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Sugar Industry News
The latest news on the sugar industry... Covering global trade issues, mergers and acquisitions, crop reports and more. Policy on registration and subscription
Updated : Fri, 27 Mar 2015 08:50:55 +0200
So powerful are sugar barons that it is said the police, Parliament and intelligence fear unmasking the real faces behind the crippling woes in the sugar industry. Police claim the barons are untouchable,' while Parliament maintains that the intelligence has refused to disclose the names of those implicated in illegal importation and smuggling of sugar.Fiji donates five tonnes of sugar to Vanuatu
Fiji's sugar industry is donating five tonnes of sugar to Vanuatu for cyclone relief, with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Ministry of Sugar handing over the first tonne to the National Disaster Management Office in Lautoka on Wednesday.Sugar industry cries foul over VAT issue
Stakeholders from the sugar industry in Tamil Nadu feel that the State did not do justice to them. Removing VAT would have given a boost to this sector, they think. The South Indian Sugar Mills Association, Tamil Nadu (SISMA-TN), which met in Chennai on Thursday, said they hoped that Tamil Nadu Sugar Industry which is passing through the most traumatic period would be given some succour.Punjab zone: Sugar association wants interest-free loans
LAHORE: The Punjab zone of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) is demanding the government to provide interest-free loans at a three- or five-year term to safeguard sugarcane growers in the province.Kenya sugar farming takes sour turn
There's growing calls to overhaul Kenya's struggling sugar industry - as it suffers further blows from falling prices and escalating competition. As Katie Gregory reports, it seems a government scheme designed to protect the industry by limiting imports - could infact be having the opposite effect.COMESA grants Kenya one year sugar safeguard extension
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA has granted Kenya a one year extension of the existing safeguard.Borough denies plan to build new homes on 130-acre sugar beet site
Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere has denied the authority has a secret plan to build thousands of new homes on the sugar beet site on the edge of the town.Zambia: Mansa Sugar to Invest $54m
MANSA Sugar, is set to invest a total of US$54 million in the plantation and production of sugar in Chembe District of Luapula Province.Zimbabwe: Tongaat Prefers Empowerment Credits Over Equity Disposals
TONGAAT Hulett's Managing Director, Sydney Mutsambiwa has called for the review of the country's indigenisation and economic empowerment law saying it should focus on empowerment credits for sustainability compared to disposing of shareholding.SRA asks BIR to postpone 12 pct VAT on sugar
MANILA, Philippines - The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to postpone the implementation of the recently imposed 12 percent advance value-added tax on raw and refined sugar until the start of the next crop year.Kenya: Kisumu Bishop Tells Residents to Buy Stake in Sugar Factories
KISUMU Catholic Archdiocese Bishop Zacchaeus Okoth has urged local communities to work together to buy a stake in the sugar factories during privatisation.Sugar mills can be future power houses: Industry official
Kolkata, March 23 (IANS) The country's 550 odd sugar mills can produce at least 2,500 MW of electricity if they install high-power boilers which will involve an investment of Rs.150 crore for each mill, an industry official said here on Monday.Illovo Sugar appoints Munday chairperson
SE-listed Illovo Sugar has appointed Trevor Munday its new chairperson, effective on the close of the sugar producer's annual general meeting (AGM) on July 15.Bundaberg Sugar and farmer rep discuss new contract
Eliza Rogers speaks with Guy Basile from Bundaberg Sugar, and Allan Dingle from Bundaberg Canegrowers about a new deal with ColesU.S. questions Bajan move to restructure sugar
The United States has questioned why Barbados is moving to devote a large amount of scarce resources to restructure the sugar industry.Weather, politics topics at Sugarbeet Institute
FARGO, N.D. The 53rd International Sugarbeet Institute comes to the Fargodome on March 25 and 26 in Fargo.U.S. questions move to restructure sector
THE UNITED STATES (US) HAS QUESTIONED why Barbados is moving to devote a large amount of scarce resources to restructure the sugar industry.Increased cane production critical to the survival of Belize s sugar industry, says BSI
Cane farms in Belize need to produce more cane per acre to be able to cope with tbhe projected falling earnings of 2017, the Belize Sugar Industries explained in its latest publication.Program to upskill workers
SEVENTY workers employed in the sugar industry will be able to acquire better management skills under a new training program by the EU and the Australian Government designed to upskill workers in targeted sectors in the Pacific.Easing EAC sugar sales
The decision by the Kenya government to allow more imports of Uganda sugar was very welcome.Price woes for sugar units
Kolkata: Sugar industry is heading towards a major crisis which if not looked into might lead to shutting down of many factories.Future of sugar industry tricky', says analyst
As sugar has become one of the most maligned ingredients within food, Euromonitor International research analyst Jack Skelly says the future may prove trickyfor manufacturers.Sugar mills under stress due to low ex-factory price
Kolkata, March 23 (IANS) Even as sugar production in India rose by 28 lakh tonnes by March 15 this year touching 221.8 lakh tonnes, the ex-factory price of sugar remains low compared to the procured cost of cane resulting in losses to the sugar industry, an industry official said here on Monday.Changes to Cane and Sugar Act sought for opening of new plants
INDUSTRY Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich said yesterday the ministry would ask the Cabinet to amend the Cane and Sugar Act to facilitate the opening of about 50 sugar processing plants this year.Bundaberg Sugar signs two-year contract with Coles
BUNDABERG Sugar has signed a two-year contract with Coles to supply about 20,000 tonnes of sugar a year.Sugar output exceeds demand
Just as cane harvests expand in India and Thailand, farmers in Brazil, the world's largest producer, are ramping up exports to take advantage of a tumble in the exchange rate that has swelled their profit margins. And crops that were hurt by drought last year have been revived by rain. Global output is set to exceed demand for a fifth straight year, leaving the biggest stockpiles on record, the International Sugar Organization said.South Africa: Commission of Enquiry Into Dududu Mass Graves
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu says an official request will be sent to President Jacob Zuma to set up a commission of enquiry following the discovery of mass graves on Glenroy farm in Dududu.Nigeria: Dangote to Increase Refinery Capacity to 650,000bpd
In a move that will see Nigeria having the largest petroleum refinery in the world, Africa's richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced that he will increase his refinery's capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, thus making it the single largest stream in the world.Cane conference a sweet success
A DEMOGRAPHICALLY diverse group of 164 sugar cane industry professionals ranging from those just beginning their careers to others starting to think about succession plans convened at Palm Cove on March 16-18 for the 2015 Case IH Step Up! Conference.SIFI holds pre-job orientation
The Sugar Industry Foundation Inc. recently held a two-day Pre-Job Orientation at the SIFI Training Center, Talisay City, participated in by 17 SIFI scholars who will graduate this year.Kenya sugar farming turns sour as import curbs fail
In the sugar cane fields of western Kenya, farmers complain that falling prices mean they can barely make ends meet. Yet rival African producers can still offer cheaper supplies.Nothing Can Sweeten This Bad News for the Sugar Industry
For decades, big business has been at odds with the government over regulation of certain industries. The desire to clamp down, from the government or public's perspective, is the result of undue harm being caused by industry as a result of use of specific products, or simply externalities caused by product creation. Businesses, on the other hand, are simply trying to maximize profits at any cost.Sugar shares hit 52-week low
Shares of most of the sugar companies are trading at their 52-week lows after the sweetener prices fallen to five year low following ample stocks on persistent supplies from mills amidst weak demand.Sugar trade deal strikes big blow to U.S. refiners, candymakers
U.S. regulators' decision to approve a controversial trade deal with Mexico has struck a major blow to sugarcane refiners, who will struggle to source supplies, and confectioners, who will pay higher sugar prices.Sugar Glut, Sliding Real, Hurt Asian Producers
HONG KONGLife is far from sweet for some top sugar-producing nations, as a global glut combined with a collapse...The 4 Most Confusing Things About Sugar
Nowadays, when people meet me and hear that I'm a dietitian, the first thing they want to know is: What's the deal with sugar? No doubt, sugar is the diet villain du jour. You've probably seen some scary headlines calling sugar toxic and pointing to it as the source of all our health woes. But the real story is far more complex.BBC documentary The Truth About Sugar asks tough questions
VideoCosan says weak currency to help Brazil regain sugar market share
SAO PAULO, March 19 (Reuters) - The sharp depreciation of the Brazilian currency will help Brazil win back a larger share of the international sugar market, Marcos Lutz, the chief executive of sugar and ethanol producer Cosan said on Thursday. (Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)Western Sugar to pay $6K fine for OSHA safety citations that led to worker injury
