12/4/24: Pesticide corruption, rigging laws

Happy Wednesday my friend,

🌱 Today I’m sharing a great way to grow nutrient dense foods in the shortest time indoors, and important news on the rigged US Farm Bill (international consequences).

Microgreens transform your health

Have you ever wondered how something so small can have such a big impact on your health? 

Microgreens—tiny, nutrient-dense greens—are easy to grow indoors and can boost your health, from strengthening your immune system to enhancing energy and promoting glowing skin. 💪✨

I’m happy to share that our longtime friends at Grow Your Own Vegetables created a 3-Day virtual event to show you how easy it can be to grow your own food indoors (perfect for winter)! 

In the 3-day virtual journey, you’ll:

• Master growing fresh microgreens at home and give your vitality a boost!

• Unlock the remarkable nutritional value of microgreens and explore their various gourmet uses in your cuisine.

• Dive deep into microgreen gardening with sessions on planting, optimal environment creation, and care techniques to ensure your confidence from the get-go.

• Daily live Q&A sessions with expert commercial microgreen grower Crystal Meserole so you can tailor to your unique set up and gain tips and tricks for consistent success!

Microgreens are a powerful way to add vibrant, fresh greens to your life. Don’t miss this event to harness their magic!

>>> Reserve Your Spot for The Magic of Microgreens Online Event 🌱 

So, are you ready to grow healthier?

☠️ A Farm Bill To Protect Pesticide Companies?

The proposed Republican Farm Bill draft in the U.S. House of Representatives contains provisions that could significantly limit the ability to hold pesticide companies accountable for harm caused by their products.

This legislation comes at a time when pesticide manufacturers, particularly Bayer (which acquired Monsanto), have faced numerous lawsuits over health issues allegedly caused by their products, such as Roundup (glyphosate).

Key aspects of the proposed bill include:

1. Restricting the right to sue pesticide companies for failure to warn about potential harm.

2. Prohibiting states and local governments from imposing additional pesticide restrictions beyond federal regulations.

3. Exempting certain genetically engineered plants with pesticides from regulation.

4. Broadening exemptions for pesticides from federal regulation.

This could effectively shield pesticide manufacturers from liability and limit the ability of individuals and local governments to seek recourse or implement stricter safety measures.

History of Harm

This proposed legislation comes against a backdrop of significant legal challenges for pesticide companies. For instance, Bayer has faced numerous lawsuits related to Roundup, with several high-profile verdicts against the company:

1. In January 2024, a Pennsylvania jury awarded $2.25B to a man who claimed Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. In 2023, multiple successful plaintiffs' cases resulted in verdicts against Bayer.

3. Bayer has already paid approximately $11B in settlements for nearly 100k Roundup lawsuits.

The proposed Farm Bill could potentially halt or significantly impact similar lawsuits in the future.

Who Wants It

The bill's proponents, including industry groups, argue that it would create consistency in pesticide regulation across the country and prevent a patchwork of state and local laws.

Opposition and Concerns

• Critics argue that this legislation would undermine public health protections and limit individuals' rights to seek compensation for harm.

• Victim advocacy groups view this as a "Get out of jail" card for pesticide companies.

• Environmental and public health organizations see it as an attempt by the industry to avoid accountability for potential health risks associated with their products.

If passed, this Farm Bill could fundamentally alter the landscape of pesticide litigation, potentially making it much more difficult for individuals to hold pesticide companies accountable for alleged harm caused by their products.

For more specifics, go HERE.

Petition to include Regenerative Agriculture focus HERE

To a healing future,

— Rob