News
Site News
USDA Releases EIS on GM Alfalfa
December 16th, 2010 - USDA announced the availability of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding GM Alfalfa for public review
Trade with Canada
In November 2010, the National Organic Program (NOP) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced updates to the US Canada Equivalency Agreement.
The House Passes the Child Nutrition Act
Last Thursday the House of Representatives approved a $4.5 billion child nutrition bill which will give schools more money to spend on school lunches as well as set new nutritional standards for all foods sold in schools.
Federal Court Orders Destruction of GMO Sugar Beets
First time GMO crops have been ordered to be destroyed.
Food Safety Bill - Small Farms to be Exempt
Senate reaches agreement on food safety bill to exempt small farms.
Eat Local for Thanksgiving
Focus on the connections that buying locally have in our lives and reconnect our Thanksgiving traditions with local agricultural traditions of celebrating the harvest by asking individuals to "Take the Pledge" and purchase one locally grown item for their Thanksgiving meal.
USDA Posts Searchable Database on Certified Organic Operations
Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for providing oversight to accrediting certifying agents and their certification of organic production and handling operations. On an annual basis, AMS receives information about these operations from each of the accredited certifying agents.
FTC Seeking Comment on Proposed Revisions to Green Guides
The Federal Trade Commission is reviewing its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.
USDA Conservation Program Payments and New Sign-up Announced for Oregonians Improving Natural Resources on Working Lands
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will begin issuing $26.8 million in payments under the Conservation Stewardship and Conservation Security programs to over 1,200 farmers and ranchers in Oregon to help maintain and improve the natural resources on their land.
NOSB 2010 Fall Report
Twice a year the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meets to receive public comment. Here is a summary of topics, discussion, and decisions.
Friends, Partners, Volunteers, and Students - We Need Your Input!
Luscher Farm, home of Oregon Tilth's Organic Demonstration Garden sits on the Urban Growth Boundary of Portland, OR. As a public park, working farm, community garden, and teaching space, Luscher Farm provides a valuable, and unique, gathering place for the community. It is a regional destination, both historic and progressive in nature, and it needs our ongoing attention! If you've visited, or hope to visit in the future, please complete this online survey, and tell us about your relationship to Luscher Farm. Your input will help inform a master plan for the next quarter century - preserving, protecting, and enhancing this precious agricultural resource of the Willamette Valley!
NOP Updates - 2010-11-01
National Organic Program (NOP) head Miles McEvoy presented priorities, accomplishments, updates, and plans for NOP on Oct. 25 at the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) meeting in Madison, WI.
NOP Posts Bi-monthly Report
USDA’s National Organic Program has posted its bi-monthly report for September and October
NOP Offers Draft Guidance Documents for Comment
USDA’s National Organic Program has posted five draft guidance documents for comment: compost and vermicompost in organic crop production; wild crop harvesting; outdoor access for organic poultry; commingling and contamination prevention in organic production and handling; and the use of chlorine materials in organic production and handling.
NOSB Committee Proposes Dropping Hops from 606
The National Organic Standards Board will vote at its October meeting on whether to drop hops from 205.606 in 2013. The revised committee decision discussion and recommendation are posted online.
USDA Announces Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Projects
USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded 30 grants to enhance the ability of organic producers and processors grow and market high quality organic agricultural products.
Benton Soil, Water Conservation District earns state recognition from NRCS
The Oregon Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) today awarded the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) with their NRCS 2010 SWCD District Partnership Award during the annual Oregon Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) conference held this week in Sun River, Ore.
OMRI Products List Exceeds 2000 Products
The OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) Products List reached a milestone on October 7, 2010, for the first time exceeding 2000 listed products. OMRI, a global leader in materials review, performs comprehensive verification and listing of materials suitable for use in organic production.
Job Opening - OSU Extension Small Farms Instructor
The OSU Small Farms Program invites applications for a part time (0.49 FTE) Extension Horticulture Instructor with an emphasis on sustainable/biological production systems appropriate for small scale farmers.
