Open Letter to Michelle Obama
GMO Farming | Organic Farming |
Dear Michelle Obama,
My name is Samantha McDaniel and I am a family support worker at Healthy Babies Project in Washington DC. I work with teen moms and a lot of them are from very underprivileged neighborhoods with low income. When I take them shopping to teach them how to buy healthy, organic and non GMO food it is already challenging enough. They would never use a Smart phone to scan a QR code or go to a website like bill S.764 would require them to do because most can't afford a Smart phone. It's also dangerous to be looking at a phone when you have a baby in the cart or a toddler running off in a public place with possible predators nearby. Our moms would not use their cell phone minutes because they have Pay As You Go phones and can't afford to use up their minutes on calling food companies. This bill is very discriminatory to minorities, many of which are low income.
I ask you, Michelle Obama to ask your husband label GMOs and keep his word as he said he would in his campaign by clearly labeling GMOs in writing on the package.
As you are a mother of a child with an allergy, and one who supports organic gardening we hope you will support other mothers as well.
-Samantha McDaniel Healthybabiesproject.org
From Moms Across America:
Michelle we ask you to speak to your husband immediately, as the bill could be signed into law before the summer break, in a few days.
The so called "GMO Labeling Bill" S.764 or otherwise known as the DARK Act - Denying Americans the Right to Know - is discriminatory against low income citizens, minorities, as well as senior citizens and people who live in rural locations also because it:
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Allows food manufacturers to "label" GMOs with a mere QR code that says "Scan this for more Food information," a website or a telephone number without the words GMO anywhere on the package. This means senior citizens would have to buy and learn how to either scan the package with a smart phone, log onto a website or make a telephone call. Many seniors are no able to so do and this leaves them disadvantaged.
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Many rural areas do not have cell phone reception or Wi-Fi in stores and therefore even if one did have a Smart Phone or cell phone, and they wanted to, they might not be able to access the information and be disadvantaged.
- People of low income, seniors and minorities have enough stress, difficulties and discrimination in their lives right now.They deserve honest information just like everyone else.
- Health issues in America are disproportionately affecting minorities. Much higher numbers of African American, Hispanic and low income children have diabetes and obesity. The parents of these sectors are especially in need of access to information which could impact their families health to prevent costly illnesses.
American citizens deserve to have the words identifying GMO ingredients written clearly, on the package, just like salt or sugar, so they make make informed decisions.
Please watch these videos, Michelle:
- Samantha McDaniel- teen mom support worker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06R2i9HPtrM
- Paul LaBossiere- senior citizen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyfZbUtgJSA
- Antoinette Carter- mom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQHhyhLvqI
Please stand with us for equal rights, respect, and honor of the American People.
Thank you!
With Love From,
Healthy Babies Project and Moms Across America
SIGN LETTER NOW:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/578/486/684/michelle-obama-stop-the-dark-act-s.764-is-discriminatory/
The Darkest of Dark Acts
If you have not had the time to read and analyze the newest, darkest, most dangerous "GMO Labeling Bill" cooked up by Senator Stabenow and Senator Roberts, that passed last week and is now headed to the House for our representatives to vote for on Tuesday...read the synopsis below.
The President will likely get this bill to sign into law on Wednesday or shortly thereafter. If he signs it into law he wipes out America's right to know and states rights.
The bill S.764 is a FAKE GMO labeling bill.
According to leaders in our cause:
The US Senate, through the munificent campaign contributions of the chemical and bio-tech industry, has passed a new anti-labeling bill aimed at squashing Vermont’s GMO labeling initiative which goes into effect this Friday, July 1, 2016.
Five Facts About the Senate’s New “Mandatory” GMO Labeling Bill
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It is not a labeling bill. There is no requirement for labeling in the bill.
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It is not mandatory. All provisions of the bill are OPTIONAL.
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There are no penalties for non-compliance, so it is voluntary.