An informal settlement agreement between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Western Sugar Cooperative's Billings plant calls for a $6,000 fine for two serious safety violations that injured a worker in August.Lessons for food marketers as sugar consumption in UK tumbles
As the health debate surrounding sugar continues, food marketers are reviewing their product formulation and marketing strategies.Say Goodbye to Refined Sugar and Try Flavorful, Natural Alternatives
Ask any health expert and they'll tell you sugar is the devil. While it's in your best interest to practice moderation when it comes to any treats, you might as well do so without worrying about what other mystery ingredients may be in processed goodies. Shauna Sever of The Next Door Baker is here to help you satisfy your cravings guilt-free with a just-launched dessert recipe cook book, Real Sweet ($21). Her latest recipes use only natural, unrefined and alternative sweeteners (think coconut sugar, agave nectar, orange blossom honey, pure maple syrup and more you maybe never heard ofjaggery, anyone?)Here's How Much Sugar Consumption Is Hurting the Global Economy
Sugar may not be so sweet when it comes to its effects on the world economy. That's the conclusion of Morgan Stanley analysts in a new research report. They say that because health is a key driver of economic growth, rising diabetes and obesity rates cloud the outlook in both emerging markets and developed economies. Sugar consumption is one major culprit behind such health problems making it a liability for global output.Ethiopia: Unverified Allegations About Ethiopia's 'Highly Successful' Development Programmes
The UK's Department of International Development (DfID) issued a statement last week on its development relationship with Ethiopia pointing out that Ethiopia was delivering impressive progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.Kenya: Kabras Sugar to Build New Sports Facility
Kabras Sugar are in the process of putting up a sports academy. Brand manager Joe Koech said the sugar millers have acquired 8 acres of land in Kabras to put up the facility which will cater for both rugby and football.Kenya: Firm Fines Farmers for Narok Fires
SUGARCANE farmers in Trans Mara, Narok county, have lost more than 1,500 hectares of mature crop to fires in one month.Kenya: Kakamega Lobby Puts Lawmakers On Notice Over Mumias Sugar
A lobby group has put on notice elected leaders from Western region who are reluctant to fight for the revival of Mumias Sugar Company.Unprecedented Sugar Glut Sweeps Across the Globe
Just as cane harvests expand in India and Thailand, farmers in Brazil, the world's largest producer, are ramping up exports to take advantage of a tumble in the exchange rate that has swelled their profit margins.Ethiopia: PM Slams Construction Industry Players
In front of a crowd of 4,000 members of the construction sector in Ethiopia, who attended a three-day meeting to talk about the new policy direction that the government has set for the construction sector for the coming decade,Tanzania: Bagamoyo Land Grabbing Denied
TANZANIA has strongly disputed a recent report by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that claimed Bagamoyo EcoEnergy in partnership with the government is grabbing land from the people.Kenya: Mumias Board Calls Shareholders for an EGM in April
Nairobi Mumias Sugar Company has now called for an Extraordinary General Meeting for its shareholders to be held on April 10.Nigeria: Dangote Group Hopeful U.S.$9 Billion Refinery Kicks Off By 2017
A new $9 billion oil refinery producing 500,000 barrels per day being developed by Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, is expected to come on stream in Nigeria by 2017, a senior Dangote Group official said yesterday. The refinery, to be located in Lagos, will cut Nigeria reliance on international markets for refined petroleum products, which constitute imports of more than 80 percent of the nation's fuel needs. The lack of sufficient refining capacity is a major handicap in Nigeria.Sugar producers facing issues
Just as cane harvests expand in India and Thailand, farmers in Brazil, the world's largest producer, are ramping up exports to take advantage of a tumble in the exchange rate that has swelled their profit margins. And crops that were hurt by drought last year have been revived by rain. Global output is set to exceed demand for a fifth straight year, leaving the biggest stockpiles on record, the International Sugar Organization said.Mills seek government incentives to export white sugar
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's money-losing sugar mills are looking for another round of government incentives to export refined products as a supply glut hammers global and local prices, with no end in sight.Sugar planters told: Bring sugar tax issues before SC
NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Maraon Jr. advised sugar planters to bring their tax issues before the Supreme Court.Sugar output seen to fall short of target
MANILA, PhilippinesDomestic production of raw sugar is expected to fall short of the 2.5 million-ton goal for the current crop year that ends in July, prompting regulators to scrap export allocations for countries other than the United States.Brazil's Cosan says to sell slightly more sugar in 2015/16
SAO PAULO, March 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's largest sugar and ethanol group Cosan SA said on Wednesday it would likely sell 4.2 million to 4.4 million tonnes of sugar in the 2015/16 crop year, slightly above the 4.1-4.3 million sold in 2014/15.Tick programme re-introducing sugar criteria
The Heart Foundation is embracing the latest World Health Organisation recommendations and re-introducing a sugar criterion into relevant categories of its Tick programme.Sh3bn sugar exports fake: report
Top managers at Mumias Sugar Company colluded with Kenya Revenue Authority officials and made fictitious sugar exports of Sh3 billion between 2006 and 2012, says a parliamentary report.Kenya sugar farming turns sour as import curbs fail
MUMIAS, Kenya, March 18 (Reuters) - In the sugar cane fields of western Kenya, farmers complain that falling prices mean they can barely make ends meet. Yet rival African producers can still offer cheaper supplies.Ambassador Derrick Heaven the new JCPS boss takes up office on April 1
Ambassador Derrick Heaven, the former executive chairman of the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA), has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of directors of the Jamaica Cane Product Sales (JCPS), effective April 1, 2015.$5m Government Cane Development Grant
A $5m Government Cane Development Grant will soon be released to the Ministry of Sugar Industry and the Fiji Sugar Corporation to help in the expansion of sugarcane production in the countrySugar industry needs drastic reforms
Experts and officials have pointed out that Viet Nam is poised to reduce import tariffs sharply under WTO and ASEAN commitments.Hellenic Sugar names Dimitrios Giannakidis new CEO and Chairman of the board
Names Dimitrios Giannakidis Chairman of the board and CEO * Says Lambros Charalambous resigned earlier from both of his roles of CEO and Chairman of the boardThe untold story of how the sugar industry shaped key government research about your teeth
Decades-old documents have surfaced showing that the powerful U.S. sugar industry skewed the government's medical research on dental careand ultimately what officials recommended for American diets.Lessons for food marketers as sugar consumption in UK tumbles
As the health debate surrounding sugar continues, food marketers are reviewing their product formulation and marketing strategies.Cristal Union spurns Tereos approach despite sugar price turmoil
PARIS, March 16 (Reuters) - French sugar and ethanol maker Cristal Union on Monday firmly declined a merger offer from competitor Tereos even if, as it expects, the slump in world sugar prices will hit its profits for the next two years.The World Is Awash in Sugar
Just as cane harvests expand in India and Thailand, farmers in Brazil, the world's largest producer, are ramping up exports to take advantage of a tumble in the exchange rate that has swelled their profit margins. And crops that were hurt by drought last year have been revived by rain. Global output is set to exceed demand for a fifth straight year, leaving the biggest stockpiles on record, the International Sugar Organization said.MPs vow to oppose report on sugar crisis
Kenya: A major division has emerged in the National Assembly's Agriculture Committee over the long awaited report on the crisis in the sugar industry amid claims of a conspiracy to water down the findings and shield prominent figures.Nanning Sugar Industry gets regulatory approval for private placement
Says gets securities regulator's approval to issue shares in private placementHelp for local sugar industry
Government is expected to add several million more dollars during this week's Estimates to help the island's sugar industry.Unprecedented sugar glut sweeps world
The world has never been so awash in sugar. Just as cane harvests expand in India and Thailand, farmers in Brazil, the world's largest producer, are ramping up exports to take advantage of a tumble in the exchange rate that has swelled their profit margins. And crops that were hurt by drought last year have been revived by rain. Global output is set to exceed demand for a fifth straight year, leaving the biggest stockpiles on record, the International Sugar Organization said.Birla Sugar goes for business restructuring
The idea behind the process is to house the businesses of the company, mainly tea and sugar, under different headsStudy claims sugar industry influenced anti-caries program
