You may have heard that in recent years, due to public outcry, a growing number of medical schools around the U.S. have introduced rules that will aid in the policing of their faculty’s ties to pharmaceutical companies, but unfortunately, agriculture schools are not following suit.  As this article will point out… “Agriculture schools increasingly depend on the (pharmaceutical) industry for research grants, a sizable portion of which cover overhead and administrative costs. And many professors now add to their personal bank accounts by working for the companies as consultants and speakers. More than two-thirds of animal scientists reported in a 2005 survey that they had received money from industry in the previous five years.” In fact, professors at research universities are often forced to do research that will provide grant money for the university, rather than research they would like to do or even see the need for.  In addition, when professors at an agricultural research university take on corporate-sponsored studies for a pharmaceutical company, they are required to sign a confidentiality agreement which prohibits them from publishing or sharing any unfavorable results. Of course, unfavorable means anything that will not increase their chances of getting their drugs into our food system. In the article, Allen Williams, a former professor of animal science, shares how a pharmaceutical company stopped him from presenting his finding in a study he did on the company’s pregnancy test for dairy cows.  The company gave Dr. Williams a grant to test the product in order to win government approval to put it on the market.  When William’s study found that the test did not work, his department head told him not to present the findings.  William’s argued that he should be able to present the findings, since he worked for a public university that was financed by taxpayers.  To his surprise, the argument fell on deaf ears. Join Beyond Organics today! Although Dr. Williams may have been surprised by this, savvy farmers and consumers shouldn’t be. The incestuous relationship between Big Pharma and research universities has been a huge contributor to the corruption and false information coming out of our modern food and medical systems over the past two decades, and it must be stopped!  But as more and more universities rely on private funding for research, it’s become increasingly clear that the interests of true animal science and drug company profits are at odds.  The only way to initiate real change will be to vote with our dollars.  As the demand for healthy, organically produced food continues to grow, so will the funding for research that seeks to improve the health of animals and consumers.  In the meantime, I remain skeptical of research sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

Beyond Organic was founded based on this idea: That everyone should have access to the healthiest food and beverages on the planet. No longer would “grassfed” be solely the province of those lucky enough to be near a local farm or willing to drive to an out-of-the way store. For too long, healthy buzzwords like “organic” have belonged to the select few who can find it and afford it. Beyond Organic will change that. For the first time ever, the healthiest foods and beverages will be available to anyone, regardless of where—or how—they live.

Stretching across 8000 acres of pristine land in the Ozarks and continued among 140 acres of pure spring-fed mountain property in North Georgia, Beyond Organic is a new company on a mission to change your diet, change your life, and change your world.

Beyond Organic is the passion project of owner Jordan Rubin, who believes that we have lost our connection to the land. Where our ancestors used to drink water from unblemished springs and eat food they could grow themselves, today we rely on chemical-laden tap water and food processed to an unrecognizable form. Jordan’s vision is to alter that dynamic by reconnecting individuals to the ultimate source of health—food and water from land preserved by nature.

The best part? Beyond Organic is a direct selling company, so anyone can be involved. Whether you just want to eat and drink the best tasting, most nutritious foods on the planet, or you want to spread the message of health and wealth to others, Beyond Organic will walk alongside you in your journey to change your diet, change your life and change your world.

Now we come to find out that some ranchers aren’t even dosing properly.

This article shocked me. Since we don’t vaccinate our cattle, I always assumed that those who did followed very detailed protocols. As the article states, many ranchers don’t weigh their cattle before dosing. Instead they estimate the weight and extrapolate the dosage from there. The only problem with this is that on average cattle weight was underestimated by an average of 47%! That means that those cattle were given drug doses that fell far short of what the science dictated.

Think about the implications of that. The cattle are not fed their natural diet and are kept in living conditions that require them to take drugs to stay “healthy.” However, many ranchers don’t give their cattle the proper dosage of drugs because they are guessing how much the cattle weigh! This despite great technological advancements that help accurately weigh a cow. You know, like a scale.

Click here to Join Beyond Organics

Here is some advice for those ranchers. Why don’t you try raising your cattle in a more humane way? Why don’t you try a cattle-raising method that doesn’t require drugs? And at the very least—buy a scale.

