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V.24 No.17 | 4/23/2015

Flash in the Pan

Defining “Health”

Science is leaving the FDA’s labeling requirements behind

The FDA recently layed the smack down on Kind brand granola bars. But were the regulators out of line?
V.21 No.2 | 1/12/2012
George and Marilyn Keepseagle at their ranch on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota
Courtesy of Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll law firm

News

Class action payout for Native farmers

Alibi reporter Carolyn Carlson drove out to Gallup at the end of December to speak with claimants for a $760 million settlement. The payout is the result of a class action lawsuit—Keepseagle v. Vilsack— brought by Native American farmers who were denied USDA loans by a prejudiced Department of Agriculture.

The court battle was 13 years long.

After it was over, lawyers went to different parts of the country to find people who qualified for part of the settlement. About 300 people from New Mexico filed claims.

This isn’t the first time the Agriculture Department’s been in hot water for discrimination:

• In October 2011, African-American farmers settled their case against the Agriculture Department for $1.2 billion.

• In March 2011, women and Hispanic farmers settled their lawsuit for $1.3 billion.

George and Marilyn Keepseagle at their ranch on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota
Courtesy of Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll law firm

News Feature

Justice for Native Farmers

Class action settlement to benefit New Mexicans

The U.S. District Court approved the Keepseagle v. Vilsack class action settlement of $760 million. Lawyers sought out potential claimants for that money—including people in New Mexico.
V.20 No.7 | 2/17/2011

Food for Thought

We’ve Created a GMOnster

Genetically engineered plants will affect organic dairy and meat

The Obama administration struck a blow to freedom in food and agriculture late January when the USDA deregulated genetically modified alfalfa seed. The agency’s decision threatens to deprive farmers of the right to produce GM-free milk and meat, while denying consumers the right to purchase it.