Farming, Health, and Roundup. Hard Questions.

There are so many articles and studies on the toxic affects of glyphosate, or what you and I best know as Roundup Ready-to-Use weedkiller, manufactured by Monsanto Technology (noted at the very bottom of the Roundup website). To me it should not be taken lightly. Most farming practices depend on it while others are able to find alternative methods. Everyone should research this subject, ongoing and extensively.

Think about this. Veteran's exposed to Agent Orange during Vietnam have suffered and continue to suffer from serious illnesses, many fatal, and they and their families are entitled to benefits through the US Dept of Veterans Affairs. The VA maintains extensive research of Vet's exposed to the agent. 

You may be asking yourself how this is related to Roundup. The government contracted with nine companies for the production of Agent Orange, one being Monsanto. The government may be as much to blame. Monsanto has withstood the controversy and continues to thrive. Unsettling. Roundup anyone?

I say, we can start with supporting our local farmers who are either Certified Organic or if not certified, those who will welcome you to their farm to reassure you of their best practices.

Resources on Farms and Organics:

NC Farm Fresh
Agrilicious, to find local markets
Eat Wild, NC
Organic Growers School

Some examples of Markets and Certified Organic Farms (North Carolina):

Peachtree Market, NC

Wise Acres Organic Strawberry Farm in Indian Trail, N.C.

Poplar Ridge Farm, Waxhaw, NC

Hilltop Farms, Willow Springs,  NC

NewSprout Organic Farms, Asheville, NC



Other Roundup Articles not mentioned above:

Natgeo coverage of Roundup:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/150422-glyphosate-roundup-herbicide-weeds/

The Cornucopia Institute on Roundup:
http://www.cornucopia.org/2016/05/new-evidence-dangers-monsantos-roundup/?utm_content=buffer91073&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer