The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Regenerative Organic Certification opens to industry in September

A new food label is being launched this fall, signifying enhanced certification criteria going beyond the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards. The Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) initiative was spearheaded by the Rodale Institute in 2017; its pilot program involves farms and natural and organic brands in nine countries, including India, Sri Lanka, and Ghana. The […]

Illinois farmer paves road to profit with soil health

It takes courage to change a farming mindset. Illinois farmers Derek Martin and Adam York have heeded the wisdom of agronomist Brad Hobrock, and are discovering that attention to soil health, instead of relying on nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium inputs (NPK), is the long-term key to profitability. Derek has “refurbished” 6,000 acres, weaning from a steady NPK diet […]

Blue Apron founder launches food company based on regenerative agriculture

Billing itself as a “next generation food company rooted in regenerative agriculture and transparency,” Cooks Venture recently announced its official public launch. In conjunction with this announcement, the company acquired an 800-acre farm in Arkansas and two large processing facilities in Oklahoma. Cooks Venture will begin pre-sale of their pasture-raised, heirloom, slow growth chickens, offering distribution both direct-to-consumer […]

Why General Mills wants supply chains to become regenerative stewards of the environment

In order to address global challenges from climate change, population growth, and depletion of natural resources, U.S. food giant General Mills has made a major commitment to regenerative agricultural practices on one million acres by 2030. General Mills believes that regenerative agricultural practices that build soil health will not only benefit farmers but also reduce […]

Springer Mountain Farms introduces new “PLUS” line of Non-GMO Project Verified chicken products

Springer Mountain Farms recently introduced its new PLUS line of chicken products that will carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.  “Consumer awareness of GMOs has seen overwhelming growth and resulted in an increased demand for cleaner, more transparent food sources, like non-GMO foods,” said Gus Arrendale, president of Springer Mountain Farms. “That’s why we have […]