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While it is intended to preempt Vermont in 2016, the new (non-labeling, non-mandatory, no penalty, optional bill is not “effective” for at least two years), making such a preemption possibly unconstitutional
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It was not the product of an internal “Senate compromise.” It was written by the GMO and bio-tech industry and greased with campaign contributions to avoid labeling GMO food and seeds.
A Few More Points about the bill.
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The narrow definition also excludes products with no detectable rDNA, so highly purified soy, canola or corn oil, as well as sugar from GE sugar beets, also get exempted. These are the majority of GMOs
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Even the FDA opposes this bill because ofthe lack of inclusion of all GMOs and the confusing "labeling".
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The bill is toothless, since there are NO financial penalties for non-compliance, nor can any non-compliant food be recalled. The bill simply states that it is prohibited to not disclose the fact that a food is "bioengineered" and the only penalty is that USDA may conduct an audit and reveal the results of that audit to the public. In addition, the labeling is exempt from FFDCA requirements re: false and misleading claims. So, if a company decides to ignore the law completely, they would face no real punishment.
Here is the text of the Stabenow-Roberts bill on GE labeling:
http://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mandatory%20Labeling%20Bill.pdf.
In some ways, this is even worse than the original Roberts bill. The bottom line is that the main intent of the legislation is to immediately pre-empt VT Act 120, and then have USDA take 2 years to propose regulations mandating labeling that can involve QR codes, 800 numbers, and websites.
- Call Congress and speak to your representatives 202-224-3121 today and every day this week!
- Sign the petition to President Obama: VETO the discriminatory GMO unlabeling law!
- Sign the petition: https://wh.gov/iFYPQ, and then check your email to confirm your signature (very important -- your vote won't be counted until you confirm).
Thank you everyone for really rallying and being a part of making a difference!
It's time to stand for Health and Freedom for ALL!
Love,
The Moms Across America Team
Freedom from GMOs and Toxins Billboard Blitz
Press Release
Contact: Blair Fitzgibbon, 202-503-6141
June 22, 2016- Moms Across America announces another billboard blitz across America in time for Independence day. "Organic Food: FREEDOM from GMOs and Toxins." reads the patriotic red, white, and blue billboard series posted by Adams + Fairway Outdoor advertising.
Featuring a mother and baby of African heritage, running June 20 for 30 days, 99 billboards, 55 posters in 12 states, primarily in the south and midwest, are intended to raise awareness about the importance of organic for all.
"Unfortunately access to organic food is a socio-economic injustice issue," Honeycutt, the founder and director of Moms Across America states."In many lower income urban areas where the population tends to be primarily African American and Hispanic, organic food is almost no where to be found. This was not the case 40 years ago. Our grandmothers all served organic food."
Honeycutt and her organization stress that it is the right of all Americans to have the freedom to chose organic food and avoid GMOs and toxic chemicals. More than 85% of non organic food in America contains GMOs, which are genetically engineered to either be a pesticide or resist herbicides. This means that Americans are consuming more chemicals designed to kill life, cause neurotoxicity, hormone disruption, weaken the immune system, and be likely carcinogenic, than ever in recorded history. Moms Across America are fed up.
"Skyrocketing health issues affect our loved ones, teachers, elected officials, children and unborn. Rising health care costs also affect everyone. We must protect Americans!" says Honeycutt.
Over 650 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto, the maker of the most widely used herbicide in the world, Roundup, a glyphosate based herbicide, for causing Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in people who used their products in public and private spaces as a weedkiller. Unfortunately Roundup and over 700 different formulations of glyphosate based herbicides are sprayed directly on our food and feed crops, especially on GMO crops,soy, corn, sugar, and non GMO crops wheat, beans and grains, the staples of the American diet. The EPA allows glyphosate residue on 160 of USA food and feed crops at levels far above that which have been shown to destroy gut bacteria and weaken the immune system. Glyphosate does not dry, wash or cook off and it has been found in American children's urine, tap water, breast milk and a variety of popular American foods, including beer and wine.
