Pesticide Conflict Comes to a Head in 2015

Consumer advocates are fighting a new rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency that aims to address concerns over "inert" ingredients, including fragrances and dyes, in pesticides for non-food use.

They say the proposal, which could become final this year, doesn't go far enough to protect human health and the environment from the ingredients' potential impacts.

Also this week...

Francesca DeBiase, VP Strategic Sourcing, Sustainability at McDonald's, told TheCropSite's Sarah Mikesell that McDonald's vision is to source all of their food and products sustainably.

"We have made a commitment as McDonald's to buy sustainable beef from verified sources in 2016," she said.

"We don't know how much we're going to buy, but we're going to set a goal in 2016 for 2020." Watch the interview here.

While McDonald's vision is to source all sustainable food and products, they are starting with a few specific areas, including beef, coffee, fish and palm oil.

Anand Dossa, NFU Economist, asked if falling oil prices will cheer farmers in 2015.

Since June prices have more than halved and Brent crude oil has now dipped well below $50 a barrel for the first time since May 2009. 

~ Gemma