Food Issues Information Resource Links

by Trout Rogers

Today, in the scary time of mega-mergers and corporate consolidation, it is more important than ever to be diligent when making decisions about food and the industrial production process that slowly gains control of our food supply.

In the May 1998 issue of the Co-op Connection, we published an article about the compromising link between media, the gov-ernment, and corporate interests in America today (“rBGH and Cancer: What Monsanto and FoxTV Won’t Tell You”). The story of two investigative reporters and their fight for journalistic integrity showed us an obvious and disturbing trend in which the self interest of media corporations frequently wins out over public interest (the full story can be seen on the internet at www.foxbghsuit.com).

The potential for information corruption is great, as is the potential damage to all facets of our society by this corruption. The line between corporate sponsorship and honest journalism is a vital component of media. Is it a conflict of interest when the corporation that tells you your food is safe is the same one that sells medicines to fight illness? Who owns the magazines that you read or the TV stations and news programs? The ques-tions keep arising, but the answers come slowly.

The Co-op was created to provide food security, the kind given lip service by corpora- tions and government. The Co-op principle of Member and Community Education on issues of vital importance inspires our commitment to maintaining the vital link between people and their source of food. There is no absentee owner, or outside interests guiding La Montanita to a future of profit and bottom line decision-making. We are the owners and we care about the quality of our food and the quality of our lives. To maintain and improve that quality we urge all consumers to be educated consumers.

The World Wide Web can be an imbroglio of information, especially if you’re not looking for anything specific. Below are a few alternative websites with information that you’re not likely to find in the mainstream media.