As the demand for organic foods increases, suppliers are importing crops from overseas, calling into question some of the environmental benefits.
Stonyfield Farm is working on a deal to import organic milk powder from New Zealand; Clif Bar imports organic almonds from Spain. Barbara Robinson, head of the Agriculture Department's National Organic Program says the United States is importing far more organic food than it exports. The U.S. also imports more conventional food than it exports. According to Robinson, "That is how you stimulate growth, [by] imports generally. Your own industry says we're tired of importing this; why should I pay for imports when I could start producing myself?"
What is good for business may be bad for sustainability. "If organic is something created in the image of sustainable agriculture, we certainly haven't accomplished that yet," said Urvashi Rangan, a scientist for Consumers Union. However, Stonyfield and Organic Valley are working to increase the number of organic farms in the U.S., paying farmers to help them switch or boost production.
FULL STORY: Big appetite: Demand for organic food outstrips supply in U.S.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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