The Organic & Non-GMO Report Newsletter

Should ‘USDA Organic’ animals be treated more humanely? The Trump administration just said no.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently ruled that livestock, including chickens, cows, and pigs, raised using organic agricultural practices do not have to be treated more humanely than animals raised in conventional farming. For years, the USDA had been developing organic requirements guaranteeing animals minimums of space, light and access to the outside. The requirements had wide support in the organic community and among consumers. The Organic Trade Association has vowed to fight the USDA’s decision.

Mercaris announces 30% increase in certified organic grain acreage for 2017

In its 2017 Organic & Non-GMO Acreage Report market data firm Mercaris reports that US acreage for organic grains—corn, wheat, oats, and soy—increased by more than 30 percent over 2016 estimates.

Year in review: The 10 biggest organic and non-GMO news stories of 2017

As we begin 2018, it’s a good time to look back at the 10 most significant events in the organic and non-GMO markets in 2017.

It’s a fact: “Peel Back the Label” is bound to fail

About 10 years ago, Monsanto’s genetically engineered bovine growth hormone, rBST or rBGH, was in trouble. Leading dairy processors and major supermarket chains, such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Kroger, and Safeway were banning the use of rBST in dairy production. Monsanto had big plans for rBST, which is injected into cows to increase milk production. But […]