Political Updates from 1983: Organic Farming Act, Compact Free Association, and More

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PHOTO: FOTOLIA/OPTIONM
 Palau's constitution has the world's first provision banning the storage, testing, and disposal of nuclear and toxic materials.

The defunct Organic Farming Act of 1982 is making a comeback as the Agricultural Productivity Act of 1983. Last years bill died on the House floor when the measure came up before its backers could generate sufficient support in Congress. But this years proposal, which is worded in more conservative language and accompanied by a well-coordinated lobbying effort, has received unprecedented support in both legislative chambers.

The Productivity Act–which was introduced in the House by Oregon Democrat James Weaver and in the Senate by Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy–provides funds to:

  1. Study the transition of 12 farms from energy-intensive operations to organic production (using water- and energy-conservation techniques and natural fertilizers).
  2. Analyze the productivity of farms that have used conservation methods for the last five year.
  • Published on Jan 25, 2013
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