Earlier this week, the Washington Post featured a story on the rise in online protests over the appointment of former Monsanto executive Michael Taylor as President Obama’s senior adviser to the FDA.

The article points out that Michael Taylor currently holds the position of deputy commissioner for foods at the FDA. This position is responsible for overseeing food labels and ensuring they contain clear and accurate information, as well as the development of strategies for food safety and planning new food safety legislation. This is the first time anyone has held this position at the FDA.

Michael Taylor’s resume at Monsanto is highlighted by his policy development related to Monsanto’s genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH/rbST).

There is a new online movement calling for Obama to cut ties with someone so obviously vested in the success of Monsanto and the bioengineering industry.

A couple of humorous sidebars on this story:

You have to check out this video where an 11 year old rips Monsanto and Big Food. There is nothing quite as simultaneously disarming and delightful as a child speaking truth to humble a multinational conglomerate.

The article also notes that on Monday, Monsanto announced that it was giving up on its plans to sell GMO Franken-corn in France. The move was characterized as a major defeat for Big GMO, as six EU countries have banned the cultivation of GMO maize.  I wonder if anyone considered this for the headline of that story: France Finally Stops the Invasion of an Evil Empire. (Sorry, couldn’t resist. We love you France.)

REACTION

The absurdity of this situation and clear lack in judgment is almost rendering me speechless. Almost being the operative word here.

I think what strikes me most about this article is the relative hopelessness of our situation in the US, versus Europe. The European people and their government leaders are actually in agreement on the subject of preventing the genetic engineering of their food supply.

In the United States, 99% of the corn and soy grown is genetically modified. Over 90% of the market share in the seed industry is owned by six companies: Monsanto, BASF, Dow, DuPont, Bayer, and Syngenta.

The relationship between Monsanto and the FDA has been called a “revolving door”, and the lobbying efforts and dollars spent in Washington are staggering. And all of these efforts are geared towards two primary goals: 1) fooling the American people into thinking their food is safe and cheap and 2) driving profits for the shareholders.

It is time that we demand honesty, transparency and decency from our leadership—both corporate and political. If you agree with me, please take action. Sign the petition, but more importantly—don’t support Big GMO. Make living beyond organic a priority in your life as we work together to help shape the future of food production in our nation and world.

A heartfelt thank you to Pedram Shojai for conducting such a delightful interview! Pedram in addition to being a Qi Gong Master, wellness expert and documentary film maker you are a very talented radio show host! Loved being on your show today and am looking forward to the release of your documentary film Vitality!!! Dear Living Beyond Organic listeners if you missed the show today… This is a good opportunity to learn something new or share it with a friend who is searching for good information on health and nutrition! Cheers! Christina Avaniss Your Food Alchemist

Answer:

Yes, you may upgrade to the Business Builder Kit.

The additional fee would be $160. You would just lose any $100 bonuses you would have accrued with any Business Builder Signups you may have generated. That is why it is best to enter at the Business Builder level or upgrade now if you haven’t already.

Answer:

If you fall below the maintenance requirements for a particular level you must re-qualify by obtaining the required PV for that position.

For example, If you are a Vice President (VP) and you fall below the maintenance requirements of 3,000 TTP you must obtain 4,000 TTP to re-qualify as a Vice President (VP).

Answer: We’re glad you asked!

Beyond Organic strives not only to create amazing, healthy food and beverages, but also to educate.

We invite you to read about our products online and also through webinar trainings by Jordan Rubin. In addition, we offer the Beyond Organic University that consists of 40-60 online hours of education to certify individuals as a Health Coach.

Answer: No!

We pride our company in offering the Mission Marketer opportunity at a minimal $39.95.

However if you want to make money fast, opt for the $199.95 package and get $100 every time someone signs up as a Business Builder.

Answer:  Yes. It is our goal to make sure you understand and embrace all of the compensation opportunities we have made available.

Pay structure worksheets associated with different Mission Marketer positions are available online, as well as a compensation training document.

Answer: Each of our products are associated with a Point Value (PV) related to the dollar value by either 100%, 75%, or 50%. Point Value (PV) also indicates compensation and advancement levels. A complete list of Point Values and the corresponding product can befound in the official Beyond Organic Product Pricing document.