…Kings, and Kern counties. The forecast was conducted from July 8 to September 1 and included conventional, organic and specialty varieties such as Cara Cara and Blood oranges. Information that…
OTA Files Lawsuit Against USDA Over Organic Livestock Standards
The Organic Trade Association announced a lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture over its failure to advance new organic livestock standards. The suit alleges USDA violated the Organic Foods Production…
Head of USDA Organic Program Stepping Down
…to his home state of Washington. McEvoy led the program that oversees organic regulations and the USDA organic seal for eight years. McEvoy told Fern’s Ag Insider that his original…
Study: Organic Farming Reduces Carbon Emissions
…soils not managed organically. Founded in 2002, the nonprofit Organic Center is a self-described trusted source of information for scientific research about organic food and farming. The Organic Center’s mission…
Is Subsurface Drip Irrigation the Way to Go?
…might not work for every farming operation, but growers who have automated irrigation systems in place may find that it is a viable option. Many organic growers are showing interest…
Whole Foods Launching Plant-Based Burger Joints
…burger combinations, plus dairy-free milkshakes, plant-based hot dogs and other sandwiches, as well as salads and sides. Whole Foods says Next Level Burger’s “focus on organic produce, non-GMO ingredients, and…
Funding to Train More Than 100 Future Agricultural Science Professionals
…for organic farming to conserve soil and manage pests and weeds. A predoctoral fellowship at Washington State University to understand how genes regulate freezing tolerance in wheat. A postdoctoral fellowship…
Amazon Poised to Disrupt the Grocery Industry
…a Whole Foods in downtown Los Angeles, the price of organic Hass avocados was slashed by 33 percent. Boneless rib eye prices dropped nearly 18 percent, while the price for…
New Food Labeling Regulation in Development by USDA Should Not Disparage Biotechnology, Mislead Consumers
…that USDA use the same 5-percent threshold employed by the National Organic Program (NOP), another marketing program administered by the department. Under this approach, the minimum disclosure level for bioengineered…
Amazon Cleared to Take Over Whole Foods
…only comprise about two percent of the overall food market. In comparison, Walmart has over 14 percent and Costco sells way more organic food than Whole Foods does. While speculation…
Drying Your Own Fresh Herbs
…many store-bought herbs have been sprayed with toxic pesticides. Look for fresh organic herbs at your local farmer’s market. When drying your own herbs, make sure to pick them before…
Early Market Benefits Apple Growers
…reason, growers say: As an early variety, it allows California “to be the only player coming on a new market,” said Steve Chinchiolo, who grows conventional and organic apples in…
Easy Fruits and Veggies to Grow in Pots
…All require full sun, regular watering and grow their best in rich, organic matter. Other great vegetables that are great to additions to salads or side dishes include snow peas…
Organic Family Farmers Need Strong Standards and Enforcement
…National Organic Standards Board and protect the integrity of the industry. When major producers and organic product importers fail to comply with these standards, it puts all organic farmers and…