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American Academy of Pediatrics’ clinical report highlights benefits of organic
A clinical report published online today by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlighting the many attributes of organic foods provides guidance to parents confused by conflicting marketing messages regarding healthy food choices for their children. Calling the report a major milestone for the organic sector, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) hails it as a confirmation of the significance of the benefits that organic provides.
From OFPA to 10 Years of USDA Organic | Organic Survey
October 21, 2012 marks the 10-year anniversary of when the USDA organic regulations "went live." As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the dedication of those involved in organic agriculture's origins, helping it flourish into a thriving sector of the U.S. food system. Additionally, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service published a first-ever report on organic production.
Lexicon of Sustainability Definition Gathering
A primary goal of the Lexicon of Sustainability is the illumination of the vocabulary of sustainable agriculture, local food systems, food politics and culture. The Lexicon of Sustainability hopes to play a role in the education, engagement and activation of people to pay closer attention to how they eat, what they buy, and where their responsibility begins for creating a healthier, safer food system in America.
US Dairy Sustainability Awards
The dairy industry has a strong history of managing its environmental impact and contributing to local communities while building business value. U.S. dairy farms and businesses across the value chain continue to find new ways to do more with less so that consumers can continue to feel good about choosing their favorite dairy foods and beverages. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is pleased to honor the ‘best of the best’ through the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards.
WSU to Dedicate Eggert Family Organic Farm
Washington State University will dedicate the new Eggert Family Organic Farm with a free, public ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the site of the new facility on the east edge of the Pullman campus off Airport Road. Speakers will include WSU President Elson S. Floyd and Dan Bernardo, vice president for agriculture and extension. The entire Eggert family will attend.
FTC Releases Final 'Green' Marketing Guides
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) yesterday announced final revisions to its ‘green’ marketing guides, which include new guidance on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, renewable energy claims, renewable material claims, and carbon offset claims.
Operating Without a Farm Bill
The 2008 Farm Bill expired at midnight Sept. 30, with Congress failing to pass a short-term extension or fully reauthorizing a new farm bill. This puts our nation’s food and agriculture policy in limbo. Marni Karlin, OTA’s Associate Director of Legislative & Legal Affairs, has prepared a summary of the current status of Farm Bill programs that affect the organic sector, and this is now posted on OTA’s Farm Bill page.
Organic Seed Database Now Available
The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) has launched Organic Seed Finder, a free online tool for farmers, certifiers, and others looking to source certified organic seed, at www.organicseedfinder.org. The database aims to facilitate the growth and success of the organic seed sector and support farmers in meeting the National Organic Program's organic seed requirement.
Bhutan Goes for 100 Percent Organic, Challenges Abound
Bhutan Minister of Agriculture and Forests Pema Gyamtsho, announced an ambitious plan to turn food production 100 percent organic by 2020. In a country where 79 percent of the population is involved in agriculture, along with the people’s high spiritual aspirations, going organic sounds like an easy task. But challenges are already in sight.
NOP: Organic Grants, Conservation Training and Local Ag in NV
The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce USDA-funded online training on two topics: becoming a Technical Service Provider and the conservation benefits of organic practices. USDA also supported an effort to assess the demand for Nevada's locally grown and organic produce within the Hispanic community.
Oregon Tilth and CCOF Suspend Restructuring Plans
Oregon Tilth and CCOF, two of the nation's oldest organic certification, advocacy and educational organizations, have suspended plans to join forces. Plans for the two organizations to restructure were announced last May.
Response to May 2012 NOSB Recommendations + Organic Contracts
The National Organic Program (NOP) published a memo in response to the recommendations made at the May 2012 business meeting of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Recently, the Farmers' Legal Action Group (FLAG) published the Farmers' Guide to Organic Contracts. This new resource for the organic community can help organic farmers evaluate, negotiate, and manage contract agreements with buyers of organic farm products.
Comment Opportunity: Vitamins and Minerals in Organic Products
The National Organic Program (NOP) is requesting comments on an interim rule addressing the use of vitamins and minerals in organic products. Additionally, the NOP updated NOP 2604: Responsibilities of Certified Operations Changing Certifying Agents.
Farm to Fork Across America: Fraudulent or Credible: Organic Labeling and More
Confused about the different labels claiming organic at your grocer? Already in Corvallis at the Linus Pauling Institute, the opportunity presented itself to explore this thorny topic. With a story begging for imminent release and interviews behind us from our Western States tour, Lee stayed in the Café of the Institute to write. Julie Brothers drove off to the headquarters of Oregon Tilth. Chris Schreiner, mover and shaker, met Julie to discuss their mission.
September 2012 Organic Integrity Quarterly Newsletter
The NOP has released the September 2012 issue of the Organic Integrity Quarterly newsletter. The newsletter provides information on the NOP's activities and summarizes USDA resources that support organic agriculture. This issue covers USDA's Organic Literacy Initiative, Origin of Livestock, Standards update, and more.
Final Rule: Methionine for Organic Poultry Production
The NOP published a final rule Sept. 19 that extends the maximum allowance for synthetic methionine in organic poultry production at reduced levels: Laying and broiler chickens at 2lbs; Turkeys and all other poultry at 3lbs.
Labeling Fact Sheet
The NOP has released an updated fact sheet on labeling organic products. A majority of the compliance and enforcement cases they close involve product labeling. To support proactive compliance, they have updated their labeling fact sheet to lay out the rules of the road for both certified and uncertified operations.
Get out to Vote and Foundation Benefits
Every voice counts and we want to hear yours! Join us by voting on the proposal to restructure the organization with CCOF.
Your Vote Counts - Get out to Vote!
Every voice counts and we want to hear yours! Join us by voting on the proposal to restructure the organization with CCOF.