Citing internal cane and beet sugar documents dating back to 1959, an article published in PLOS Medicine claims that the sugar industry made a concerted effort to alter the priorities of the National Institute of Dental Research's (NIDR's) 1971 National Caries Program (NCP). Cristin Kearns, Stanton A. Glantz, et al., Sugar Industry Influence on the Scientific Agenda of the National Institute of Dental Research's 1971 National Caries Program: A Historical Analysis of Internal Documents, PLOS Medicine, March 2015.Sugar mills facing closure due to disparity in prices
The price of sugar, both in the domestic market and the international market even with the export incentive, does not make the whole business viable. No wonder, several large sugar mills are seriously considering closure as an option due to this disparity in pricesKenya: House Team Told to Table Mumias Sugar Findings
National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi yesterday warned the Agriculture Committee that it risks disbandment for not tabling a report on the rot at Mumias Sugar Company.Anxiety in House as Comesa sugar safeguards expire
Members of Parliament are in a hurry to see five sugar millers privatised. They said the Government-owned millers need to be sold to enable them survive the influx of cheap sugar imports expected after expiry of tariff safeguards under the Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa ( Comesa).Sucden, ED&F Man expected to scoop up 1 mln T of sugar ICE delivery
Feb 27 (Reuters) - ED&F Man and Sucres & Denrees (Sucden) are expected to buy just over 1 million tonnes of raw sugar against the March ICE contract that expired on Friday, raising questions about whether the larger-than expected purchase has homes as prices tumble.Sunshine Sugar plans to sell 50% of company to Manildra
THE Sunshine Sugars Co-operative hopes a plan to sell 50% of its milling operation to Australian wheat, sugar and ethanol company Manildra will help protect the Australian sugar industry.Union: Involve farmers
CANEFARMERS no longer see the sugar industry as a profitable one, says National Farmers Union general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry.No provision for MSMEs, sugar industry in Union Budget
Meerut: Small and medium scale industry leaders in Meerut have received Saturday's Union Budget in a lukewarm manner - they say provisions are mostly pro-big business. Also, the sugar industry, reeling under a crisis and unable to pay dues to sugarcane farmers, is disappointed with the Union Budget.Hellenic Sugar EBITDA loss widens to 25.52 mln euros
H2 net loss figures to 39.76 million euros versus loss of 14.36 million euros year ago. A Hellenic Sugar Industry spokesman corrected a statement earlier issued by the companyZambia Sugar PLC denies tax evasion assertions
The Zambia Sugar Company has dispelled assertions that it has been evading paying tax to government.Investors eye sugar industry
TRYNESS MBALE, Mazabuka THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has received several applications from prospective investors into the sugar industry.UAE has high sugar consumption
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia and Egypt are among the Middle East's top ten most prevalent countries for diabetes, even though the UAE has the highest sugar consumption, according to a recent study done by Nielsen Market Research and Analysis Company.Indian firm to build $400m Jazan sugar refinery
India-based Shree Basaveshwar Sugars Limited (SBSL) has signed an agreement to build a SR1.5-billion ($400 million) sugar refinery in Jazan Industrial City in southern Saudi Arabia, a report said.Deal signed for SR1.5 billion Jazan sugar refinery
Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Nasser, chief promoter of Jazan Industrial City, has signed an agreement with Shree Basaveshwar Sugars Ltd. (SBSL) of India to establish an SR1.5 billion sugar refinery project in the new industrial city located south of the Kingdom.ugar Investment Trust: le CEO Bholah dmissionne
Accompagn de son homme de loi, Ravin Bholah s'est prsent devant un comit disciplinaire mardi. Suspendu de ses fonctions de Chief Executive Officer (CEO) du Sugar Investment Trust (SIT) depuis mi-janvier, il a prfr soumettre sa dmission. Au NG Tower bne, sige du SIT, il ressort que l'ex-n 1 est reparti avec deux mois de salaire.Zero sugar choice
MOTIBHAI Group is proud to be the first local owned company to develop the formulation, manufacture and distribute sugar free soft drinks in Fiji and also export them to neighbouring countries.U.S. sugar refiners challenge deal over Mexico imports
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - A deal to set limits on sugar imports to the United States from Mexico would squeeze U.S. sugar refiners and puts the needs of growers and millers first, refiners said on Thursday.Report puts Mumias mess on Evans Kidero's doorstep
NAIROBI: A parliamentary draft report on the ailing sugar industry says Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, who was Managing Director of Mumias Sugar Company (MSC), should take full responsibility for the fraudulent transactions that have brought the firm to its knees, The Standard on Saturday can reveal.Kenya: State Wants Foreign Boss for Mumias, Says Savula
THE government wants to appoint an expatriate manager to run Mumias Sugar Company, Lugari MP Ayub Savula has said.New plant to save Rwanda Rwf20 billion in sugar imports
The country could save up to $28 million (about Rwf20 billion) on sugar importation when Mauritian investor, Mauritius ACS Limited, starts producing sugar by the end of the year, Emmanuel Hategeka, the Ministry of Trade and Industry permanent secretary, has said.Cane theft could cost two sugar millers in Kakamega their licences
Licences of two private millers in western Kenya could be revoked should Parliament adopt a report on the findings of an inquiry into the challenges facing the sugar sector.Mackay Sugar directors defeat call for resignation in general meeting
An attempt by a group of canegrower-shareholders to overthrow the leadership of Mackay Sugar failed last night.Mackay Sugar has held a general meeting, in which an attempt to overthrow two directors failed
Mackay Sugar has held a general meeting, in which an attempt to overthrow directors Andrew Cappello and Sydney Gordon failed.Senators launch fresh bid for sugar policy overhaul
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Three senators on Thursday introduced a bill to overhaul the U.S. government's controversial sugar program, aiming to lower price-support levels and change domestic supply restrictions.Sugar shareholders debate about directors
IN accordance with Section 249D of the Corporations Act 2001, a General Meeting for all shareholders was held today, Monday 16 February 2015 to vote on a resolution calling for the resignation of two Grower Directors, Mr Andrew Cappello and Mr Sydney Gordon.Sugar mills make distress sales to pay farmers
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's cash-strapped sugar mills, waiting on the government to approve export subsidies, are being forced to dump supplies in the domestic market to raise cash to pay cane farmers, pulling down local prices to 4-1/2 year lows.Mauritius sugar producer Alteo says profit rises 16 pct in first half
PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Mauritius sugar producer Alteo's pretax profit rose 16.7 percent to 1.041 billion rupees ($31.35 million) boosted by a one-off disposal of a stake it held in a hotel company, it said on Thursday.Senators launch fresh bid for sugar policy overhaul
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Three senators on Thursday introduced a bill to overhaul the U.S. government's controversial sugar program, aiming to lower price-support levels and change domestic supply restrictions.Sugar mills seek govt help to dispose of supply surplus
DUBAI (Reuters) - Struggling sugar mills in India should benefit from a fixed-pricing mechanism for fuel ethanol but still need government support to export surplus sugar, the Director General of the Indian Sugar Mills Association said on Sunday.Zambia Sugar's sweet Irish tax deal
A Zambian food company pays almost no tax in poverty-stricken Africa, opting instead to route its profits through Dublin. Our tax regime helps multinationals but does little for struggling nationsMuch needed reform to sugar program reintroduced
Due in large part to the high price of sugar, U.S. sugar-using companies continue to move offshore or go out of business altogether. It has long been known by the sugar-using industries that 130,000 jobs have been lost in due to the U. S. Sugar Program passed in the 2008 Farm Bill. In 2012 the Senate Agriculture Committee approved in its farm bill to reauthorized the current sugar program without any change through crop year 2017 and therefore forced U. S. sugar-using industries to continue to pay 50 percent above the world price for sugar. Over and over throughout the following years many sugar-using industries have pleaded for reform; over and over amendments have been offered only to be tabled or voted down. Even though our U. S. Sugar Program has led to a nearly $300 million bailout of the sugar industry in 2013 when our government was forced to buy hundreds of thousands of tons of sugar to protect sugar processors from default who borrowed taxpayer dollars under the current price-support program.More woes for the sugar industry
Yesterday's headlines screamed of confusion among sugar stakeholders leading to the stoppage of the sugar bidding last Thursday due to the 1 percent tax imposed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue on the withdrawal of sugar from the mills.Sugar conduct taskforce will put the cards on the table'
AFTER being plagued by concerns over sugar marketing deals, farmers are having their voices heard.Tough grind for sugar
DESPITE extensive Government efforts to revitalise the country's sugar industry, Fiji will need to prepare for a reduction in export revenues before 2017, Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Voreqe Bainimarama warned.BMJ Investigation Claims To Blow The Lid Off Sugar Industry's Attempts To Influence Health Policy