In a recent meeting with the EPA, EPA staff confirmed that long term animal safety testing on the final formulation of Roundup has not been provided to the EPA , even after 40 years of the use of the product. Only tests on one chemical in the product, glyphosate, the declared "active ingredient" have been conducted, no tests on the entire chemical combination as it is sold in the stores are available. Independent studies show that the other ingredients in the formulation make the product 1000x more toxic, information which is being ignored.
This confirmation exposes a flaw in the EPA approval process which extends far beyond the one chemical glyphosate. Americans depend on our government and regulatory agencies to protect us and if they are failing to demand safety studies on the final formulation of thousands of products, this means that the chemical products as they sit on the shelves in hardware stores, and as they are sprayed on our food, have never been deemed safe, and to claim that they are is fraudulent.
Honeycutt adds, "America prides itself on freedom. Are we all truly free if we cannot access food without GMOs and toxic chemicals? Don't we have the right to expect that our food is safe? Don't all American have the right to happiness and health? We know we can do better. We ask all farmers to switch to organic and regenerative eco-agriculture practices and food manufacturers to insist on organic ingredients.
Many people argue that residents of lower income areas cannot afford organic, however Honeycutt interviewed Samantha, a support coach for lower income teen moms from the Healthy Babies Project in Washington DC and she said, "I teach moms that they can buy organic. I take them shopping to buy all non GMO and organic and for 100 dollars we can get a cart full of produce and food that will last the mother and baby for two weeks."
Moms Across America is a 501c3 non profit whose motto is "Empowered Moms, Healthy Kids."
Toxin Free Town Tour
Support the Toxin Free Town Tour!
Hi!
I am Zen Honeycutt of Moms Across America and my family and I are driving cross country on the National Toxin Free Town Tour to raise awareness about toxins and empower citizens to take action and get Roundup and toxic chemicals OUT of their Towns and GMOs off their tables.
We are able and willing to meet with locals and supporters in 40 stops roundtrip and give out free flyers, banners and materials to help create healthy communities. Every person who receives these materials gives their community new solutions and reverses the health crisis America! It's time!!!
Will you chip in $5, $10 or what ever you can to support us in raising awareness?
Supporting this tour also helps to release the grip of our country from corporate control. The chemical companies only power they have over our government because we give them our money by buying their products. Together we can raise awareness and regain health, justice and freedom in America!
We need about $7,000 for the trip: $2000 for gas, $2000 for video editing and graphics for the video we will make about the organic farms we visit and the supporters and their stories along the way, $1800 for RV spots and $1200 for support for logistics.
We are super grateful that Dr.Bronner's will match donations! The additional funds will go towards support of the tour- the program support, T shirts, materials, flyers, lawn signs, and organic food donations to local food banks.
It would mean so much to us to meet our supporters, raise awareness cross country, empower action for healthy communities and donate to food banks.
If we do not raise the full amount, priority goes towards gas, materials and the video. We hope to raise more than enough to give freely to food banks and have plenty of supplies to give out!
We will connect with supporters and meet new people all across the country and bring them SUPPORT and SOLUTIONS!
It is simply not enough for your family or my family to eat organic or to stop spraying Roundup in our yards. Our children's future spouses are out there somewhere- likely eating GMOs and toxins from their food, neighbors and public parks. So this is a community issue, a national and global issue. One family at a time we can make a difference and protect future generations.
I will be so thankful for your support. This is my life's passion, and my family is utterly devoted to this cause. I promise your donation will make a difference for generations to come.
Thank you!
Huge Hugs from the Honeycutts!
ABC 7 Silenced
Last night we sent you an email, posted and tweeted to watch ABC 7 live at 6pm PT as they aired the second segment of their report on glyphosate contamination of wine. (See the first segment here and share it before they take it down)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6_h8bn24QA
The second segment was going to allow us to "meet a woman who shows farmers how to get rid of the chemicals and embrace the weeds. It does work apparently." We were thrilled.
