Here Cropchoice presents an assortment of interesting farm news releases from a variety of sources. You'll find mention of many of these stories in Cropchoice news. Listing here does not imply endorsement by Cropchoice. 2004 October September          August 2004 $1.5 million grant to examine how engineered crop genes stray Authored By: University of California at Riverside The National Science Foundation has awarded UC Riverside a $1.5 million grant to research the unintended spread of engineered plant genes, an issue at the heart of the controversy over genetically modified foods. The WTO delivers an unfair deal for poor countries Authored By: ActionAid UK National Family Farm Coalition release on the recent WTO agreement Authored By: National Family Farm Coalition WTO Commitments Require Rethinking of U.S. Agricultural Policy: Corn Growers Call for Change in Course to Secure Farmer Livelihoods Worldwide Authored By: American Corn Growers Association WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 4, 2004 – Following recent commitments by the Bush administration to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to further reduce the safety net for America’s farm families, Keith Dittrich, president of the American Corn Growers (ACGA) says it is time to rethink U.S. agricultural policy. Statement by the AgTrade Coalition on the WTO Framework Agreement for the Doha Development Agenda Authored By: AgTrade Coalition Corn Growers Commend Kerry-Edward’s Energy Commitments Authored By: American Corn Growers Association WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2004 -- Larry Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of the American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) today commended the foresight, leadership and initiative exhibited by Senators Kerry and Edwards for proposing improved national energy policies which includes an “Energy Security and Conservation Trust Fund” as well as a real national commitment to alternative fuels and other renewable energy sources. Monsanto Donation Expected to Benefit Global Soybean-Breeding and Research Efforts Authored By: Monsanto COOL more important than Animal ID, ranchers say Authored By: Western Organization of Resource Councils Roundup Ready Wheat Trials Continuing - Despite promises, 16 field trials still in the ground Authored By: Greenpeace Canada NFU offers vision for national animal ID program Authored By: National Farmers Union Monsanto Notified That U.S. Department of Justice Has Concluded Its Inquiry Related to the Glyphosate Herbicide Industry Authored By: Monsanto ST. LOUIS, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) announced today that it has received written notification that the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, has concluded its inquiry regarding possible anticompetitive conduct in the glyphosate-based herbicide industry. The inquiry was closed with no actions required by Monsanto. Court Confirms Dow Chemical Invented Insect-Resistance Trait Authored By: Dow AgroSciences INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) was the first to invent the B.t.-based insect resistance trait Cry1F, according to an August 13, 2004, decision rendered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California in San Diego. EU Approves Acquisition of Advanta by Syngenta Authored By: Syngenta BASEL, Switzerland, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syngenta announced today that the European Commission has approved the acquisition of Advanta BV, one of the world's leading seed companies. As announced on 12 May, Syngenta acquires Advanta's North American corn and soybean business, which trades under the highly regarded Garst brand. The investment company Fox Paine acquires all Advanta operations outside North America and the non-corn and non-soybean operations within North America. A decision by the European Commission about the acquisition by Fox Paine is expected later this month. Syngenta Fortifies US Market Position with LEXAR(TM) Corn Herbicide Authored By: Syngenta BASEL, Switzerland, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syngenta announced today the introduction of a new corn herbicide, LEXAR(TM), in the USA. LEXAR(TM) delivers superior season-long, pre-emergence weed control. The product will be available for the 2005 season and is specifically designed for the needs of growers in the central and southern corn-growing regions of the USA. NCGA applauds World Trade Organization agreement Authored By: National Corn Growers Association ASA Applauds Framework Agreement for Trade Negotiations Authored By: American Soybean Association NCGA Discusses Progress on Maize Genome Initiative with Key Stakeholders Authored By: National Corn Growers Association Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) joined a broad range of stakeholders, including academics, industry representatives and government officials last week in Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss progress on cooperative efforts to sequence the maize genome. NCGA, CRA Oppose Dominican Republic Proposal to Tax HFCS-Sweetened Beverages (8-31-04) NCGA, CRA Oppose Dominican Republic Proposal to Tax HFCS-Sweetened Beverages (8-31-04) Authored By: National Corn Growers Association Ruling Clarified in Tyson Cattle Pricing Case; 'Plaintiffs Did Not Prevail, in Whole or in Part' Authored By: Tyson MONTGOMERY, Ala., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The judge who overturned a jury verdict against Tyson Fresh Meats earlier this year, has clarified his ruling making it clear the plaintiffs did not win any part of the case. Taking Care of Business: The CGIAR and GM Contamination Authored By: ETC Group In a remarkable departure from its role as a public science network, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is huddling with the biotech industry (including Monsanto and DuPont) to craft a policy response to the unwelcome and ongoing spread of DNA from genetically modified plants to farmers’ varieties. The meeting begins in Rome on Monday and comes three years after scientists first confirmed GM contamination in Mexico's maize crop – and two and a half years after farmers’ organizations and their civil society allies called upon CGIAR and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to take action. Farmers’ organizations are not invited to the meeting. Pharm Crops for Vaccines and Therapeutic Antibodies Authored By: Institute for Science in Society Minneapolis Grain Exchange Announces Electronic Trading Hosting Arrangement With Chicago Board of Trade Authored By: Minneapolis Grain Exchange Survey: Farmers want strict organic standards maintained Authored By: Organic Trade Association GREENFIELD, Mass. (Aug. 30, 2004) — Farmers taking part in a survey conducted by the Iowa State University Organic Program in collaboration with the Organic Trade Association (OTA) voiced strong support for maintaining high standards for organic production and processing to ensure consumer confidence. Food Companies Fail To Disclose Shareholder Risk Of Genetically Engineered Crops: Authored By: U.S. Public Interest Research Group Ninety-five percent of the top food companies in the United States fail to properly inform shareholders about the risks posed by genetically engineered (GE) ingredients, according to Duty to Disclose: The Failure of Food Companies to Disclose Risks of Genetically Engineered Crops to Shareholders, a new report released today by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG). ASA Alerted to Discovery of Soybean Rust North of the Equator Authored By: American Soybean Association Illinois Farmer Elected President of Corn Growers: Keith Bolin Takes Reins of ACGA Authored By: American Corn Growers Association Stallman: Biotech An Essential Tool For Farmers Authored By: Farm Bureau CHICO, Calif., Aug. 23, 2004 - Access to agricultural biotechnology is essential to improving the profitability and productivity of America's farmers and ranchers, and this valuable farming tool should be defended against actions proposed by anti-biotech ballot initiatives, according to the president of the nation's largest farm organization. Delta and Pine Land Company Announces Agreement to License Syngenta Cotton Traits Authored By: Delta and Pine Land SCOTT, Miss., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta and Pine Land Company (NYSE: DLP - News; "D&PL"), a leading commercial breeder, producer and marketer of cotton planting seed, and Syngenta (NYSE: SYT - News) today announced that D&PL has acquired licenses from Syngenta to deliver novel biotechnology products to cotton growers worldwide. The Company will host a conference call to discuss this transaction later today. NFU Requests Hearings on Rabobank Acquisition of Farm Credit Services Authored By: National Farmers Union Syngenta and Delta & Pine Land enter long-term technology agreement in cotton Authored By: Syngenta Syngenta and Delta and Pine Land (D&PL) of the USA announced today a long-term agreement to develop and commercialize novel biotechnology products for cotton. More Family Farmers Failing Under Bush Administration - Small Farmers Struggle as Programs Benefit Corporate Agribusiness Authored By: Global Resource Action Center for the Environment NEW YORK - August 31 - By placing most of the 2002 Farm Bill’s economic and conservation funding in the hands of immense industrial farms, Bush Administration farm policy is forging two rural America’s: one a fading sect of traditional family farmers with little funding and a diminishing supply of land, and the other a small but wealthy agribusiness elite driven by taxpayer-funded incentives. July June May April March February January 2003 December November October September August July June May April March February January 2002 December November October September August July June April February January 2001 December August July June May April February 2000 September September