An investigative report from the BMJ reportedly found extensive links between the sugar industry and public health scientists. British freelance investigative journalist Jonathan Gornall, formerly of the Times and previously named Freelance Journalist of the Year by the Medical Journalists Association, claims in his series of reports published in the BMJ that the sugar industry could be influencing health policy.Dalmia Bharat Sugar acquires one more sugar mill in Maharashtra
PUNE: Delhi-based Dalmia Bharat Sugar Industries has acquired Ninaidevi SSK, a sick sugar cooperative in Maharashtra's Sangli district, for Rs 24.32 crore through auction process. Its second buyout in the country's largest sugar producing state signifies increasing preference among companies with a national presence and international trading houses for Maharashtra over Uttar Pradesh for new investments.Brazil's Sao Martinho profit jumps 66 pct on sugar and energy sales
Brazil's Sao Martinho sugar and ethanol group said October-to-December net profit grew 66 percent from a year ago to 54.6 million reais ($19.7 million), crediting improved sales of sugar and biomass electricity.Abadi visits Babel province to inaugurate Sugar Factory
Babel (IraqiNews.com) The Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, visited Hilla city of central Babel province on Monday. Reporter of IraqiNews.com said Abadi will inaugurate Sugar Factory with a capacity of 3.000 tons daily. The Factory is established by an Iraqi investor, the reporter added.Khon Kaen Sugar keeps its focus on renewable energies
SET-listed Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Plc (KSL), Thailand's fourth-largest sugar miller, expects strong revenue growth this year despite global sugar prices being unlikely to provide substantial profit.Mauritius 2014 sugar output hit by strike, heavy rains
PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Mauritius estimated sugar production for 2014 fell 4 percent compared to forecasts, the Chamber of Agriculture said on Monday, blaming a workers strike and heavy rains for disrupting the harvest.Sugar-sponsored coloring book for kids hits a sour note
A children's coloring book produced by the sugar industry starred in a two-county controversy last week one that raises questions about how corporate propaganda gets distributed.Drought may cost sugar industry R920m this season
Drought in South Africa's main sugar-producing region may cost the industry about $81 million, a growers' association said.Businessman at centre of the Sh1.2b Mumias sugar import scandal
High flying businessman Benson Sande Ndeta was relaxing in the US with his family during his Christmas holiday when the email came.Kantale Sugar Factory to reopen soon
The government is making arrangements to reopen the Kantale Sugar Factory in collaboration with the new investors. Basic procedures in this regard are ongoing, Land Development Minister M. K. D. S. Gunawardena said.Tate shares plunge as ethanol, sugar force profits warning
Shares in Tate & Lyle plunged 15% after the corn processor, again, warned on profits, citing a "sharp deterioration" in ethanol margins and the weak European sugar market which has caught out some rivals too.Venezuela begins sugar occupation
National guardsmen and state price adjusters are fanning out across Venezuela to impose a military-style occupation with an unusual goal - Making sure shoppers can buy enough sugar.Villar: Sugar workers to benefit more from new Sugar Act
The Senate has adopted the reconciled version of the bill that will equip the local sugar industry with the necessary tools in order to compete with other Southeast Asian countries in time for the economic integration later this year.Swaziland: Mystery of Swazi King's $10 Million 'Loan'
There is a mystery as to why King Mswati III of Swaziland needed a US$10 million loan from the company running the Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine.Kenya: Mumias Sugar Told to Change Management
MUMIAS Sugar Company's lenders have called for a new team that can drive the business differently.Egypt's Al Nouran plant sugar to start operations in Q4 2016: CEO
DUBAI (Reuters) - Egypt's Al Nouran sugar production facility, a 2.5 billion Egyptian pound ($357 million) project, will begin operations in the last quarter of 2016, the firm's chairman and chief executive officer Ashraf Mahmoud told Reuters on Sunday.New sugar refinery to start operations in Saudi Arabia by end-2017
DUBAI, Feb 2 (Reuters) - A new sugar refinery is due to start operations in Jizan in southwest Saudi Arabia by the end of 2017, adding to a stream of projects that will significantly raise the Middle East's refining capacity.FG attracts $3bn investment to sugar industry as Ogun commissions 57th factory
Olusegun Aganga, minister of industry, trade and investment, has disclosed that the Federal Government attracted more than $3 billion to the Nigeria's sugar industry under sugarcane-to-sugar project pursued to drastically reduce huge resources spent annually on sugar imports. According to the minister, Nigeria imports 97 percent of sugar that she consumes, which he said, is (subscription reqd)Congress ratifies Sugarcane Bill, awaits PNoy's signature
Negros Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez said that after the ratification of the House of Representatives and the Senate, President Benigno Aquino III is expected to sign it into a law.Sugar companies seek to restructure debt
The companies are struggling to make profits in an environment where prices are skewed by policies set by the central and state governments2014 a turning point for Idaho's struggling sugar beet industry
2014 was a step in the right direction for Idaho sugar-beet growers, with cash receipts increasing by 9 percent and rising sugar prices returning the first profit in three years.Productive sector could benefit from renewable energy
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) Speaking at the workshop on Opportunities for Sustainable Energy Production in the Sugar Industry of Jamaica' held in Kingston on January 30,' Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson, said the introduction of renewable energy as part of the energy mix, will provide noticeable benefits to the productive sector and by extension the consumers of goods and services.Sweet victory for manufacturers - Sugar Industry Authority revamps refined-sugar policy
The refined-sugar regime proposed last year by Agriculture Minister Derrick Kellier will go ahead with the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) as sole importer, but only for the retail trade, as major manufacturers will continue to source and import their own sweetener.Sugar industry's direction was still very clear
WHILE the power of majority determining which party will govern the state of Queensland is hanging in the balance, Canegrowers Mackay chairman Kevin Borg said the sugar industry's direction was still very clear.UP sugar production crosses 3 mt this season
The sugar production in Uttar Pradesh has crossed 3.3 million tonnes (mt) in the 2014-15 crushing season so far, 23 per cent higher than that in the corresponding period last year.Allan Quaid - Sugar Industry Pioneer Dies At 72
Allan D. Quaid, 72, of Queensland, Australia formerly of Clewiston, passed away January 24, 2015, in Saint Johns, Florida. Allan was a pioneer in the sugar industry, for which he worked nearly thirty years. He helped to bring the first mechanical harvesters to Florida and changed the way harvesting was done. Allan returned to his native Australia in 2008 to live his dream of farming and ranching.International unions crack down on Fiji's sugar industry
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is under growing pressure to overhaul laws and decrees governing Fiji's sugar industry, which the International Labour Organisation says are in breach of ratified conventions.Milestones to overcome sugar industry millstones
Ongoing issues rocked the Australian sugar cane industry during 2014, yet its peak body asserts there will be no backward step in confronting those sizeable outside forces in 2015.Helping hand for sugar
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart made the announcement yesterday during the monthly luncheon of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry at Hilton Barbados.An idea to help sugar industry
TUESDAY'S DAILY NATION Back Page reported that the proposed new sugar factory is estimated at $500 million. Is this US, Trini or Bajan dollars?Money coming for sugar farmers, says PM
BARBADOS' FINANCIALLY-TROUBLED sugar industry will soon be getting an injection of cash.Drought knocks KZN sugar industry (subscription reqd)
KZN has been hit by a severe drought that has disrupted business and reduced yields on farms, especially in the sugar sector, and could lead to job losses.Kenya: Cane Buying Centres to Reduce Post Harvest Losses
Farmers in western Kenya will benefit from cane buying centres where harvested sugarcane will be delivered, to stop post harvest losses.The Magana Factor
One week ago in the House of Representatives, the Sugar Industry Amendment Act was passed into law. It allows for other growers groups to exist and do business with the factory owners.Sugar markets faces first of 'several' sugar deficit years
The world sugar market is poised for the first of what could be "several years" of production shortfall, as the poor finances of many mills finally hits home, Green Pool said.Rickards says political bias in selection of EU Sugar Programme projects
DUANVALE, Trelawny Chairman of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers' Association Allan Rickards (AIJCFA) says a number of the projects financed by European Union (EU) money under the Sugar Transformation Unit (STU) in the Ministry of Agriculture, are politically selected for the benefit of the cane farming communities.


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KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — Furiously fast and fluid, Felix Loch is an Olympic gold medalist again.
And at 24, he's only just begun.
KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) — Furiously fast and fluid, Felix Loch is an Olympic gold medalist again.
And at 24, he's only just begun.