A solution!
Unfortunately, the segment did not air.
To say we are disappointed is a major understatement.
I heard from ABC during the segment that the report had been pulled. As usual, we have reason to believe that Monsanto exerted pressure on the network. ABC World News which was scheduled to air the report nationwide today, Saturday, was cancelled. ABC 7 has also removed the piece from their website. Millions of people who are interested in this story, will not have access to important information if things continue as they are.
Censorship of our news destroys the integrity of our country.
In a time of a health crisis, which includes mental illness and violence, our media networks are not sharing the solutions.
In a time of vast disparity between the wealthiest controlling corporations and the struggling mainstream America, corporations are controlling the information given to the public.
We cannot let this go unnoticed. This is not freedom. This is not justice. This is not in the best interest of the public, of the reporters, of the network or our country.
We GREATLY appreciate that ABC 7 News reported on the topic of glyphosate contamination and aired the piece in the first place.
We are thrilled that so many people were able to learn about this important issue and we will always be grateful!
However we must speak up and let the network know that we want them air the second segment which gives the public solutions.
If they hear from thousands of us they may very likely air the piece!
Please join us in sending a respectful but firm email, letter or Facebook message to the KGO/ABC7 network to "Please air the report on growing grapes without chemicals, do not allow Monsanto to censor our news.":
Click here:
http://abc7news.com/news/abc7now-contact-abc7-news/22567/
And send a quick note to ABC World News that glyphosate contamination is a national issue and we ask them to air the report:
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346&cat=World%20News%20Tonight%20with%20David%20Muir
Further contact information for ABC7:
ABC7 BROADCAST CENTER
News Director
900 Front Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Main Line: (415) 954-7777
Email ABC7 Newsroom
Contact the ABC7 News team
INSTAGRAM - FOLLOW US!
Make sure you're following us on Instagram for photos and videos from the most moving stories of the day.instagram.com/abc7newsbayarea
FACEBOOK - LIKE US!
Headlines, videos, opinions and more -- get a behind the scenes look into your favorite news station.facebook.com/abc7news
TWITTER - FOLLOW US!
ABC7 News uses Twitter to bring people the latest breaking news and the day's most interesting stories.@abc7newsBayArea
Thank you for taking just a few minutes to speak up for health and freedom!
With Love and Gratitude for your support,
Zen Honeycutt and MAA Team
P.S.
Here is the letter I sent to ABC7. You can use it but writing your own is great too.
Dear ABC7 News Team,
We are extremely grateful that you investigated and ran such a great piece on glyphosate contamination in wine and other consumer products. You did a truthful and fair report and many will benefit from your work. We may never know the generations that will be positively affected if the wine valley switches to glyphosate free vineyards.
I was extremely disappointed to see that you did not air the second segment on April 29th at 6pm PT as you said you would. This segment would offer a viable solution to thousands, who grow plants, to grow without the use of chemicals. In our time of a great health crisis, it is essential that the public learn as much as possible about avoiding toxic chemicals and reducing toxic burden to improve health.
We all suspect that Monsanto has contacted ABC7 and we assume, threatened your network.
I urge you to find a way to air the report anyway.
I urge you to consider all the women in the Napa and Sonoma Valley that could be spared breast cancer if the vine growers there stop using glyphosate. I urge you to consider all the babies that could be saved and born into a life of possibility, and all the people who might not get mental illness, if the vinegrowers and farmers in CA and nationwide use organic alternatives instead. I urge you to put the health of our state and nation before the wealth of a single corporation.
Please know the American public needs truth, courage and action now more than ever.
Please show the second segment of the glyphosate report and give America solutions.
If you have the courage to do this, you will show the world that media will not be ruled by fear and chemical companies. You will set an example for news outlets around the world. You will, instead of being a part of "this is just the world we live in" will instead be creating the world we want to and are proud all live in.
