Published by Helen on 28th March 2010
A FARMING family from Mukinbudin said the majority of farmers are against the introduction of genetically modified (GM) technology in WA, despite its legalisation last month.
State Minister for Agriculture Terry Redman lifted the ban on growing GM canola in February to allow it to be commercially grown this year.
The Labor party put forward a motion in parliament last Thursday to reverse the decision, but it was overthrown.
The Copeland family have been farming at Mukinbudin for nearly a century and said they were disappointed by the decision.
“Throughout WA, 27,000 people signed a petition to keep WA GM-free, as opposed to 300 farmers who signed an agreement with Monsanto to grow it,” Anne-Marie Copeland said.
“None of our neighbours will be growing it, because they have all signed the petition to say they are against it.
Published by Helen on 16th July 2009
Filed Under
Agriculture, Gardening, Organic Farming, Science and Technology, biodynamic, compost, composting, crops, farming, farming secrets, fertilizer, food, natural farming, natural farming methods, nutrition, organic, soil, soil health, sustainable farming, vegetables
“Want to be a happy farmer?”
How exciting is it to hear about these farmers and retailers understanding the soil and benefits of a healthy farm and produce!
It supports our drive at Farming Secrets that all farmers seek ways for more sustainable farming for the benefit of all. Ask for our Free “Starter Tool Kit” by going to: http://www.farmingsecrets.com/ to find out more.
Published by Helen on 1st April 2009
The other day Mark Howard Beers died. He was a doctor and researcher who, with a team from Harvard, investigated the files of 850 residents in nursing homes. In doing so he found that the drugs prescribed for the elderly caused side effects that often went unnoticed - side effects such as confusion, physical tremors, lethargy and urination.
Based on that study Beers went on to establish a list of drugs known to have side effects on the elderly. This list is called the Beers Criteria. It was expanded in 2003 and is consulted by those working with the elderly. The list has made the medical establishment aware of drugs with “side effects far more destructive than any potential therapeutic benefit”
This article caught my eye as it exactly reflected the experience I had when my mother became incapable of looking after herself after several strokes and became a resident in a nursing home. For a woman who had never had any major health issues, (OK high cholesterol and blood pressure for which she was medicated - another story in itself!) she suddenly was being medicated with drugs including anti depressants which had to be discontinued each time due to the side effects. She experienced lethargy, fitting, confusion, urination and was sometimes hospitalised from these new problems. It was an extremely distressing time and I found very little support from her doctors even when they acknowledged the problem!
What to do?
Firstly stay well yourself by eating mineral dense nutrient rich food and work out a plan to avoid these experiences. If you choose homeopathy and other natural treatments they rarely have any side effects. Secondly be aware at least of the Beers Criteria so that you can ensure that the drugs on it are avoided. You may just save a life!
Ref: The Age, Mar 27th 2009, Obituaries p.14
Published by Helen on 15th March 2009
Filed Under
diet, nutrition
The latest BFA report:
Get creative with food if you want your kids to eat more.
A study from Cornell University has found youngsters are most likely to clean their plates when food names get creative.
Names such as ‘X-ray vision carrots’ ‘power peas’ or dinosaur ‘broccoli trees’.
”Whether it be giving a food a fun name makes kids think it will be more fun to eat”, said research author Brian Wansink.
If you’re a parent, making food fun could be the fastest way to bring nutrition back to the table.
