusive, Monsanto has lobbied hard in Washington and around the globe to be able to continue manufacturing lab-made foods without the oversight that many have demanded. Nick Bernabe , the director of Social network “March against Monsanto” joins us for more.
A battle between Monsanto and an Indiana farmer ended on Monday after the Supreme Court found Vernon Bowman guilty of patent infringement. The 75-year-old farmer is expected to pay approximately $85,000 in damages. Many see this as a major blow against smaller farmers across the country and fear this ruling can threaten the livelihood of thousands of farmers. Patent attorney Mark Walters, who represented the defendant, joins us to discuss the details of the case and what this means for America’s agriculture future.
On Monday, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the bio-tech giant Monsanto. In the case, Indiana farmer Vernon Bowman was being accused of seed infringement after he allegedly planted soybean seed without the company’s permission. RT’s Liz Wahl brings us more on the landmark case and how the 75 year-old man violated Monsanto’s patent.
The United States Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of biotech giant Monsanto, closing the door on a patent case that has pitted a smalltime farmer from Indiana against a titan of the agriculture industry. That was the case with a 75-year old Indiana farmer who took on Monsanto in a Supreme Court matter over patent rights on genetically modified soybean seeds and lost. The Supreme Court unanimously sided
with Monsanto, deciding that Vernon Hugh Bowman had broken patent agreements when he used GMO seeds to produce his own second and third generation crops. RT Correspondent Anastasia Churkina spoke with Mr. Bowman out in the fields of Indiana for an exclusive interview.
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed the Agriculture Appropriations Bill into law. Within the legislation exists a provision, “The Monsanto Protection Act,” that has many speculating the future of food in American because it protects genetically modified seeds patents from litigation over health risks. Since Obama signed the bill, nearly 250,000 have signed a petition to President Obama. RT’s Margaret Howell has more on the bill and how “frankenfish” could be making their way into supermarkets across the nation.
March down Market Street with @ 2000 people on 5/25/2013. Part 2 will have premarch photos and parts of speakers at Union Square. It was an Awesome Day with massive worldwide participation!
Whether you like it or not, chances are Monsanto contaminated the food you ate today with chemicals and unlabeled GMOs. Monsanto controls much of the world’s food supply at the expense of humanity,animals, plant and the environment world worldwide. This video like many other it is to inform people and to encourage individuals to take action against Monsanto and be aware of what you buy from your local supermarket. Consuming GM food could have a long term effect on your heath and your family especially children. Do your own investigation and decide for yourself. The biotechnology companies have manipulated the government, our food, and the media, and put an entire generation at risk. Many books and videos are available on the subject, don’t listen to mainstream media.
Correction-David Brain did not appear in this video as stated in the credits – John McKenzie did. Thanks to John McKenzie from Permaculture Australia and Permafund for his appearance in this video.
Challenging Monsanto: Over two million march the streets of 436 cities, 52 countries
Millions of activists around the world have rallied against Monsanto, the biotechnology giant for genetically engineering agriculture and food while suppressing negative scientific research.
Organized by the ‘March Against Monsanto’ movement, an estimated two million have taken part in the massive event on Saturday spanning six continents, 52 nations, and at least 48 US states.
“It was empowering and inspiring to see so many people, from different walks of life, put aside their differences and come together today,” said Tami Canal, founder and organizer of the global event.
“We will continue until Monsanto complies with consumer demand. They are poisoning our children, poisoning our planet,” she said. “If we don’t act, who’s going to?”
The day of protest has already ended in Europe, where thousands of activists in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, France, Malta and elsewhere took to the streets to protest against Monsanto abuses.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of demonstrators in Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia and across Japan and South Africa took to the streets to protest against the multi-national corporation and to demand a ban on Genetically Engineered and Genetically Modified Organisms (GE/GMOs). Angered by the lack of action from governments on the issue, activists in the western part of the globe – in North and South America – are also gearing up for the global march.
The organizers of the May 25 rally call for labeling of GM foods and further scientific research on the health effects of GE/GMOs. They also urge supporters to “vote with their dollar” by buying only organic products and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies. Besides that, they are urging a repeal of the so-called Monsanto Protection Act and that the company’s executives and politicians who back them are held to account through “through direct communication, grassroots journalism, and social media.”
Initially a small, grassroots event, the march became a globe-spanning movement through the efforts of local activists and environmentalists. The protest is being organized on Facebook and Google Documents, where users can find a list of events near their location. March Against Monsanto Director Nick Bernabe told the Natural Society that genetically engineered food could affect everyone, even the apathetic: “What we’re trying to do is bring awareness to GMOs and the health effects that they’re causing and bring about some solutions about what people can do to take back their food supply,” he said. “They’re expecting more than 15,000 people in San Francisco alone… We want to get people working together in their communities.”
Monsanto has described current research into GMO crops as “inconclusive,” and has lobbied hard in Washington and around the globe to continue manufacturing lab-made foods without the oversight demanded by activists.
In March, Congress passed a biotech rider dubbed the ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ that effectively allows Monsanto and other companies that use GMOs to plant and sell genetically altered products even if legal action is taken against them.
Up until it was signed, “the USDA [US Department of
Agriculture] oversaw and approved (or denied) the testing of genetically modified seeds, while the federal courts retained the authority to halt the testing or sale of these plants if it felt that public health was being jeopardized. With HR 933 now a law, however, the court system no longer has the right to step in and protect the consumer,” explained James Brumley, a reporter for Investor Place.
“They own the largest share of the agribusiness, pesticides and seeds,” Joanne Montana, who organized a protest in Florida, told the Gainesville Sun. “They’re transnational, in food behind the scenes and a big conglomerate.” The ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ was co-authored by a senator who has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the company — a revelation that did not surprise many, given that another important figure in Washington, Justice Clarence Thomas, served as an attorney for the corporation before he was nominated to the Supreme Court, only to eventually preside over a case involving his former employer.
Welcome to Transition Studies. To prosper for very much longer on the changing Earth humankind will need to move beyond its current fossil-fueled civilization toward one that is sustained on recycled materials and renewable energy. This is not a trivial shift. It will require a major transition in all aspects of our lives.
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