We are very grateful for all you do.
Thank you,
Zen Honeycutt, Founder and Director of Moms Across America
Movies About GMOs
GMO 101
The movies and videos everyone should watch to understand what is going on with our food supply and Genetically Engineered Crops in the USA and other countries.
- What is Genetically Modified Food?
- A Quick Overview of How GMOs Began: 4-1/2 minute video
- Communities Rising - A Story of Courage, Creativity, and Contribution. Across America, citizens are rising up, taking action and protecting their families from GMOs and toxins. Meet just some of the amazing people Zen Honeycutt and family met when traveling across our nation on the National Toxin Free Tour.
- Secret Ingredients - While the debate rages on about GMOs and pesticides, this powerful film by Amy Hart and Jeffrey Smith shares remarkable stories of people who regain their health after discovering the secret ingredients in their food and making a bold commitment to avoid them.
- Peril on Your Plate - Over 190 million hectares in 28 countries around the globe is currently under cultivation using GMO crops and weed-killing chemicals. GMO proponents see it as a high-tech solution to feed a growing population, others remain skeptical.
- The Food Cure - The Food Cure follows six cancer patients who make an unusual choice: they decide to face their disease with organic plant-based diets. Unproven, untested and highly risky, these methods might be their last chance to live.
- Modified - a first-person documentary-memoir that questions why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not labeled on food products in Canada and the United States, despite being labeled in 64 countries around the world.
- Moms Across the World Videos
- Poisoned Fields: Glyphosate, The Underrated Risk?
- Consumed the movie by Daryl Wein
- Seeds of Death: Unveiling the Lies of GMOs (2012 Documentary)
- By Gary Null This is a very good documentary that covers a lot of information.
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All Jacked Up (2008 Documentary)
This documentary from 2008 is every bit as relevant today as it was then. We follow the food choices of 4 average high school/ college age people and what drives them to eat the way they do. You can find it at http://alljackedupmovie.com/nt/ They have a free download right now. I intend to make sure my local library adds this documentary to their offerings. I think every middle school, high school, or college age student should watch this film. Great interviews with experts. -
Our Daily Poison (2011 Documentary)
Marie-Monique Robin who gave us The World According to Monsanto brings us a lot more information on just what is going on with the food supply and the chemicals it is doused with. This is available for rent on Amazon -
Bought (2015 Documentary)
This documentary covers GMOs, Big Pharma, and Vaccinations and the links on how they work together to the detriment of our health and environment. It is soon coming out on DVD. - YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip (2011 Documentary) - Available on Gaia with a subscription
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Bad Seed: The Truth About Our Food (2006 Documentary)
Even though this was made in 2006, it was updated in 2011 and is still very much worth watching. It is great to see some of my favorite food freedom fighters as they were before most people had a clue what was going on. I'm so glad they have hung in there through the years. - The Corporation (2003 Documentary)
- Unacceptable Levels (2013 Documentary)
- Crazy Sexy Cancer (2007 Documentary)
- Living Downstream (2010 Documentary) - A woman's journey to find out how she got cancer.
