New stevia safety studies published

Cargill is working on a new stevia-based food additive and expects FDA approval according to this article:
Stevia-Based Rebiana Sweetener Studies Published
The studies are published in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology."

Another try for Stevia approval as food additive

This CNN report includes comments from those involved in getting stevia approved as a food additive in the U.S.
Market Spotlight: Alternative Sweeteners

Stevia source of antioxidants, possible DNA protection

This is the first I've heard about stevia being a rich source of antioxidants. Yet another eason to grow and enjoy stevia. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Whirlwind around stevia could also include DNA protection:
November 30, 2007 -- by Stephen Daniells -- nutraingredients.com
"Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India published yesterday."

Stevia: The FDA's Attack On A Beneficial Supplement

Here's a pretty detailed article about the FDA and Stevia. -- Jeff G.
Stevia: The FDA's Attack On A Beneficial Supplement
Nov 14, 2007 -- by Jon Barron -- Newstarget.com

Results Are In: Organic Foods More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods

Here's another study showing many organic foods really are better for you. -- Jeffrey G.
The Results Are In: Organic Foods More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods:
Nov 18, 2007 -- by Katherine East -- Newstarget.com
"Newcastle University have been leading this £12m, four-year project, funded by the European Union and their findings show that organic food contains more antioxidants and less unhealthy fatty acids."

Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb"

ABC News: Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb"
by Daniela Desantis -- July 24, 2007

Stevia offers Paraguay farmers hopes of a sweet future

Interesting story about farmers in Paraguay and the hopes they are placing on stevia as a cash crop. -- Jeff G.
FTD.de - Business English - Business English - Stevia offers Paraguay farmers hopes of a sweet future

Is Coca-Cola Putting Stevia On The Fast-Track To Approval As A Sweetener?

Interesting blog about Coca-Cola and Cargill interest in stevia. -- Jeff G.
Jimmy Moore's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb™ Blog: Is Coca-Cola Putting Stevia On The Fast-Track To Approval As A Sweetener?: "Did you know Diet Coke in Japan is sweetened with the plant-based stevia?"

Paraguayans hoping for windfall from stevia

Looks like stevia production might be ramped up considerably in Paraguay. -- Jeff Goettemoeller
Paraguayans hoping for windfall from "sweet herb" - Yahoo! News:
July 24, 2007
"ASUNCION (Reuters) - Paraguayan farmers are hoping to cash in on a low-calorie sweetener being made by the Coca-Cola Co"

Food Standards Code May Allow Stevia in Food for New Zealand, Australia

FSANZ invites comment on proposed changes to Food Standards Code: "The Plant Sciences Group of Central Queensland University and Australian Stevia Mills Pty Ltd have applied for the Code to be amended to allow the use of steviol glycosides as an intense sweetener for a wide variety of foods."

Senapati farmers benefiting from Stevia cultivation

Senapati farmers benefiting from Stevia cultivation :: KanglaOnline ~ Your Gateway: "Imphal, May 21: The farmers of Tadubi and its surrounding villages in Senapati district have started getting the benefits from cultivating 'Stevia' plants extensively over 220 acres for commercial purposes."

Amazonian Dark Earth

A charcoal by-product of some biofuel production methods could provide soil fertility and carbon sequestration. -- Jeff
Amazonian Dark Earth:
by Susan S. Lang -- Feb. 18, 2006
"Cornell biogeochemist shows how reproducing the Amazon's black soil could increase fertility and reduce global warming"

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kan., | Regional News

The Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kan., | Regional News:
by Tim vandenack -- August 24, 2006
"As envisioned in a complex flow chart outlining the plans, waste from one facility would be used to help power another. For instance, flue gas, or combustion exhaust, from the coal-fired generators would be fed into the algae reactor, which would produce the algae oil that would power the biodiesel plant.
Manure, animal fat, paunch and wastewater from area feedlots, packing plants and dairies also would figure heavy in the mix. Fat, more properly known as tallow, would help run the biodiesel plant, while wastewater and manure would be fed into the anaerobic digester, which would generate the methane that would help run the ethanol plant."

Stay Healthy the Stevia Way (Diabetics, Weight Loss, Children) - Ray Sahelian M.D. - Donna Gates - HealthWorld Online

Stay Healthy the Stevia Way (Diabetics, Weight Loss, Children) - Ray Sahelian M.D. - Donna Gates - HealthWorld Online:
"The availability of artificial sweeteners has been of enormous benefit to diabetics. However, there's always been a concern that over consumption of these synthetic sweeteners may cause some unknown harm to the body. Could stevia substitution be a good alternative in diabetics? We believe so."

Pilot Cellulosic Ethanol Refinery to be Located with new PA Corn Refinery

BioEnergy International to Build Pennsylvania's First Ethanol Plant in Clearfield County:
August 18, 2006
"The plant will employ conventional corn-based technology and will be among the largest east of the Mississippi River, and one of the nation�s top 10, based on output.
The smaller pilot-cellulose plant will use BioEnergy�s ground-breaking technology to produce fuels using locally available organic wastes, such as wood and agricultural residue."

Culinary Herbs as Alternative Cash Crops for Small Scale Farmers in Southern Ohio

Culinary Herbs as Alternative Cash Crops for Small Scale Farmers in Southern Ohio
by Gary Gao

Stevia can help meet Bangladesh sugar crisis

�Stevia� can help meet sugar crisis: "Talking to BSS ,herbal scientist Dr. Alamgir Mati said the compound made of stevai leaf is 300 times sweetener than our common sugar."

Stevia Closer to Approval by World Health Organization

The Rich Herb of the Guaran�:
by Alejandro Sciscioli
"This year, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which is testing for safety, put stevia on a temporary list as a step towards it definitive inclusion in the Codex Alimentarius.
The Codex compiles international agreements on minimum food standards and associated matters, to protect the health of the consumer, ensure quality and facilitate commercial trade of foods. "