Repeat after me – I am not a quitter - I am not a quitter. Well I guess “life” happened since my last blog post, as I have blissfully ignored the fact I haven’t yet completed my list of lessons.

Ah, what was I thinking when I came up with the notion of writing about 52 lessons learned? One lesson per week of my challenge - that should be a piece of cake. Okay then maybe I just have a bad old case of writers block.

A new report is generating buzz in the natural foods industry. The Cornucopia Institute, a Wisconsin-based advocacy group which pushes for sustainable and organic agriculture, tested a number of natural and organic cereal brands and found that many of the cereals labeled as natural contained evidence of genetically modified products (GMOs). Further, the report suggests that “natural” cereals may contain pesticide residues.

A news report today says an approval of the first genetically-modified animal for human consumption is now in final review at the federal level.

An article in USA Today about the declining number of independent grocery stores in small towns across the country is a compelling argument to buy local.

The Obama administration look set to approve a new genetically engineered corn, designed to better tolerate drought conditions, but you still have time to let the USDA know how you feel.

Keeping chickens is now legal in the city of Milwaukee.

The sharply rising demand for biofuels around the globe is likely helping increase food prices, as nations cope with a difficult decision - whether to grow crops for fuel or for food.

Since 2006, the number of honeybee colonies in the United States has dropped precipitously. What are all those empty and abandoned hives telling us? A new documentary that tries to answer the question will air next week at the Time Cinema on Milwaukee's west side.
 

A series of rallies demanding that foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) be labeled is planned for this coming weekend.

The nuclear crisis in Japan has triggered a run on potassium iodide supplements in the US, but is it much ado about nothing?

A new program run by Milwaukee's Growing Power that hopes to boost inner city food production and provide up to 150 jobs has received funding from the city.

The city of Milwaukee today will consider a proposal by Growing Power to create urban farms that would offer employment and training to inner city residents.

Is the FDA going to make it harder for you to enjoy some of your favorite cheeses?

The Federal government has just released updated dietary guidelines - but not much has changed.
 

The lunch lady's secret.

Here's a great idea for local libraries - maintain a lending collection of seeds for local gardeners.

For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration has released figures about the use of antibiotics by the agricultural sector and it's a grim picture.

The House of Representatives has passed the Food Safety Bill, sending to President Obama, who has said he plans to sign it into law.

Christmas may have arrived a few days early for proponents of a food safety bill.