The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Organic Trade Association to hold fraud prevention program

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recently announced a comprehensive, specially designed anti-fraud online training course, created by Michigan State in partnership with OTA. The course will be available for members of the association’s Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions program. The course, “Developing and Implementing an Organic Fraud Prevention Plan,” has been tailored specifically for organic operations, […]

South Dakota man indicted for $71 million organic grain fraud

The second large-scale organic fraud case in the Midwest in under a year has highlighted ongoing concern. Between 2012 and 2018, businessman Kent Duane Anderson deceived food distributors and brokers into believing his non-organic grains and seeds were organic. Fifty-year-old Anderson pocketed $11 million ($25 million profit) and purchased a multi-million dollar Florida home, an […]

Organic farmers and non-profits sue USA over loophole for hydroponics

The Center for Food Safety (CFS), along with a coalition of organic farms and stakeholders, filed a lawsuit over the United States Department of Agriculture’s decision to allow hydroponic operations to be certified organic. “Hydroponic operations have their own unique benefits, but they do not enrich the soil, which is the very foundation of organic agriculture,” said […]

Compeer Financial launches organic bridge loan

Sun Compeer Financial, a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative based in the Upper Midwest, has announced the launch of a new loan product that provides financing options for farmers transitioning their conventional grain operations to certified organic. Compeer’s organic bridge loan provides built-in flexibility that meets the unique needs of producers who are making the switch […]

Georgia spreads its first organic peanut butter across the state

Georgia grows 60% of all U.S. peanuts, but hasn’t had an organic product to contribute until now. Dedicated efforts since 2004 from the nonprofit Georgia Organic Peanut Association and commitment from a small number of South Georgia farmers has made it happen. Twelve-ounce jars of Georgia Grinders organic creamy peanut butter will be available this […]