Germany's newest luging lord locked up the title he won four years ago in Vancouver on Sunday by easily beating a field of racers he left in his icy wake. Loch completed four runs down the Sanki Sliding Center track in 3 minutes, 27.562 seconds — 0.476 seconds ahead of Russia's Albert Demchenko, who won the silver in his seventh Olympics.
Italy's Armin Zoeggeler won the bronze, giving him a record six in six games.
Loch arrived at the Sochi Games expected to win. It seemed to be a mere formality that he would add another gold medal to Germany's cache of Olympic hardware.
He dominated and delivered.
"Unbelievable. It's so crazy for me," Loch said. "I don't have any words, but yeah, it's so cool."
With IOC President Thomas Bach and German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer in attendance, Loch showed why there's no one currently in his class. Not even close.
Loch began the second day of competition leading Demchenko by 0.294 seconds, a sizeable advantage in a sport where the difference between podium and pedestrian can be the blink of an eye.
On his third trip down, Loch completed the 17-curve course in 51.613 seconds, bettering the track record he set on his second run a day earlier. It was going to take a major mistake for anyone to reel in Loch, but he was precise throughout his descent, staying away from the walls and trouble.
Demchenko, who won silver at the 2006 Turin Games and had a raucous crowd backing him, needed to find speed anywhere he could on his home track. But when he posted a time of 51.707 seconds, Loch's lead had swelled to 0.388 seconds.
At that point, Loch only needed to stay upright during his last run to secure Germany's 10th gold in 14 events since luge debuted at the 1964 Innsbruck Games.
Loch's final trip was essentially a victory lap.
He paddled down the start ramp, the spiked fingertips of his gloves digging into the slick surface. Loch stole one last look at the pristine ice before him before lying back and weaving his way to an easy victory. After crossing the finish line, he pumped both fists and let out a scream.
The 42-year-old Demchenko was nearly as excited with his silver, and as he celebrated Russian fans chanted "Four more years!" in hopes he'll keep sliding.
Continue reading this story on the...

subset: commoncrawl


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educate yourself
I just want to post why I use heirloom produce. Everyone states the taste is why. but the real reasoning behind heirloom is to avoid what poisons have been added to our foods. hybrids bring up 200x's the amount of metals in the soil, than heirloom. metals accumulate and make us sick. also pesticide genes and fish genes are added. in no way do we benifit from any of these things. the media is filtered. other countries demand labeling and testing of these ge/hybrid foods. and in doing so they have discovered the pesticide gene accumulated and causes breast and prostate cancer. etc. canada is now about to use ge wheat. and japan and other countries are fighting it. but guess what not america. In fact I bet you didnt even know this war is going on. Its sad to think our government cares more for our global economy than our health. We are fed lies that its nessesary to feed the masses. thats funny cus I couldnt afford a tomato. here is a usefull link for more info
this site does not filter whats going on in the world with respect to our food. click on the kraft site and watch the genetically krafted movie. people need to educate ourselves and demand ge labeling and testing. a great book full of pictures is called: fatal harvest, the tragedy of industrial agriculture., cant recall the author. please forgive me if I seem a bit angry but my friends son who is 12 now has crohns disease. and the doctor said no hybrid or ge food. the poor kids cant eat anything. theres no labeling. he is withering away. and imagine he isnt the only one.
There are many things that will probably kill you before the metals in the hybrid plants do (even if they do draw metals out of the soil, which I doubt). You should be more worried about eating fish, especially freshwater, due to the high levels of mercury contained in them.
Genetically engineered crops (such as rice and grain) are being grown in 3rd world countries where other crops wither will not grow at all or will not grow in ammounts large enough to feed the people. These crops keep millions of people from starving to death each year.
No ge vegetable on the market today contains fish genes (or any animal for that mater). They do contain genes from bacteria and viruses (as far as I know) but these genes by themselve mean nothing, and will not harm you in any way.
Also, I am not sure what you meant by "pesticide genes." Pesticides are made from chemicals. As chemicals are not living, they do not have genes. Some hybrids are given genes from other plants which have a tolerence to a specific disease or pest, these genes come from other plants and do not pose health hazards.
As for the Crohn's disease, I am sorry for you friend, and even sorrier for his son, I can only im agine what that must be like. I do not understand why the doctor would say he could not eat hybrid or ge foods. Most foods made today are hybrids of some form. Also, I can find no information that would lead me to believe that hybrid foods could cause a problem with Crohn's disease (although sometimes specific foods like grains containing gluten can aggravate gastrointestinal diseases, this has nothing to do with hybridization).
According to the National Institute of Health:
"No special diet has been proven effective for preventing or treating this disease. Some people find their symptoms are made worse by milk, alcohol, hot spices, or fiber. People are encouraged to follow a nutritious diet and avoid any foods that seem to worsen symptoms. But there are no consistent rules."
While hybrid foods do have risks (they can cross pollinate with non-hybrid crops). There have been no conclusive studies showing that they can cause any damage to the human body.
Hi, Maria,
So much misinformation, so little time...
That was my first reaction to reading your first posting. Then your second posting has raised my eyebrows. I happen to have some knowledge of hybrids, GMOs, and starvation rates in Third World, so here it goes.
First of all, I do not know where the idea that hybrids pull 200 times more heavy metals out of the soil than heirlooms has originated. Would you please provide a reference? It is true that gardeners who might be tempted to grow carrots on lead contaminated soils are advised against this because carrots and other root crops can accumulate heavy metals in their roots if those metals are abundant in the soil. This is not an issue of hybrids vs open pollinated varieties; it is an issue of genus and species of a plant.
Now, this is true that scientists in Switzerland (if my memory serves me right) have created a genetically engineered plant that is designed to extract heavy metals from soils. The plant is a common weed and it is not meant to be eaten. It is, however, meant to be used in phytoremediation of contaminated soils.
I think I know what a pesticide gene is. It is Bt gene, or actually a group of genes from Bacillus thuringensis, a relatively common bacterium. Plants containing a Bt gene are toxic to insects that eat them. Bt is not toxic to humans. There are valid concerns about widespread use of Bt proteins, such as possibility that the pest insects will become resistant to the toxin, toxicity to other insects, possibility of pollen escape, etc, and there are solutions that address most of those concerns. Bt technology is slowly becoming outdated because of its relative crudeness.
As for your comment on the Third World countries... well, I am nothing short of appalled at your total lack of sensitivity. It is easy to protect GMOs when one has always had enough to eat. It's the wealthy of this world, the Americans, the Canadians, the Europeans, who are up in arms. African and Asian nations are embracing those so-called Frankenfoods. African scientists are actively working on rice and other staples to make them more resistant to drought (most farming in the world is done without irrigation) and diseases, and to make them more nutritious. And not just so that subsistence farmers can reliably feed their families and sell the surplus in the market.
Scripps Institute has been working for years on alternative forms of vaccines to be used in areas that lack refrigeration. Conventional vaccines do require refrigeration, which is unfortunate, since most of the developing world lives without it. But Scripps folks may have a solution: GE banana. Bananas that are designed to synthesise a protein that constitutes a vaccine. So instead lugging a small fridge and pricking each kid with a needle, a health worker in Africa or remote areas of Asia can simply hand each kid a banana. Who doesn't like bananas? Of course a banana is heavier than a single vaccine vial, so this creates a vaccine portability problem...
Then there is golden rice, a rice that has been engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Several thousand kids in Asia go blind every year because of vitamin A deficiency in their diets. Rice is the staple of what they eat. Golden rice has been developed especially for those areas of Asia. Farmers can grow it every year and save seeds for the next season. They don't have to buy seeds from a company. There are no exclusivity agreements and no contracts to sign.
In the two cases above, I can't see how one would possibly call this technology evil. What's wrong with providing subsistence farmers with more nutritious crops to grow? What's wrong with providing vaccination to children?
And for the record: I grow a mixture of heilroom and hybrid vegetables in an organic garden. I do not grow GMOs, but I wouldn't be against trying them.
Your taking what I say wrong. So I wont say anymore. Get out the book and read for yourself. its the ge plants that have up to 2oo'x metal intake. we dont feed most 3rd world counties like one thinks. in fact most dont want ge foods. read about it. thats not a small book I recomended. My final comment, dont take my word for it, read for yourself.
gypsylady -- I'm sorry you won't say anymore. While I will check out the book you recommend I never take simply one source as gospel.
It seems both Kasiaw and opqdan raised valid counterpoints -- do you think they're wrong? And why? I always like to see people support their positions with facts, and I'd like to see your supporting evidence.
