News
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USDA Seeking Nominations for Five Openings on NOSB
USDA is seeking nominations for five upcoming vacancies on the NOSB.
Straw Bale Bonanza
Wet. Wet. Wet. After weeks of rain, we find ourselves in a holding pattern. The soil is far too wet to prep, and the few beds that were covered and/or mulched (in January) for early spring panting, have since found themselves occupied by greens, peas, onions, leeks, and a speckled smattering of lettuce.
Comments to NOSB
The Board makes recommendations to the National Organic Program (NOP) as to whether a substance should be allowed or prohibited in organic production or handling, assists in the development of standards for substances to be used in organic production, and advises the Secretary of Agriculture regarding other aspects of implementation of the Organic Farming Production Act (OFPA).
NOP Organic Cost Share Program
The Organic Certification Cost Share Programs reimburse eligible producers and handlers for a portion of the costs of organic certification.
Interim Rule Extends Use of Methionine in Organic Poultry Production
USDA has adopted as final an interim rule that extends the use of synthetic methionine in organic poultry production until 10/01/12.
Farmers and Consumer Groups File Lawsuit Challenging GM Alfalfa Approval
Attorneys for the Center for Food Safety and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture arguing that the agency's recent unrestricted approval of GM alfalfa was unlawful.
Week of 3/14/2011
Just as we step from Spring's starting-line, the month of March has us feeling somewhat winded already - but surely satisfied. This week marks the culmination of our initial Comprehensive Organic Gardener (COG) course, as well as most of our early spring plantings.
University of Oregon Food Justice Conference: What is Food Justice
For 4 days in February 2011, the University of Oregon's Food Justice conference drew leaders together from the sustainability movement, farmers, scholars, educators, students, and others to examine the food system through the lens of community, equity, and sustainability concerns.
Webinars from the USDA ERS 2011 Organic Farming Systems Conference
eOrganic is partnering with the USDA ERS to bring select presentations of the 2011 Organic Farming Systems Conference live online. The following events will be available to attend. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. The presentations will be recorded and posted at http://www.extension.org/article/33545 following the conference.
UN Reports Agroecology can Double Food Output
Farmers in developing nations could produce twice as much food by using ecological agriculture instead of traditional chemical fertilizers and pesticides, according to a report by the U.N.
Week of 2/21/11
Things are beginning to heat-up in the demonstration garden - the birds, the soil, the compost, our hands! This week we'll be transplanting our first batch of Spring Brassicas...
Organic Industry to Honor Brands with Responsible Packaging Awards
The Responsible Packaging Awards will be held March 10, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, during the Natural Products Expo West. The public event will showcase and celebrate the latest brands to receive this special acknowledgment.
Plate & Pitchfork - OEC Spotlight
Plate & Pitchfork is an organization that hosts dinners and events that highlight local and sustainable food. They've worked with Oregon Tilth's OEC for several years.
Letter to Senate asking for an equitable approach to spending cuts
Oregon Tilth signed a letter asking the Senate for a more equitable approach to spending cuts and not unfairly targeting higher percentage cuts to important agriculture, conservation and nutrition programs. Find out how to get involved!
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Updated
2010 was a big year for GOTS with new online data base, film, and regional reps
Conventional growers will sue to reverse USDA's GE alfalfa deregulation
Please join the fight to stop GE alfalfa!
Certified Organic Honey
Read Max Goldberg's article questioning organic honey featuring an Interview with Oregon Tilth's Garth Kahl
Week of 2/14/2011
Reticent to dive in, wringing my numb hands, stomping my rubberized feet, I wondered if perhaps the beds were still too wet...
