Oct 13th, 2008 · The Griffieons, who run a 1,150-acre farm in Iowa, disagree about whether to use chemicals on their corn and soybeans. They reserve a 10-acre plot for experiments with organic farming, but the crop yield wasn't as hearty as those sprayed with pesticides.
Aug 7th, 2008 · For some farmers in Honduras, high food prices mean greater profits. But others can't afford the higher costs for fertilizer and pesticides, so they're cutting back on production.
Jun 1st, 2008 · Some golf courses have cut back on pesticides and mowing in recent years to make their land more environmentally friendly. But in Wisconsin one course may take the ultimate green step and say good bye to golfers altogether to become a wildlife sanctuary.
May 22nd, 2008 · Would you like some grapes with your pesticide? Consumers and farmers will soon be on their own when it comes to finding out which pesticides are being sprayed on everything from corn to apples. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to stop publishing its national survey tracking pesticide use.
Apr 18th, 2008 · California's plan to spray a fine pesticide mist over much of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area has ignited a firestorm of protest from scores of worried residents. The spraying is aimed at killing a moth threatening California's agricultural industry.
Aug 20th, 2007 · Much of the bamboo being used commercially comes from plantations in China. Horticulturalists think that someday it could and should be grown in the USA. It is an eco-friendly crop as it is typically grown without chemicals and pesticides. It's used commercially for everything from floors to blue jeans.
Aug 7th, 2007 · Organic farmers are trying to meet growing demand for chemical-free food but among their financial hurdles is paying more for federal crop insurance than farmers using pesticides. But a provision in the farm bill tells the Agriculture Department to justify the higher price, or stop charging it.
May 9th, 2007 · The Chinese government's investigation into tainted pet food that was exported to the United States has revealed that the melamine contamination is part of a broader problem in China: inadequate product controls. Beijing vows to tackle the problem with special attention to fertilizers, pesticides and additives to animal food. Robert Siegel talks with NPR's Anthony Kuhn.