Prof Tester said he understood opposition to GM crops because the public could not see any benefit, but technological improvements would produce better crops for the future with less stress on the environment. AUSTRALIANS will have to accept genetically modified (GM) food if the agriculture industry is to continue in an era of climate change, a plant genetics expert says. Prof Tester said a current study was focusing on improving the "toughness" genes of plants so they could survive in...

GAO released a new report on crop insurance Thursday, crediting RMA with taking steps to improve the program, but also saying more work needs to be done. GAO recommends that Congress use the next farm bill to grant RMA authority to periodically renegotiate terms with companies in order to provide reasonable cost allowances and underwriting gains. GAO Report Calls for Continued Improvement of Crop Insurance Compiled By Staff. A 2005 Government Accountability Office report said that the USDA...

The continuing rapid adoption of GM crops reflects the substantial improvements in productivity, the environment, economics, health and social benefits, realised by both large and small farmers, consumers, and society in both industrial and developing countries. The continuing rapid adoption of GM crops reflects the substantial improvements in productivity, the environment, economics, health and social benefits, realised by both large and small farmers, consumers, and society in both...

We have seen a host of proposals to dramatically change the current three-legged stool that is our basic farm program and we must tread carefully so as not to inadvertently harm the ability to provide adequate risk management tools that are available through crop insurance. We have seen a host of proposals to dramatically change the current three-legged stool that is our basic farm program and we must tread carefully so as not to inadvertently harm the ability to provide adequate risk...

OVERVIEW: Tyson Foods (nyse: TSN - news - people ), the world's largest meat company, struggled with rising corn costs throughout the quarter as demand for ethanol continued to push prices higher. The producer also said it plans to sell two Alabama plants to Koch Foods inc. as part of an effort to lower its production of fresh poultry. Despite the costs, the meat producer unveiled a new $45 million research and development center in March with test kitchens and tasting booths to help the...

Team members in more than 50 communities, including many in Siouxland, raisedfunds through cooking events and sales of a specially produced cookbook featuring recipes from the kitchens of Tyson team members. Since 2000, the company has donated more than $3 million and 42 million pounds of chicken, beef and pork products to more than 400 hunger-relief agencies nationwide. The campaign is an annual fundraising effort by Tyson team members coordinated with the national non-profit organization...

For years, the federal Food and Drug Administration knew about contamination problems on California spinach farms and at a Georgia peanut butter processor that sickened at least 600 people and caused at least three deaths, according to agency documents and interviews obtained by the Washington Post. For years, the federal Food and Drug Administration knew about contamination problems on California spinach farms and at a Georgia peanut butter processor that sickened at least 600 people and...

Congress is crafting the 2007 farm bill, legislation with the potential to force fundamental changes in the way farmers and ranchers conduct business. Although he's trying to get the rest of his spring crop planted, you won't hear any under-his-breath complaints about the muddy fields created by Thursday's drenching rain. Baucus says he supports that plan and an increase in the target price for wheat, a benchmark that triggers programs designed to provide a safety net for producers when...

Prayers, songs, games, and a retelling of the Biblical story of Exodus precede a multi-course meal that can include hard-boiled eggs, gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup; a main course of brisket, fish, chicken or lamb; and special desserts like sponge cake and flourless tortes. Flexibility, forgiving recipes and advance preparation are the keys to a successful seder - or any other feast where you have numerous guests, multiple courses and you can t be certain when the food will be served....