Robert Holly
Controversial trade deal draws heavy lobbying from U.S. agribusiness
The United States reached a major free trade agreement with 11 Pacific Rim countries at the beginning of October. Industry experts believe the deal, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, will open lucrative foreign markets to American agricultural products. Lobbying records suggest major agribusin
Report linking processed meat and cancer may not affect food companies
Last week, several news outlets reported on a World Health Organization study that linked processed meats such as bacon and hotdogs to cancer. Industry groups were quick to denounce the findings, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which argued science does not support the findings.
Controversial water rule put on hold
A federal appeals court ordered a nationwide block last week on a controversial water rule designed to clarify what water bodies the U.S. government can lawfully regulate.
GMO regulatory system primed for makeover
Biotechnology in the United States has been regulated by a system of three federal agencies since 1986. Critics, which include the White House, are now calling for that system to be modernized.
Monsanto’s first-of-its kind GMO could shake up the corn market
Monsanto claims it has come up with a way to physically make ears of corn an inch or two larger. If that turns out to be true – and if the new variety successfully makes it through the coordinated framework for biotechnology – it would be a big deal for the U.S. corn industry.
Monsanto’s new corn GMO is the latest step in a long journey
Monsanto is working on a genetically engineered variety of corn designed to grow bigger ears. While that's a major leap for the agribusiness company, it's only a small step in corn's long and storied history.
Senators sign letter asking White House to prioritize China's biotech regulation
On Wednesday, 42 senators signed their names to a letter addressed to President Barack Obama. The letter pressed the president to prioritize biotech approvals with China’s leader, President Xi Jinping.
Cargill considering expanding its Brazil sugar operations
Cargill’s Black River Asset Management LLC is discussing the possibility of expanding the Minnesota-based agribusiness company’s sugar portfolio by buying two Brazilian sugar and ethanol mills.
Cargill settles with EPA over Clean Air Act violations
Cargill, Inc. has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over allegations that the privately-held agribusiness company violated terms of the Clean Air Act at an Iowa vitamin-E manufacturing facility. Under its terms, Cargill will pay a $110,000 civil penalty, while also a
The GMO public relations campaign and ‘mommy farmers’
The nonprofit food-watch group U.S. Right to Know has kick started a nationwide discussion on GMOs, public universities and corporate funding. The New York Times also recently reported on the relationship between corporate agriculture and academia.
Looking to reassure investors, Syngenta buys back shares
Syngenta announced on Thursday that it would sell part of its business and buy back shares in order to comfort shareholders who may have felt disappointed after Monsanto’s months’ long takeover bid fell apart.





