News
Site News
Notice of Changes to OTCO Fee Schedule
Oregon Tilth is pleased to announce that there are no increases in general certification fees for 2013. We have made adjustments to certain parts of the Fee Schedule in order to solidify some new services we are building. These changes will be effective Feb 1, 2013.
Stories from the Field: Show Me the Numbers – The Importance of Data
Due to Congressional inaction, the 2008 Farm Bill has expired without a new bill or extension to take its place. In the absence of a farm bill, numerous innovative programs that invest in sustainable agriculture systems are shut down and left without funding. This post is the final post in our 10-week blog series that has featured both program facts and stories from the field of those farmers and communities impacted by expired farm bill programs.
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found in Conventional Pork Products
A report on testing and analysis of pork chops and ground-pork samples from six U.S. cities has revealed high rates of a bacterium that can cause food poisoning , especially in children, and bacteria resistant to medically important antibiotics, according to Consumer Reports.
Organic Wine: Oversight, Labeling + Trade
The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce a new fact sheet describing the oversight, labeling, and trade of organic wine. Like all organic products, organic wine must meet all USDA organic requirements. Organic alcoholic beverages must also meet Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations.
Another Busy & Productive Year at the OEC!
Growth, it is what we do every day whether we realize it or not. The Organic Education Center grew this year in more ways than one. Below is a summary of some of our key accomplishments. All of the below were made possible through our dynamic team of educators, gracious volunteers and our gardener and program assistant plus two cats! Thank you.
New Guides for Organic Operations
To describe the relevant organic requirements, provide best practices, and further explain the certification process, the NOP and the NCAT have provided detailed guides about organic production and certification.
Board of Directors Candidates
Meet Oregon Tilth's Board of Directors candidates and read their statements. Board candidates include Chris Bradway, Chuck Burr, Miguel Guerrero, John E. Haapala Jr., Harry MacCormack, and Susan Schechter
Call for Volunteers for New Membership Advisory Committee
The Board of Oregon Tilth has recently created a new Advisory Committee in response to requests from the two Oregon Tilth founders, Harry MacCormack and Lynn Coody. The purpose of the committee is to encourage advice, suggestions and feedback directly from the membership to the board, and to encourage broad membership participation and collaboration within Oregon Tilth’s organizational structure.
Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto
On November 21, 2012, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., announced that it would hear the Appeal of Dismissal in Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto at 10am on Thursday, January 10, 2013. The landmark organic community lawsuit was originally filed in Federal District Court, Southern District of New York, in March 2011.
Updated NOP Fact Sheet + Certifier Audit Reports
The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce an updated fact sheet describing its oversight of organic products. Additionally, the NOP has posted new certifying agents' corrective action reports along with their accreditation certificates.
Organic Dairy Farms Benefit Farmers and Local Economies
The organic dairy sector provides more economic opportunity and generates more jobs in rural communities than conventional dairies, according to a report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The first-of-its-kind study, “Cream of the Crop: The Economic Benefits of Organic Dairy Farms,” calculated the economic value of organic milk production.
USDA Know Your Farmer Compass Expanded
Did you know that the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, EPA and many other federal agencies have resources to support local food systems? That's why USDA has just expanded our Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass!
NOSB Fall 2012 Transcripts & Recommendations Available
Transcripts and committee recommendations from the most recent National Organic Standards Board meeting (October 2012, Providence, RI) are available on the NOSB Meetings webpage.
USDA Strengthens Organic Integrity through Residue Testing
Beginning January 1, 2013, organic certifying agents must test samples from at least 5 percent of the operations they certify on an annual basis. While testing has always been a part of organic product oversight and is required by the Organic Foods Production Act, today's action specifies the minimum amount of testing that must occur. This additional testing will help certifying agents identify and take enforcement action against farms and businesses intentionally using prohibited substances or methods.
Temporary Variance for Drought + Organic Grants
The National Organic Program (NOP) is providing additional drought relief to organic ruminant livestock producers. The NOP is also pleased to announce fourteen grants supporting research and marketing of organic agriculture.
Fall 2012 NOSB Report
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held its public meeting October 15-18, 2012 in Providence, RI. A complete transcript of this meeting will eventually be posted on the National Organic Program (NOP) website. The meeting agenda is available and the final recommendations will be posted in the near future.
EQIP Organic - Links and Resources
Sarah Brown, Joint Organic Conservation Specialist between NRCS & Oregon Tilth presented on the EQIP Organic Initiative program that is available to certified and transitioning producers. Useful links and a copy of the presentation are now available.
Certification Director and Farm Program Announcement
Oregon Tilth has announced the new Certification Director, Connie Karr. Connie's agricultural roots run deep. She grew up working on her family's farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley and she studied agriculture at Oregon State University. Having joined Oregon Tilth 14 years ago, she is an experienced Oregon Tilth employee who has contributed to our significant growth and development.
Recordings from the International Organic Fruit Research Symposium
eOrganic conducted live broadcasts from the the 2nd International Organic Fruit Research Symposium in Leavenworth, Washington on June 19 and 21, 2012. Fifty-five recorded presentations from the symposium on a wide range of organic fruit production and research topics are now available for viewing. These presentations will be of interest to researchers, Extension professionals, growers, consultants, suppliers, and retailers who wish to learn the latest developments in the worldwide organic fruit supply chain.
