News bites, April 2001

StarLink update

StarLink, the rogue variety of corn that ends up everywhere it shouldn’t, has stayed in the news. It’s producer, Aventis, has reached a settlement with the attorneys general of 17 states which calls on the company to pay somewhere between $100 million to $1 billion to farmers. After the settlement, further lawsuits by farmers against Aventis still will be possible. (Associated Press)

What goes around …

Dan Glickman, who as Bill Clinton’s Agriculture Secretary was a staunch biotech advocate, has been rewarded with a position at the influential lobbying firm Akin Gump. One of his responsibilities will be — you guessed it — biotechnology. (Washington Post)

Cooperating with schools

A nice development to report on “competitive” foods at schools. “Competitive” foods are those brought in by private vendors — the pizza, burgers, fries and soda pop sold outside the cafeterias. Many schools raise money by getting a percentage of the sales.

Recently, staff from Brier Terrace Middle School called PCC for help in replacing the soda pop in their vending machines with juices. We made a few calls and connected the school with our major supplier, Mt. People’s Warehouse, and a vending company that will provide healthier choices. Now that’s cooperation!

If your school wants to make a healthier choice, call Trudy at the PCC office, 206-547-1222.