Lawmakers in Congress are getting a thorough update on the needs and concerns of the organic industry this week. More than 20 farmer-members from the Organic Trade Association’s Farmers Advisory …
A ‘Hot’ Addition to Medley Packaging
The medley produce packaging trend is continuing and the newest addition seen in stores has some spice. Combination packs, also known as medleys, have proven to be popular with consumers …
Growing Challenges to Obtaining Enough Organic Seed
Regulations from the National Organic Program (NOP) dictate that organic producers must use organic seed when commercially available. However, as organic farms continue to increase in size and number it …
Organics Continue to Grow in Sales According to Nielsen
Organic products continue to gain popularity among consumers, with projections for even further growth in the future. According to data from Nielsen, sales of organic foods, beverages and other consumer …
Getting the Needs of ‘Commercial Organic’ Operations Heard on a National Level
Large and mid-size organic growers may need to become more involved in national advocacy groups to ensure their needs are also being considered when lobbying for changes in the industry. …
Concerns About Integrity as Organic Production Gets Easier
Organic production has grown significantly in recent years and that growth of the industry has created some concern for the future. Long time organic growers want the industry to remain …
U.S. Now has 6.5 Million Acres of Organic Certified Land
An organic industry data service says the U.S. now has 6.5 million acres of organic certified land. A report from Mercaris reveals that, as of August 2018, there are 17,648 …
OTA Moving Forward with Voluntary Checkoff
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is moving forward with plans to create a voluntary checkoff program. The Association says the program would provide industry-invested organic research, promotion and education check-off …
OTA Wants Voluntary Checkoff Program
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) announced a plan to move the industry toward a voluntary industry-invested organic research, promotion, and education checkoff program. It will be put together and in …
FDA to Consider Organic Labeling Claims
The Food and Drug Administration will apparently investigate labeling claims of organic products. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb took to Twitter this week, responding to a critical Wall Street Journal editorial, …
Plant-Based Foods Retail Sector Growing
Retail sales of plant-based foods jumped 20 percent over the past year. The Plant-Based Foods Association says new data shows sales of plant-based foods topped $3.3 billion, with milk alternatives …
USDA Invests in Projects to Spur Innovation in Grazing Lands, Organic Systems and Soil Health
USDA will invest more than $10.6 million for 22 new projects that will drive public and private sector innovation in conserving natural resources in 27 states. The competitive Conservation Innovation Grants program …
OTA: Higher Organic Standards Up to Industry
The USDA recently withdrew its organic livestock and checkoff rules, which signals that the agency likely won’t be setting any higher standards for the organic seal. Laura Batcha, CEO of …
Organic Farmers Association Applauds Organic Checkoff Withdrawal
The Organic Farmers Association is happy the U.S. Department of Agriculture took action to terminate the rulemaking process to establish a mandatory national research and promotion program for organic. The …