A reason for hope

One month does not a trend make, but it’s certainly better for the state to bring in more money than less. So, despite the caution, Hoosiers should be glad the state’s revenue totals for August beat the previous year by $72 million. Collections also beat the forecast by $51 million.

That won’t beat the $1.2 billion shortfall below budget recorded over the last year, but at least it won’t lead to even more cutbacks in schools and other state government areas.

“These results are encouraging, but it is important to note that August collections only reflect one month, and uncertainty surrounding the national economy could threaten Indiana’s recovery,” State Budget Director Adam Horst said.

Study a boost for organic berries

A recent Washington State University study of organically grown strawberries adds another data point in favor of organic.

Growing fruits and vegetables organically has the clear environmental benefit of not introducing toxic herbicides and pesticides in the ecosystem. But the evidence touting the superior nutritional value of organic produce has been less weighty.

The study, “Fruit and Soil Quality of Organic and Conventional Strawberry Agroecosystems,” found conclusively that organic strawberries are healthier, tastier and better for the soil than conventionally grown strawberries. The study was comprehensive and carefully designed to account for the complexities of growing strawberries, including differing weather patterns and soil quality. These are issues that have made it difficult to determine whether it’s the methodology that makes organic better or if it’s just good luck when it comes to weather and soil quality.

True, but we’ll take this news over the alternative.