- Olomana Gardens Permaculture and Aquaponics (2009 Documentary)
- Symphony of the Soil (2012 Documentary)
- Nero's Guests (2009 Documentary)
- In Organic We Trust (2012 Documentary)
- May I Be Frank (2010 Documentary)
- Killer at Large (2008 Documentary)
- A Place at the Table (2012 Documentary)
- Food Stamped (2010 Documentary)
- Planeat (2010 Documentary)
- The Gerson Miracle (2004 Documentary)
- Dying to Have Known (2006 Documentary)
- The Idiot Cycle (2009 Documentary)
- Doctored (2012 Documentary)
- Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days. (2009 Documentary)
- Sustainable Table: What's on Your Plate? (2006 Documentary)
- What's on Your Plate? (2009 Documentary)
- War on Health, FDA's Cult of Tyranny (2012 Documentary)
- Vegucated (2011 Documentary)
- Vanishing of the Bees (2009 Documentary)
- Super Size Me (2004 Documentary)
- Seeds of Death: Unveiling the Lies of GMOs (2012 Documentary)
- The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005 Documentary)
- Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? (2010 Documentary)
- Nourish: Food + Community (2009 Documentary)
- Michael Clayton (2007)
- Ingredients (2009 Documentary)
- Hungry for Change (2012 Documentary)
- Frankensteer (2005 Documentary)
- Forks Over Knives (2011 Documentary)
- Food Fight (2008 Documentary)
- Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution (2008 Documentary)
- Fed Up (2014 Documentary)
- Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010 Documentary)
- Fast Food Nation (2006)
- Farmageddon (2011 Documentary)
- Dirt! The Movie (2009 Documentary)
- Death on a Factory Farm (2009 Documentary)
- Percy Schmeiser - David versus Monsanto (2009 Documentary)
- Chow Down (2010 Documentary)
- The Beautiful Truth (2008 Documentary)
- Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields (2013 Documentary)
- Fresh (2009 Documentary)
- Food Matters (2008 Documentary)
- Tous cobayes? (2012 Documentary)
- The World According to Monsanto (2008 Documentary)
- King Corn (2007 Documentary)
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Big River (2010 Documentary)
From the two young men who brought us "King Corn". Now they are checking out what happened downstream from their GE Corn Crop. Their findings are pretty scary. - The Future of Food (2004 Documentary)
- GMO OMG (2013 Documentary)
- Food, Inc. (2008 Documentary)
- Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of our Lives (2012 Documentary)
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Bitter Seeds (2011 Documentary)
Micha Peled is the producer/director of this film that covers the issues with Bt-cotton and what it is doing to the farmers in India and their families. http://www.itvs.org/films/bitter-seeds - Living Soil Film
- Genetic Matrix: The Schmeiser Case and the Fight for the Future of Life
- PlantPure Nation
National Health Billboard Campaign
National Health Billboard Campaign Targeting Senate Ag and HELP Committee Home States
Launched by Moms Across America
April 22, 2016- On Earth Day, running through Mother’s Day, Moms Across America launched a national billboard campaign to promote the benefits of organic.
The billboards are now appearing in 191 locations in 35 cities/13 states nationwide from Earth Day through Mother’s Day 2016.*
Thanks to many supporters and the reach of Adams and Fairway Outdoor Advertising, Moms Across America is able to reach millions a day with a message that could alter the health of America.
Moms Across America director Zen Honeycutt stated, “1 out of 2 children in America have a chronic illness.“Our families get better when they eat organic” is a health solution not only for consumers, but for our earth. Studies show organic improves the health of farmers, the quality of the soil, water, plants and reduces climate change as well.”
She continued, “Our intention is to reach millions of American consumers and our policy makers. We targeted the capitals of the home states of the Senate Ag and HELP Committed members, who make the decisions about whether to subsidize organic or label GMOs. We want them to support health, safety and honest labeling.”
Since the inception of Moms Across America 3 years ago, Honeycutt and her organization have received hundreds of testimonials from their supporters sharing how grateful they are that they learned about GMOs and related pesticides, describing the health improvements in detail.
For example:
“I had an awesome team of doctors at the children’s hospital that could not figure out what was wrong with my daughter who was getting sick after nearly every meal. The Moms posting on Facebook that their children got better when they got off GMOs saved my daughter’s life. That day, I went out and bought organic food and she stopped throwing up.” – Jennifer Lawrenson
Moms Across America recognizes that not every child reacts in this way to GMO food, “It’s sort of like smoking, some have ill health effects, some do not. The difference is that smoking is a choice, eating is not.” Honeycutt points out that all American’s no matter what their income level, location or socio economic background is, should have access to organic food. Access is a problem, we need more organic farmers. Also, many people are not aware however that organic food has many health benefits, for instance, studies show organic food contains far less pesticides, is not genetically engineered (meaning foreign proteins) and has a higher nutritional content. Eating organic reduces toxic burden on the body, which unquestionably benefits health.