Her words are simple fear mongering. She won't defend her own claims or provide sources, as in "educate yourself" and runs off when the blind support will not appear. Why post this at all if you are not willing to discuss it and learn from others not yet cowed by fear.
P.S. We all have to die of something.
I have read Fatal Harvest. Useless subjective stumping. The website organicconsumers.org is also not a balanced provider of un-spun checkable reproducable facts. When someone asks you to cite your source they are looking for page numbers at the very least. You must do some homework to support your claims in these types of debates. Basic high school stuff here.
If you have used these two sources to the exclusion of others then you can hardly claim to have sufficiantly educated yourself.
Hi, Maria, its me again.
It's hard to discuss things with you since you do not appear to be willing to discuss anything. You have rebuked arguments brought forth by several posters with one sentence. You are not presenting anything to support your claims. You just point us to organicconsumers.org and Fatal Harvest. That is not enough to be taken seriously.
Your original post had many bungled notions some of which I found to be a bit outlandish  and that takes some doing since my comfort zone is quite wide. You have commingled hybrids and GMOs, mentioned fish genes in plants and linked eating hybrids to CrohnÂs disease. When two people presented counterarguments, you just criticized them as brainwashed. I donÂt think we are.
I have checked the organic consumers website and I assure you, there are things in there with which I agree, and many with which I can sympathize. I have not read "Fatal Harvest" but because of my family background and current profession I am familiar with ills of modern industrial agriculture  but also with its benefits. We canÂt all go back to homesteading, can we now? This forum is used by people who are interested in growing heirloom plants and vegetables, but even the most enthusiastic gardeners appreciate the existence of the local supermarket.
So once again, can you provide a citation or citations (author, journal, year of publication and page, or the author and title as the bare minimum) of the claims that hybrids absorb hundredfold more heavy metals from soil than heirlooms? Can you provide a citation or citations that demonstrate use of fish or animal genes being used to modify plants? I would welcome an opportunity to read more on this topic.
I'm certainly all for labeling and testing, and I'm not overwhelmed with confidence by company assurances. However, even http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/liver060104.cfm has this quote from the abstract of an article: "No direct evidence that genetically modified (GM) food may
represent a possible danger for health has been reported so far; however,
the scientific literature in this field is still quite poor."
But that quote is down in the text. What do their headlines say about the article on one study mice fed on GM soybeans? Do they only draw conclusions about these soybeans, or do they expand it to all GM foods? The page title is "Study suggests GE food damages structure & function of liver" Then two blurbs follow: "GM crops alter structure and function of liver, new research shows" and "The article below is a valuable article. It shows eating GM crops alters
structure and function of the liver." - Prof Joe Cummins
In other words, from one study of mice eating soybeans they conclude that it applies no matter what gene is added to any food. That's the same problem I see with the "metal intake" statistic you give. How could the same fact apply no matter which vegetable is being used, and no matter what genetic modification is done? I'm sure the number you give came from somewhere (although I did some searching and couldn't find a source), but I bet it was something they overstated.
Also, what's the problem with hybrids? A standard hybrid is only going to inherit the traits of it's parents. A hardy strawberry is crossed with a tastier variety. Or a disease-resistant variety is bred with a high-yielding type. Of course, things may not go as planned, as in the case of the Africanized "killer" bees. But the problem there was that a visiting researcher removed "queen guards" from some hives when one was ready to swarm, defeating safety measures. The hybrids still inherited the traits of their parents.
I'm sure your friend is doing research on Crohn's disease and advocacy groups already, but here is a link: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui
Searching for "crohn's" brought up 15 ongoing clinical trials in the U.S. You can look at a map and see how many are active in each state.
Speaking as an editor, with over fifty books (mostly, by academics) to my credit, I can say definitively that you should never believe what you read. Certainly, you should try to avoid making life/death decisions based on it. Anyone can write a book and spin facts in any way that they like. You can even do that in hard-cover books, with big words, written by a team of experts in the field.
Crackpots love to write. It makes them feel connected and important. Why, I myself have ghost-written four books on subjects that I really know practically nothing about, and am hoping that my subject-matter experts have an inkling of a clue what they are talking about, and that they carefully read the book that I wrote under their name, and fact-checked my every educated guess, as they were supposed to. In truth, I have my doubts....
Personally, I like heirloom plants for the names. :) "Sops of Wine," for example. And also to connect with history. And, yes, in some cases, for specific flavors, smells, and appearances. And I grow a lot of non-heirloom plants for the same reasons.
This has been very intersting and civilized!
I last read about GMOs a while ago in the Seed Savers Catalogs.
It seems like the main concern is contamination of non GMO crops.
Is this an issue with anything besides corn?
Another reservation that I have is that this technology hasn't been around long enough to know the true consequences. Are the risks being carefully considered?
**I can say definitively that you should never believe what you read.**
While GL's 1st msg is filled w/hyperbole & high emotion, I think that if you can get beyond it, she may have some good points.
IOW, don't throw the baby out w/ the bathwater.....?
FWIW, buying certified organically grown foods( & perhaps some seeds too?Try a search for 'mexican maize'.) is currently the best way to avoid GE DNA.GL's friend may want to look @ nutritional & alt. health info for more info on Crohn's as well.Dr.s don't know everything.
"While GL's 1st msg is filled w/hyperbole & high emotion, I think that if you can get beyond it, she may have some good points." HUH
so, let me get this straight, I have two tomato plants one Heirloom one hybrid in the same soil, it is loaded with heavymetals
so, I should eat the tomatoes from the heirloom and not the hybrid , I feel much safer now
I did a little more research and from what I've been reading, aparently the only problem with GE crops is cross-pollination with non-GE crops. Since GE crops are proprietary (patented by the companies that produced them), a lot of the time farmers can't save seed, but must purchase new seed from the company. Also, I found instances mentioned about a GE crop being planted next to a field of non-GE plants. XP occured and the company told the farmer that they could not use the seed from their plants (even though they themselves weren't proprietary) because it contained GE material.
Of course, even though I found these stories mentioned in a couple places I couldn't find any data on whether it actualy happens. So far it seems to be heresay.
Also, just a word of advice, never make a decision without researching both sides of an issue extensively. It is esecially important that you look at the side that you are not taking so that you know all of the information. It is easy to convince yourself of something that you already believe in.
There is no doubt that cross pollination occurs with GEcorn and there have been lawsuits over it. I just don't know about other crops.
And hybrids are something that happens in nature so I don't see how hybrid produce could be a problem. Unless its allergy related but I don't really see that as a possiblity either.
There are definitely some trouble aspects of the whole GE thing. The lack of testing is troubling, particularly in light of stories such as the one about the corn that was toxic to monarch butterflies.
Another aspect of it that I find troubling is that it's illegal to save the seeds from the crop, for reasons of patent control. That's a Frankenstein sort of "controlling life" aspect, and it is a way that growers will become dependent on corporations, where they used to be self sufficient. (Particularly growers in the third world, who have been saving seeds for centuries.)
Finally, the whole GM thing goes against biodiversity. The theory is that we're going to generate new generations of superior plants. That leads to a grey world, vulnerable to devastating famines, when that one pest figures out the way to attack the supercrop. Then, vast regions of crops are vulnerable.
I think it's likely that most GM products are safe, in the short term. I'd like to see research into them persued, alongside research into other types of farming that might benefit a larger ecosystem, rather than leading towards a small group of commercially viable products.
I don't care how many people feel comfortable with genetically engineered food, I'm not going to be comfortable with it. It goes against what I consider a healthy way to eat and to farm.
I'm OK with everyone eating GE foods as long as I have a choice. If the majority of people are indifferent to GE then it won't hurt the companies who produce it if they are required to put the information on their labels. So let each individual retain the right to make that choice.
I am not against hybrids (for reasons a couple of people have mentioned above- it's happens naturally in nature anyway, and most of the heirlooms I love were once hybrids) but I am attracted to the heirlooms because it seems that fewer of them were bred for shelf-life and shipping, so quite a few of them are superior in flavor. And anyway, I love the variety they offer.
I choose to eat non-GE foods.
The worry about hybrids has to be the possibility that commercial sources might have been accidentally cross-pollinated by a GE plant. Of course commercial sources also sell some popular heirloom varieties, like Brandywine Tomatoes and even these could be contaminated.
