The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Hemp acres quadrupled in 2019

Following the federal legalization of hemp through the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, acres licensed for growing hemp have quadrupled from 2018. “We are seeing hemp cultivation dramatically expand in the U.S. in 2019, with [quadrupled acres]…and the addition of 13 more states with hemp programs,” said Eric Steenstra, President of grassroots hemp advocacy […]

Hemp industry is poised for growth but regulatory uncertainties remain

Industrial hemp has great potential as a food and fiber crop in the United States but regulatory issues remain uncertain and need clarification. This was a key message at educational sessions on hemp at the Organic Trade Association’s Bold Ideas + Critical Conversations conference. Need to know state regulations of hemp Rend Al-Mondhiry, senior counsel […]

PURIS pea protein receives $75 million boost from Cargill

As demand for non-GMO pea proteins, starches, and fibers grows in the burgeoning plant-based food market, the leading North American pea protein producer got a second hefty investment from Cargill. PURIS will retrofit a 200,000 square-foot facility in Dawson, Minnesota that will double its current production—while boosting local jobs and farmer profits. “This is the […]

Nineteen major companies join forces to step up regenerative farming practices and protect biodiversity

“One Planet Business for Biodiversity” (OP2B), a business-led, agriculture-centric coalition, was launched recently at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York Nineteen major agriculture-centric companies, together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), launched a new initiative to protect and restore biodiversity within their supply chains and product portfolios. This coalition—named “One […]

Soil health: Combatting climate change from the ground up

Midwestern floods and drought in the western and southeastern U.S. are signs of a growing “new normal” in climate impacts—challenging farmers and scientists to come up with a sustainable solution that creates more resilient farms. Creating healthier soil is garnering serious attention; ten states this year have initiated soil management policies including cover crops, diversified […]