Environmental for Food Justice

Leyenda de origen.  Source: Radio Luzmar Declaration includes traditions, agriculture, customs, ideas, flavors and colors TRANSGENIC PLANTINGS ARE UNRESOLVED THREAT Devon G. Peña | Seattle, WA | July 28, 2014 We are all familiar with the idea that many ethnic and indigenous communities self-identify as “corn cultures” in the Americas. The most familiar case is that of Mexico since ancient civilizations proclaimed themselves to have arisen from maize. Indeed, the Mayan creation stories include the poetic account of how first woman and man are molded from white and yellow corn plants. One eloquent proponent of the concept of Mexico as a corn culture is Roberto Rodriguez whose doctoral studies focused on Centeotzintli, the traditional environmental knowledge and ritual practices associated with maize as a sacred plant. Lauren Baker – in a fabulous new book, Corn Meets Maize – is another scholar who observes that in indigenous communities, the cultivated fields of maize constitute a ...

Mexican judge bans planting of GMO soy CROP SEEN AS THREAT TO HONEY BEE COLONIES Devon G. Peña | Seattle, WA | July 24, 2014 According to reports appearing in the Mexican print media, a federal district court judge in Yucatán yesterday overturned a permit issued to Monsanto , the U.S.-based multinational corporation that is a leading purveyor of genetically modified crops (GMOs). The permit, which had been issued by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock , Rural Development , Fisheries and Food on June 6, 2012, allowed the commercial planting of GM soy bean in Yucatán . The ruling was based on consideration of scientific evidence demonstrating (to the judge’s satisfaction) that GMO soy crop plantings threaten Mexican honey production in the states of Campeche , Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. An op-ed piece appearing in yesterday’s La Jornada (July 23), applauded the decision with insightful commentary suggesting that the federal agencies involved in this dispute are guilt...

Moderator’s Note: We are posting a letter prepared by Devon G. Peña on behalf of The Acequia Institute and submitted to the Mayor of Los Angeles, City Council members, and Planning Department members. The letter objects to the proposed construction of four industrial buildings with massive semi-tractor trailer traffic and untold added environmental risks to the South Central neighborhood surrounding the site at 41 st and Alameda. Food justice organization calls for exploration of green alternatives INDUSTRIAL LAND USES = ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM July 17, 2014 The Hon. Eric Garcetti, Mayor Members of the Los Angeles City Council Members of the Los Angeles Planning Commission Re:      Case No. ENV-2012-920-EIR, AA-2012-919, DIR-2013-887-SPR/ Proposed Construction of Four Industrial Buildings Submitted via email: Srimal Hewawitharana at srimal.hewawitharana@lacity.org Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Planning Commission Members: This marks the fourth time I am asked to off...

Moderator’s Note: Developers once again threaten the famous and once largest urban farm in the United States, South Central Farm in Los Angeles. This time, City of Los Angeles planners are considering a proposal to relocate a garment factory and three trucking centers to the still-undeveloped farm site.  This is an urgent and timely matter and the farmers are asking for our support by sending a letter to the planning commissioners by this Thursday, July 17. Please act now and support the continuing struggle to restore the largest and urban farm in the USA. Even short letters of support are welcome. Save the South Central Farm in LA (Again) EMAILS NEEDED BY THURSDAY, JULY 17 Tezozomoc | Los Angeles, CA | July 13, 2014 Eight years ago last month, Los Angele ñ os demanded their city step up to the burgeoning environmental justice movement in a citywide protest that centered on the small, working class Central Alameda neighborhood and its South Central Farm. The protest culminated in ...