After analyzing published studies on yields from organic farming, a professor at the University of Michigan states that organic farming is just as efficient, or better, as conventional farming.

The researchers state:

“Organic farming can yield up to three times as much food as conventional farming in developing countries, and holds its own against standard methods in rich countries.”

“Whole Foods could complete its purchase of Boulder-based Wild Oats as early as today after fending off the government’s latest — and possibly final — attempt to quash the $565 million deal.”

Aurora Organic Dairy, one of the United States’ largest organic milk producer will have to reduce its herd after violating certain regulations under the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreement. Its operations in Platteville, Colorado and Dublin, Texas will be monitored for compliance for the next year.

Tulley’s, a Seattle-based coffee company plans to implement a handful of environmentally friendly practices.

“Tully’s said its 92 company-owned stores will use 100 percent certified Fair Trade and organic espresso for those drinks, fully compostable paper cups for hot beverages and low E fluorescent lighting. Tully’s also will begin a recycling collection program, which includes coffee grounds, in its stores.”

“Evidence continues to mount that there is no real conflict between protecting the environment and a strong economy. A case in point is the results of Canada’s oldest organic-conventional cropping study. It shows that organic farming systems that use no farm chemicals use less energy, emit less greenhouse gases and make farmers more money.”

Buying organic may not always be as implicitly good as you may like to think. This article focuses in particular on the large amounts of energy needed to transport premium goods from around the world, and how the new “corporate organic” takes away from the original focus of the producing local, natural food.

Toronto Star

Multi-unit buildings in the city of Toronto may not see green bin collection service until July 2009. The original target was July 2008.

The Christian Science Monitor

Stroll around a typical home-goods store and you might feel as though you’re walking outdoors – everything is turning green. Over the past year, more mainstream companies have jumped on the green bandwagon, unveiling “natural” cleaners, recycled products and packaging, sustainably made furniture, and housewares aimed at a growing market niche: the green consumer.

Organic Consumers Association

When you buy food with a “USDA organic” label, do you know what you’re getting? Now is a good time to ask such a question, as the USDA just announced Monday it was putting 15 out of 30 federally accredited organic certifiers they audited on probation, allowing them 12 months to make corrections or lose their accreditation. At the heart of the audit for several certifiers were imported foods and ingredients from other countries, including China.

The Globe and Mail

A case in point: Canada’s supply-management system, which gives dairy, poultry and egg producers a monopoly over the domestic market, gouges consumers and is economically indefensible any way you slice it.

Which is why the sector, under increasing attack, is now appealing to our better, “green” selves and the 100-mile dieters, who seem to see no paradox in paying three times more for food grown down the street compared to produce shipped in from another hemisphere. Luckily, they can afford it.