The billboards were timed to post the week of the National Organic Standards Board meeting being held in Washington DC April 24-27th, and through Earth Day to Mother’s Day. Honeycutt spoke in the preliminary NOSB webinar this week, addressing the widespread contamination of organic by chemicals like glyphosate in Roundup and asked the NOSB to take action to protect organic farmer’s profit. She requested that the NOSB regulate, file lawsuits and work in conjunction with other organic standards group to hold the parties contaminating organic responsible.
The non profit organization’s main focus is educating the public about GMOs, related toxic chemicals and solutions.
“Our country is in a health crisis and we need to share solutions.We understand that many may question whether it is organic food which leads to health improvements or if there are other factors involved. I understand the skepticism. No one wants to pay more money for something without good reason, including myself. My response is to try it yourself. As much as you can afford, buy organic, in bulk and as local as much as possible for 2 weeks and cook at home. Note how you feel, many report tremendous health improvements.”
*The billboards are posted for 30 days at:
191 locations in 35 cities in 13 states reaching millions each day
- Rochester MN
- Atlanta GA
- Wilmington, Raleigh, Charlotte, Lake Norman,Grenesboro, Greeneville, Charleston SC
- Chattanooga TN
- Wichita Falls, Texarkana AR-TX, Sherman, Denison TX
- Chippewa, Monroe, Winona County, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Kenosha WI
- Peoria, Bloomington, Penkin, Manito, Champaign IL
- Ann Arbor, Lansing, Detroit MI
- Norfolk,VA
- North Hampton, Lehigh, Camden, Wilmington, Philadelphia PA
Contact
Blair Fitzgibbon, Publicist
202-503-6141
Zen Honeycutt, Exec.Director Moms Across America
Erica Line, Adams and Fairway Billboards
How Do Glyphosate Based Herbicides Contaminate Crops?
For an overview on glyphosate contaminating wine crops watch this 6 minute piece on RT USA with Zen Honeycutt and news anchor Thom Hartmann on The Big Picture March 31, 2016.
To learn more about how Roundup has become ubiquitous in our farming and eco system, and why the claims of safety are false, we are honored to have Ib Pedersen, Danish pig farmer's assessment written for Moms Across America below:
Read moreWidespread Glyphosate Contamination in Wine
100% of Wine Tested Showed Positive Results
Los Angeles - Today, Moms Across America released new results revealing that ten major California wines contained the chemical glyphosate, the declared “active” ingredient in Roundup weedkiller and 700 other glyphosate-based herbicides. Glyphosate, deemed a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2015, was found in all three categories of wine. This includes conventional (chemically grown), organic and biodynamic wine. The methodology used for the testing was the same as the beer tests in Germany, where all 14 beers tested positive for glyphosate. The highest conventional wine test result for glyphosate was 28 times higher than the glyphosate levels found in the organic and biodynamic wines.
View the report here: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/yesmaam/pages/680/attachments/original/1458848651/3-24-16_GlyphosateContaminationinWineReport_(1).pdf?1458848651
Because Roundup/glyphosate is not permitted on organic or biodynamic vineyards, the results are unexpected and can only be explained by the drift of chemical sprays from neighboring vineyards. This could mean legal ramifications for the contamination and devaluation of another company’s product.
Zen Honeycutt, Director of Moms Across America, states “We have recently learned that the detection of glyphosate is an indicator of the presence of many other co-formulants in glyphosate-based herbicides which, combined, are 1000 times more toxic than glyphosate alone. French scientist Gilles-Éric Seralini and his team have also discovered that these co-formulants are also endocrine hormone disruptors, which can lead to breast cancer, miscarriages, birth defects and many other health issues. There should be zero glyphosate and related chemicals in our wine, food or personal products.”
