Jul 14 Congress approves bill requiring first GMO food labels By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Consumers wanting to know if their foods contain genetically modified ingredients will be able to find out for the first time. Continue reading
May 23 What is mechanical tenderizing, and why is it hazardous to your steak? By Lydia Zuraw, Kaiser Health News A new label on some of the steaks in your grocery store highlights a production process you may have never heard of: mechanical tenderizing. Continue reading
Sep 04 From eggs to trees, USDA’s promotional programs have courted controversy By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The slogans are familiar: "The Incredible Edible Egg," ''Pork: The Other White Meat," and "Got Milk?" They've all been part of promotional campaigns overseen by the Agriculture Department and paid for by the industries that vote to organize… Continue reading
Sep 04 Forest Service spent a record $243 million last week on wildfires By Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. Forest Service spent a record $243 million last week battling forest fires around the country, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday. Continue reading
May 14 USDA develops first government label for GMO-free products By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department has developed the first government certification and labeling for foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients. Continue reading
Mar 20 States to test ways to get food stamp recipients back to work By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Ten states will test new ways to get food stamp recipients back to work, using Agriculture Department grants aimed at helping some of the 46 million Americans who receive benefits move off the rolls. Continue reading
Sep 18 USDA approves new genetically modified corn, soybean seeds By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department has approved the use of genetically modified corn and soybean seeds that are resistant to a popular weed killer. Continue reading
Sep 18 White House announces plan to train 50,000 people, including veterans, to install solar panels By Josh Lederman, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. is planning to train veterans to become solar panel installers in the next six years, the White House said Thursday. Continue reading
Dec 02 Nebraska Governor Picked to Head Agriculture Department By PBS News Hour President Bush on Thursday nominated Nebraska Republican Gov. Mike Johanns to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, replacing Ann Veneman who announced her departure last month. Continue reading