Even "real heirlooms," seed handed down from your grandmother, will likely someday be exposed to some GE pollen. To be safer you could grow something with recessive genes to use as a marker. For the time being the commercial sources will probably only make nice red tomatoes. If you grew white tomatoes you could quickly spot any contamination. Something red or pink has been contaminated by outside pollen.
If you wanted to be even more cautious you could save seed for two years. Save seed from a number of tomatoes. Grow a number of samples from each tomato. If they are not all white, then discard that whole batch. Batches that pass can be used as the seed source in subsequent years.
the difference b/w genetically engineered food and hybridized is that one is pollinated ( artificially or naturally) and the other is a man manipulated genome. As we are technially dealing with a "black box (although we know more all the time) we don't know the impact of maniputlating the genome. The main concern is losing diversification and, hence, lack of robustness of the genteic pool. The stated fear of gentically engineered food is that, if the the ge plants produce fertile seeds, they could overtake other types and then the diversity might decline (and make the crops more susceptible to disease). The Monsanto group said that they made sure they had made geneticllay engineered foods that would produce sterile seeds but some information suggests this is not true. The main beauty of heirlooms is that they continue to maintain genetic diversity. Many heirloom varieties are not popular with commercial growers because they do not ship well or they have a short shelf life-taste has been bred out in favor of tough skins, etc. As far as the gene implantng goes, there is s "trout" gene that has been used in plants for its antifreeze properties. You can take animal genes and use them in plant genomes-its just dna-no real big deal. just a cuopla introns differnece b/w us and the apes afterall.
I think the only concern is that with our lack of understanding for the nuances of the entire genome, if we excise certain exxon or non-important dna in favor of expressing some aspect that makes the plant drought resisitant, we may lose some subtle but significant information
Gipsylady's post confused hybrids and genetically engineered - hybrids pre-date GE plants by a century or more. And she is also confusing hybrids and GE with organically grown - it is possible to grow hybrids and heirlooms organically and it is certainly possible to grow hybrids with the use of chemicals - I'm doing that myself when I side dress my Cherokee Purple with 5-10-5. Whether or not one believes that GE foods are harmful (like most people in this country I'm eating them whether I like it or not - in corn flakes, triscuits and bread - and so far haven't noticed any deleterious effects and it's a bit late to die young LOL) it's essential to apply a little straight thinking to the subject rather than mix up a half dozen poorly understood concepts. Speaking for myself, I'm more concerned about the PCB's in fish taken from the Hudson River than the Round-up Ready corn Monsanto's peddling. I do appreciate the flavor and variety of heirlooms which is why I grow them but that doesn't mean passing up SE sweet corn at the local farmer's market.
hybrids pre-date GE plants by a century or more
If, like me, you define hybrid to mean any cross, whether man-made or not, then hybrids pre-date GE plants by as long as flowering plants have been around - how long's that? - more than 140 million years!


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Best option for movie to stain wood stair tread? Rejuvenate?
I recently had my floors replaced (white oak) and the staircase, which is also white oak but not very good quality, sanded and stained the same color (driftwood, pretty light but not natural). My floor guy then stained my stair rail black and in the process stained the stair treads that are under the rail. He sanded them a bit to try to fix but they've always bothered me because there are grey-black pools that look dirty and dingy, especially compared to the nice new floor. I've now decided to put a stair runner on the stairs (for my kids and dog) but before I do i want to fix the stair treads that will be exposed. I've hand sanded most of the grey black stains away (can't use a sander because of the spindles) and now the wood is naked in some spots and looks very worn and bare and basically just dead. I am wondering if my best bet is to stain the treads the same minwax driftwood (I've never stained before but i want to do it myself since it's such a small area and I want to keep costs down if possible) or if I might be able to get away with using a product like Rejuvenate, which I've heard great things about and is supposed to be very easy to use. If the stairs aren't a perfect match for the floor it's okay. An approximation is fine. On the second floor we have natural, strip white oak that doesn't look like the first floor either.
Thanks so much for helping this novice wanna be floor girl! And if you think this is a big project (I'm fairly handy with a paint brush and pretty neat) that i shouldn't take on I'd like to hear that too! Don't want to end up making everything look worse.
Thanks again!
I'd carefully restain the stair treads. Know that where there is already/still stain, it'll darken some so wipe that part off immediately.
Any rejuvenation product is going to effect the actual color of the wood that isn't stained already. You'll just make that another, different color.
So stain them, but wipe the undamaged area first and right away. Let it dry completely before you decide if that area needs a 2nd treatment.
Oh, shoot. What did the installer use as a sealer? Because that'll determine if the stain actually changes the OK area.
I admit I'm sorry you paid the guy before he took the steps you're taking. It should have been 1) no charge, 2) a no-brainer and 3) a problem a pro wouldn't have created for himself.
Someone will probably jump in with better suggestions.


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The show is open Saturday, Oct. 5 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.


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Capitol Lighting Celebrates Palm Beach Gardens Opening
With special guest Vanilla Ice, Capitol Lighting commemorated its new showroom opening with a community event.
Jason Lebersfeld, Eric Lebersfeld, Vanilla Ice, Herman Lebersfeld, Ken Lebersfeld and Brian Lebersfeld.
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, Capitol Lighting celebrated the opening of its Palm Beach Gardens showroom with a free community grand opening event and special appearance from rapper and DIY Network host Vanilla Ice. Vanilla Ice created his own line of chandeliers and sconces sold exclusively at Capitol Lighting and 1800lighting.com.
About 100 to 120 people attended the event. Deena Lang and the WRMF street team were on-hand raffling off prizes, including a pair of Taylor Swift tickets, and food was provided by Russell's Blue Water Grill. Members of the local chamber of commerce also came out to officially cut the ribbon on the new showroom.
Jason Lebersfeld, Eric Lebersfeld, Vanilla Ice, Herman Lebersfeld, Ken Lebersfeld and Brian Lebersfeld.
Jason Lebersfeld, Brian Lebersfeld, Eric Lebersfeld, Bert Premuroso, Ken Lebersfeld, Dawn Bonadies, Beth Kigel, Eric Jablin, Marcio Tinsley, Fran Buckley, Donna Goldfarb and Janice Brunson.
Randy Gyllenhaal of WPBF with Vanilla Ice.
Vanilla Ice and Eric Lebersfeld with fake tattoos.
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A toy flashlight includes a color filter assembly that is releasably mounted to a handle housing and contains at least two distinct color filters. Light beams are transmitted through the colored filters. A globe is included as part of the color filter assembly and includes reflective objects in a variety of colors and shapes therein. By moving the flashlight, color beams of light are scattered off the reflective objects to provide a random color light display.
1. An amusement device comprising handle means for receiving a power supply therein, light source means releasably mounted to said handle means for emitting a beam of light, filter means mounted to said handle means, said filter means being adapted to permit at least two distinct color lights to be transmitted therethrough and including a plurality of colored panels, said filter means being rotatably supported by said handle means and extending out of the handle means to be manually accessible to permit said panels to be manually selectively positioned in the path of the beam of light emitted by said light source means to select a preferred color, and a transparent enclosure covering said light source means and said filter means and being filled with air, said air being the only enclosed liquid therein so that light transmitted through said transparent enclosure is colored by said filter means and a plurality of light reflecting objects having at least one specified color and at least one specified shape are positioned in said transparent enclosure and said reflecting objects deflect said emitted light in a plurality of directions by means of vigorously randomly moving said device in a multiplicity of directions so that the light reflecting objects come to rest rapidly when said vigorous random motion ceases.
2. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle means is comprised of a housing containing a power supply located within said handle means connecting a light bulb and switching means engaging said power supply to said light bulb for controlling the illumination from said light source.
3. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filter means includes an indexing mechanism for positioning said colored filter panels.
4. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said objects are silver and gold shaped moons and stars, said moons and stars being adapted to move around and in response to random movement of said amusement device.
5. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said objects are flat particles cut from sheets, said particles being opaque.
6. An amusement device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said objects are particles cut from a sheet, said particles having a reflective surface.
7. An amusement device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transparent enclosure is in the form of a doll's head to provide additional play value.
8. An amusement device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transparent enclosure is defined by a shape that includes nonregular curves and angles in the surface of the enclosure.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. Ser. No. 07/231,411 filed on Aug. 12, 1988, and entitled TOY FLASHLIGHT now abandoned.
This invention is directed to a novel amusement device and, in particular, to a toy flashlight that emits light of different colors and provides distinct types of play value.