Consumers may wonder how Roundup/glyphosate is getting into their wine. Roundup/glyphosate is sprayed every year in conventional vineyards. A 1-2 ft strip is sprayed on either side of the grape vines which are planted in rows, to kill weeds when the vines are dormant in late winter or early spring. According to plant pathologist, Don Huber from Purdue University, the vine stems are inevitably sprayed in this process and the Roundup is likely absorbed through the roots and bark of the vines from where it is translocated into the leaves and grapes.
All the wines tested were from the Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino County areas. According to the CA Dept of Health, breast cancer rates in the Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties is 10 to 20 percent higher than the national average. 700 lawsuits are currently pending against Monsanto for the connection between non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Roundup.
Currently the FDA does not require end product testing or labeling for pesticides. Therefore the public is unable to know the type or amount of any pesticides that are present in the wines.
Moms Across America and other groups call for the protection of organic and biodynamic brands, farm workers and consumers by requesting that all food producers STOP spraying toxic chemicals on their crops.
Contact:
Blair Fitzgibbon 202-503-6141
Zen Honeycutt [email protected]
CA City Sets Organic Precedent over Toxic Chemicals
GREAT NEWS!
Irvine city council voted unanimously on Tuesday to use organic pesticides and herbicides on all public areas!
Thank you to Ayn Craciun, Kim Konte, Bob Johnson, Laurie Thompson and Kathleen Hallal - the Non Toxic Irvine team!
We are so excited for Irvine and for thousands of cities across the country who chose to follow suit!
Read the full article in The Hill- this publication is the most widely read in DC, reaching 24 k politicians.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/270813-california-city-sets-organic-precedent
About half of the toxic herbicides and pesticides sprayed in the US are used in landscaping an public areas.
According to the CA Dept of Pesticide Regulation, 2014 records showed that 250,000 pounds are used in Orange County each year (home to Irvine), 75,000 pounds of which are glyphosate. Decade long studies show that pesticide/herbicide exposure lowers IQ in children. Other new studies show glyphosate causes cancer cell growth, reproductive and other organ damage.
Citizens CAN make a difference in reducing toxic exposure!
You can go to your city council members. This is another approach to make a difference that some people may feel is more doable for them - they may feel more connected to their city officials than Senators. Just a different angle.
We urge a few citizens of every city to approach their city council and ask to "use organic alternatives instead of toxic chemicals".
We do not suggest asking for a ban at first...only because it is much more confrontational and city council will be more resistant.
They need to see that they can still manage pests/ weeds without those chemicals. Asking to use a different method is not unreasonable and not illegal.
There are many great alternatives on http://action.greens.org.nz/sprayfree
Some states now have rules around not being able to restrict pesticide use without State Secretary of Agriculture approval....well this is not restricting but using alternative methods instead, which is perfectly fine.
What we have seen that works from the Irvine win:
- Get a small team and educate others...bring in a speaker or just a coffee gathering to talk about it.
- Meet with city officials individually first to have them on board and get it on agenda.
- Have doctors present info if possible.
- Then present at council for vote with as many citizen testimonials as possible. Parents of children with cancer are especially poweful.
- Coordinate media ahead of time.
There is much more info at Non Toxic Irvine.
So grateful for all their hard and smart work!
We applaud the city council members for serving the people of Irvine, something which our EPA and senators have failed to do. We hope our regulators and elected federal officials will see that all it takes is the political will to start protecting the people of America.
We hope you will be inspired to take one small step at a time to make a big difference for the health, IQ and long term future of your city!
If you do chose to take this step, start by posting your initial gathering on www.momsacrossamerica.org under EVENTS and get a code for a free box of materials to pass out which contains pesticide/herbicide info!
Download your "Creating Healthy Communities" printable flyer for your city council member here to start!
Have fun creating a healthy community!
Love,
Zen and MAA Team