IN THIS ISSUE:
Our Family Farms, Coalición Fortaleza, and the University of Idaho Confluence Lab brought together local nonprofits, volunteers, and community leaders involved in the Almeda Fire recovery on November 18 for “Mapping Fire Recovery in the Rogue Valley”.
The University of Idaho Confluence Lab studies climate change and wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and chose to come to Jackson County to help local organizations understand how they can work together in fire recovery. They presented a creative, interactive workshop to to share knowledge and connect with one another to discuss the collective work towards rebuilding. Attendees of the meeting recounted their experiences surrounding the Almeda Fire and used their experiences to bond and form a map of how they can help each other moving forward for the long-term resilience of the community.
Newly Created (in the laboratory) Purple GMO Tomato Coming Our Way in 2023
By Dr. Ray Seidler
Our Family Farms Advisory Board Member
In September, the United Sates Department of Agriculture approved the commercial distribution of a genetically modified (gm) purple tomato and its seeds. This is an entirely unnecessary product motivated by financial gain and patent protection since numerous varieties of a purple tomato produced through conventional genetic breeding are already available.
The purple color is a result of hyped overproduction of a class of beneficial chemicals called anthocyanins, a member of the polyphenol compounds. These anti-inflammatory compounds, when used at appropriate levels, provide human health benefits. However, there is a potential classical issue of too much of a good thing, may not be good. Research with animals has shown that over consumption of anthocyanins may damage kidneys, cause tumors, impede iron uptake, or unbalance thyroid hormones.
The anthocyanin content from the GE purple tomato averages about 500mg/100gm of fresh fruit or some 40-times more than the average daily consumption of anthocyanins in the U.S. The current lack of regulation in the United States of this class of anthocyanins may contribute to overhyped claims, potentially resulting in misuse and overconsumption of anthocyanins at potentially harmful levels by consumers.
For more details, see the full article by Dr. Ray Seidler on GM Watch.
Thank you to our dedicated community of supporters who have come together to support our vision and mission. We are so grateful to everyone who made a gift so far. Your generous contributions will enable Our Family Farms to continue to defend the Jackson County GMO Free Seed Sanctuary created in 2014, support farmers, and educate policy makers and the community at large about regenerative agriculture.
Your support is essential for us to continue our important work. Donations will help us to fulfill our shared vision for the future of farming. And even better, consider becoming a sustaining member of Our Family Farms for only $10 a month.
