January Organic Integrity Quarterly Available
The January issue of the Organic Integrity Quarterly is available now and as always, it's a great read, focusing on all of NOP's recent activities and status updates. This edition looks at the...
View ArticleOrganic Production Promotes Increased Drought Tolerance
What's News in Organic (pdf), published three to four times a year by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) focuses this month on how organics are the best crops for thriving and surviving in drought...
View ArticleGood Ways to Fuel Organic Growth
Refresh via Supermarket News, has a great post up about ways to increase growth in the natural and organic sectors. Of course, around here we frown on natural (because it doesn't mean much) but the...
View ArticleNOP Postcard for Organic Operations
As I noted in the January Organic Integrity Quarterly post, non-certified operations were a problem for NOP in 2012 and garnered more complaints than certified operations. That said, NOP has been...
View ArticleIs Organic Livestock Production More Humane than Conventional?
A common misconception consumers, and sometimes even potential organic producers have is that organic livestock production is much more humane and animal-friendly than conventional production. However,...
View ArticleMOFGA Seeks Executive Director
Officials at the country's largest organic farming association, Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFGA) are currently looking for more applicants for their executive director position....
View ArticleComment on New National List Proposed Amendments
The National Organic Program (NOP) just announced a proposed amendments to the crops and processing sections of the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, and they're looking for public...
View ArticleBenefits and Challenges of On-Farm Processing
On-farm processing is one of those issues you should very carefully consider before you jump in head first. Processing goods on your farm, including cooking, baking, curing, heating, canning, drying,...
View Article16 states eligible for the 2013 organic certification cost share program
If you're an organic producer in one of the 16 following states, you are eligible to receive a 2013 organic certification cost share reimbursement......
View Article8 Places Where Small Farms Can Sell Organic Goods
Selling products is not always an intuitive act for organic producers. Farmers within both large and small operations often aren't sure where to find buyers, but there do seem to be more selling...
View ArticleOrganic Transitions Program Applications Due
Note that the FY 2013 Organic Transitions Program request for applications is now available for public viewing. If you were planning on applying, you've got until Apr 05, 2013. ...Read Full Post
View ArticleQuick Slideshow Rundown of Organic Certification
Going organic isn't always easy. In fact it can be difficult even if all you're doing is trying to decide IF you should transition to organic. If you're looking for a very quick and easy primer on...
View ArticleAre Organic Certifying Agents Also Organic Inspectors?
In a word, no. Your organic certifying agent and your organic inspector are both important folks when it comes to your organic certification, but they are not the same person and they don't do the same...
View ArticleNOP Response to October 2012 NOSB Recommendations
In October 2012, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommended that the National Organic Program (NOP) take several actions. In advance of the upcoming April 2013 NOSB meeting, NOP published...
View ArticleTwo New Fraudulent Organic Certificates
In case you missed it, the National Organic Program (NOP) just posted an alert about two new fraudulent organic certificates. These certificates, recently reported to the NOP, include the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is Twitter Worth the Time?
Retail's BIG Blog has an interesting post up about whether or not Twitter is worth your time, along with some helpful tips if you do decide to take on tweeting. ...Read Full Post
View ArticleClik here to view.
Easter Sales on Organic Food May Help Increase Holiday Profits
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has posted some statistics and tips about consumer Easter spending this year, and it looks like folks are playing the frugal game. This news can help you plan some...
View ArticleLocating Learning Opportunities in Organic Agriculture
If your dream job is to work within the area of organic agriculture, then check out the following resources:10 U.S. Colleges That Offer Organic Agricultural ProgramsTop Universities Offering Organic...
View ArticleKroger Tries to Gain Organic Edge with More Natural Products
For years now, Kroger has been popping up as one of the largest organic retailers in the United States, but they don't fare better than Costco or Walmart and both Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are...
View ArticleUpdated List of NOP Certified Organic Operations Available
In case you missed it, the National Organic Program (NOP) has recently published their newly updated list of certified organic operations. NOP points out that at the end of 2012, their were around...
View Article