A lawsuit brought about by 83 food and agriculture groups will finally face off with Monsanto at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. early next year.

Jigmi Thinley prime minister of Bhutan, the small Himalayan country situated between China and India, has announced that the nation is planning to convert all its agricultural land to organic farms, reports Rodale.

The two largest providers of organic milk in the U.S., Organic Valley and Horizon Organics, are in the midst of a lawsuit over what Horizon alleges was a breach of contract and the misappropriation of confidential information and trade secrets, according to Wisconsin-based farm policy research group, The Cornucopia Institute.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled last month that chemical pesticides used by conventional farmers that cross property lines contaminating neighboring organic farms could be considered trespassing, nuisance and negligence, entitling organic farmers to retributions.

That's why farmers in Mindanao, Philippines are raving about organic banana farming. They're making more money - cha-ching!

Farmers have switched from chemicals to compost to fertilize their crops, doubling their income.

One farmer said the compost improves water retention, keeping the soil moist even when there's no rain in sight.

Plus it helps that the city banned the aerial spraying of fertilizers; health risks prompted the move.

Sure, this is exactly the kind of news you want to here, but you got to wonder if it is profitable on a grand scale - for example, in the United States.

It's entirely possible.

Even though most bananas consumed in the U.S. aren't grown domestically, the government could still provide tax breaks and incentives for U.S. companies growing organic foods abroad.

These cost savings could be used to offset any unforeseen costs. Remember, less expenses mean more profit - cha-ching again!

Image credit: Australia's Coral Coast

How would you like to spend one to three weeks bicycling through some of Oregon’s top eco-villages, learning about organic food and environmental sustainability?

Sustainable Energy in Motion Bicycle Tours is now registering cyclists for 2007 summer adventures.  

“Our riders bike to organic farms and intentional communities in Oregon, engaging in service projects and discussion circles,” says spokesperson Vladislav Davidzon. “They meet incredible people who are committed to redefining our world, while living with the land and camping under the stars.

“On our tours, riders study and apply the philosophies of permaculture, green building, small-scale economics, sustainable energy and intentional living,” he adds. “They gain a deeper understanding of how their food is grown by speaking with the people who grow organic food and supporting their work.”

Riders, who range in age from 15 to 70, have the opportunity to “get their hands dirty” by working and sleeping at organic farms. Some work alongside the staff of CARE, a food bank that assists community gardens while spreading the word about hunger in small coastal towns. For others, kayaking and hiking are on the itinerary.

Click here for details about the Permaculture and Sustainability Tour. Click here for more information on the Rugged Oregon Coast Sustainability Tour. Click here for general details.