Over the years, flashlights have been used for a variety of purposes. One such purpose is as an amusement device for capturing the imagination of children. Although children will use a flashlight as a toy, the novelty of a standard flashlight will wear off quickly due, in large measure, to the absence of uses that are meaningful to a child. Toy manufacturers have developed several modifications of household flashlights. One such flashlight is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,171.
However, it is known that children enjoy toys that contain colors, make noises and can be used for a variety of different games. These type of toys allow a child to use his imagination and create games from a single device. Accordingly, an improved toy flashlight that emits color, sound and light and, hence, provides enhanced play value is desired.
Generally speaking, in accordance with the instant invention, a toy flashlight is provided. The toy flashlight includes a handle housing for receiving a power supply. A light source is mechanically mounted to the handle housing and is adapted to be electrically coupled to the power supply for the purpose of selectively emitting a beam of light. A filter mechanism is supported by the handle housing. The filter mechanism contains at least two distinct color filters. A transparent enclosure is mounted to the handle housing so that light is emitted through either the first or second color filter to permit distinct colored light to be emitted through the transparent enclosure.
A plurality of opaque objects in a variety of colors and shapes are disposed in the transparent enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the objects are silver and gold shaped moons and stars. A movement of the handle housing causes the opaque objects to move in a random direction thereby causing the colored light to be reflected and scattered in a multiplicity of directions.
Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide an improved amusement device in the form of a toy flashlight.
A further object of the instant invention is to provide an amusement device which enables a child to have a lighting toy which can provide distinct colors, shapes, generates sounds and provides a distinct play value.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompany drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flashlight constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of the toy flashlight of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toy flashlight constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the instant invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a toy flashlight constructed in accordance with still a further embodiment of the instant invention.
Reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein a toy flashlight, generally indicated as 10, is depicted. Flashlight 10 includes a handle assembly 12 including a displaceable on-off switch assembly generally indicated as 14. Handle assembly 12 supports a filter housing assembly generally indicated as 30, which assembly supports a transparent globe 40 having translucent or opaque balls 42 disposed therein.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, handle assembly 12 includes a cylindrical housing 13 for receiving and positioning therein batteries 15. In particular, handle housing 13 includes an end wall 16 and a cylindrical wall 17. A lead plate 18 is disposed against the inside of end wall 16 and extends along cylindrical wall 17 to the switch assembly 14. A conductive spring 19 is disposed against lead plate 18 to position the batteries 15 in the housing and couple the negative terminal of battery 15 to the lead plate 18.
Switch assembly 14 is conventional and includes a switch plate 23 and an elongated bent conductive lead 24 secured thereto by inserting a projection 25 on switch plate 23 into an opening 26 in conductive lead 24. Conductive lead 24 includes a contact portion 27 which extends toward the open end 28 of the cylindrical housing 13. At the open end 28 of the cylindrical housing 17 are threads 29 angularly disposed about the open end of housing for releasably receiving filter assembly 30.
Filter assembly 30 includes a housing 31 having a light bulb supporting wall 32 and a filter supporting wall 33. Bulb support wall 32 includes threads 34 on the inner surface thereof to permit filter assembly 30 to be releasably secured to housing 13. An inwardly radially disposed wall 35 having an opening 36 therein is adapted to support a conductive light bulb reflector 37, which reflector is adapted to secure therein a conventional flashlight bulb 38. In an alternative embodiment, flashlight bulb 38 is a focus light bulb. The focus bulb focusses the beam light thereby increasing the light that reflects against the objects in the globe 40. Seated in the reflector 37 and holding bulb 38 in position is a collar 39, which extends into handle housing 13 and positions the bulb in contact with positive terminal of battery 15 in a conventional manner.
Accordingly, bulb 38 is maintained in electrical contact with conductive reflector 37 and is also in electrical contact with the positive terminal of battery 15. When switch 14 is moved in the direction of globe 40, contact portion 27 of lead 24 is placed in electrical contact with reflector 37 to define a closed circuit, thus turning on the light 38 in a conventional manner.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, filter supporting wall 33 supports therein a filter assembly, generally indicated as 50. Filter assembly 50 includes a color wheel 51 that is rotatably mounted to support wall 33 by a screw 53 anchored into a threaded opening 54 Color wheel 53 includes four panels 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d, each formed of a translucent or transparent material for permitting light of different colors to be projected toward globe 40 In an exemplary embodiment, panel 54a is red, panel 54b is yellow, panel 54c is blue and panel 54d is green. However, one of these panels could be transparent or of any other color.
Color wheel 51 includes four notches 55a, 55b, 55c and 55d, each of which correspond to panels 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d, respectively. Notches 55a, 55b, 55c and 55d cooperate with indexing lever 56 to position the color wheel at one of four positions so that the color panels are in alignment with bulb 38. Indexing lever 56 includes a collar 57 which is interference fit on a post 58 that is formed on support wall 33. Indexing lever 56 also includes a rounded indexing projection 59. Projection 59 should be either round, cylindrical or tear-dropped to permit projection 59 to easily ride into and out of notches 55a, 55b, 55c and 55d when color wheel 51 is rotated.
In order to facilitate rotation of color wheel 51, color wheel 51 is positioned off center with respect to the axis of the cylindrical handle housing 17 and projects through upper and lower walls 61 and 62, respectively. Accordingly, color wheel 51 projects beyond walls 61 and 62 to permit a thumb to be used to rotate the color wheel and index the wheel to one of the four positions defined by notches 55a through 55d and the indexing lever 56.
At the end of the housing 33 that connects with globe 40 is a cylindrical wall 66 that supports an inwardly directing wall 64 defining an opening 65. A lens 68 is secured against wall 64 and projects into opening 68. Lens 68 includes projecting dome 69 that radiates the light throughout the globe 40. Also, within dome 69, at the apex thereof, the thickness is increased at 70 to assure that additional light is diffused thereby. Finally, globe 40 is secured to housing wall 33 by screws 72 which are inserted into threaded blind holes 73 molded into the globe 40 to permit the globe to be anchored to the filter housing 33.
In a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, balls 42 are placed in globe 40 before the globe is anchored to filter housing 33. In a preferred embodiment, balls 42 are made of an iridescent plastic resin that is reflective.
In operation, balls 42 cause toy flashlight 10 to make noise when the flashlight is moved around. Also, by turning on the light by displacing on-off switch 14 to an on position, the light emanating from the globe is randomly scattered by the balls in the dome. Thus, the scattering of light off the balls 42 causes a random light scattering effect that provides still additional play value.
Also, by rotating color wheel 51, a third play value is obtained, namely different colors of light can be selected. Thus, when turned on, and when a particular color such as red is selected, the red color will emanate from the globe and will be scattered by balls 42 in a random fashion.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 5 through 7 wherein an alternate embodiment of the toy flashlight of the instant invention, generally identified as 80, is depicted. The only difference between the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 through 7 and the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is the replacement of balls 42 with MYLAR� chips 82 having a dimension on the order of 1/4" square. The shape of chips 82 can be square, trapezoidal, round or otherwise and can be die cast from sheets of MYLAR�. The chips cause the colored light beams 32 to reflect in a greater amount of directions in a faster and more random manner. In all other respects, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 through 7 are identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4, and like reference numerals are utilized to denote like elements.
Referring to FIG. 8, still another embodiment is generally shown as 90. The only difference between the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-7 with that of the new embodiment is the replacement of balls 42 and MYLAR� chips 82 with MYLAR� objects of a variety of colors and shapes. In the preferred embodiment, the objects are silver and gold shaped moons 94 and stars 96. The silver and gold moons 94 and stars 96 continue to cause the colored light beams 32 to reflect therefrom. In addition, the colors and shapes provide added light dispersion by toy flashlight 90. Further, globe 40 in the embodiments previously disclosed is shaped in the form of a head 92 as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8.
Accordingly, the instant invention is characterized by a toy flashlight that is capable of imparting several distinct types of play value. In a first embodiment, scattered light of different colors and a noisemaker is provided. In a second embodiment, scattered light in different colors is rapidly and more randomly dispersed. In a third embodiment, the addition of a variety of colors and shapes to the objects within the globe enhances the color dispersion while maintaining the rapid movement of the objects.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limiting sense.
It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, is a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
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text:
Oatmeal Waffles
2 Comments
07/24/2007 - 20:35
This sounds great - I know what I'm having for breakfast...
08/14/2007 - 20:07
These sound great! I use to make oatmeal pancakes that had flax and wheat germ in them so good. I should drag that reipe out - you make it up and can just add the liquid for smaller quantities. I really like crispy waffles-these could be good as a savoury meal too.